Salt became a symbol of unity and defiance because it was an essential commodity used by all, rich or poor. Gandhiji chose it to represent equality and to protest the unjust salt tax imposed by the British government.

Gandhiji’s letter to Viceroy Irwin, listing eleven demands, emphasized the abolition of the salt tax as most significant. When the demand was ignored, he launched the historic Dandi March, inspiring nationwide participation and strengthening nationalist sentiment.

The Salt March spread across India, with people manufacturing salt, boycotting British goods, refusing taxes, and picketing liquor shops. This mass civil disobedience united Indians across regions and classes against colonial rule.