Gandhi: A March to the Sea
What’s inside...
This book follows the journey of Mahatma Gandhi and his followers as they march to the Arabian Sea to protest the British salt tax. Their peaceful protest leads to a significant turning point in India's fight for independence. Mohandas Gandhi’s 24-day March to the Sea, from March 12 to April 5, 1930, was a pivotal moment in India’s quest to become an independent country no longer ruled by Great Britain. With over 70 marchers, Gandhi walked from his hometown near Ahmedabad to the seacoast near Dandi. The march was a non-violent means to protest the taxes that Great Britain had imposed on salt—not the salt that the Indians could get from the sea, but the salt that Great Britain forced them to buy. Gandhi believed that peaceful protests were an effective way to challenge British law, and his peaceful but ultimately successful movement became known as Satyagraha.
Age
8-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Discussion points
Why do you think Mahatma Gandhi chose to lead a march as a form of protest?
How do you feel about the way Gandhi and his followers were treated during their march?
What are some ways you can make a difference in your own community?
How important is it to stand up for what you believe in, even if it's challenging?
What did you learn about the power of non-violent resistance from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the concepts of fairness, justice, and leadership evident in Gandhi’s story. Ask them to draw parallels between the book's events and situations they observe in their own life or in the news. It's crucial to validate their feelings and thoughts while guiding them to understand the broader implications of peaceful protests and personal courage. Discuss the significance of perseverance in achieving goals, much like Gandhi’s persistent efforts towards independence and equality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence towards a goal
Explanation: The story showcases Gandhi's unwavering dedication to his march to the sea, symbolizing his commitment to the cause of Indian independence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sticking to their goals, no matter how challenging the path may seem, teaching resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: Non-violent protest
Explanation: Gandhi’s approach towards achieving change through non-violent means is a central theme, emphasizing peaceful ways to stand up for one’s beliefs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of peaceful actions over aggression, encouraging them to resolve conflicts amicably in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of strong values
Explanation: Gandhi’s commitment to his values, like truth and fairness, throughout his march demonstrates the impact of having strong moral principles.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of adhering to their own values and making decisions based on what they feel is right, fostering integrity and ethical behavior.
Example Lesson: Leadership and influence
Explanation: Gandhi leads by example, influencing masses to join him in his peaceful protest, showing effective leadership.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be positive role models in their own communities, showing that leadership is about guiding others through positive actions.
Example Lesson: Civic responsibility
Explanation: The book highlights Gandhi’s sense of responsibility towards his country and fellow citizens, stressing the importance of civic duty.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of taking an active role in community and societal issues, encouraging children to be involved and informed citizens.