In a powerful tribute to India's history and the enduring spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, a group of armed forces veterans and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets are set to embark on a symbolic re-enactment of the historic Dandi March. The walk, commencing on January 3, 2026, will retrace the entire 387-kilometer route from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi.
A Journey of Perseverance and Purpose
The participants plan to cover a challenging 25 to 30 kilometers each day, mirroring the original march undertaken by Gandhi in 1930. Organizers have framed the event as more than a physical feat. In a statement, they highlighted that the march honors Gandhi's lesson that transformative change springs from "perseverance, restraint, and inner strength," rather than mere force or numbers.
The involvement of senior veterans adds a profound layer to the initiative. The statement emphasized, "Walking 25–30 km a day at this stage of life is not about proving endurance; it is about demonstrating that age is not a barrier to purpose or fitness." It further noted that such an act shows younger generations that "patriotism, fitness, and commitment do not retire at 60."
Defence Minister's Schedule Alters Plans
In related news from Gujarat, a separate official plan had to be adjusted due to a scheduling conflict. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was originally scheduled to flag off the ancient sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, from Porbandar on Monday, December 30, alongside Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
However, the minister had to attend the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting he chaired on the same day. The flag-off ceremony proceeded with Oman’s Ambassador to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah Aishibani, gracing the event as the Guest of Honour. Minister Singh had earlier inaugurated a Centre of Excellence at the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Dharampur, Valsad, on Saturday.
Honoring History to Mark the New Year
The winter Dandi March, starting at the dawn of the new year, is conceived as a living memorial. By physically traversing the path of one of India's most defining movements for self-reliance and civil disobedience, the veterans and cadets aim to connect a new generation with the values of the freedom struggle.
The event underscores a continuous thread of discipline and service, linking the armed forces and youth cadets to a pivotal chapter of the nation's non-violent resistance. It stands as a unique New Year's resolution—a collective stride to "honour history" through action and reflection.
