The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial is a profound tribute to the historic movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British salt monopoly in Colonial India. Launched on March 12, 1930, the Salt Satyagraha combined tax resistance and nonviolent protest. Meticulously designed, the memorial embodies the spirit of that era through architecture and symbolism.
Expertise
ArchitectureLocation
Dandi, GujaratType
InstitutionalClient
IIT BombaySite Area
15.86 AcresYear of Completion
January 30, 2019Project Team
Architecture – Pankaj Palshikar & Nirali Shah
The Memorial spans 16 acres of land and immerses visitors in an organic and natural environment, reflecting Gandhi’s principles. The entryway, symbolic of the original march route, leads visitors across a bridge towards a man-made lake that depicts the seashore route. Alongside the lake, 24 murals narrate key events of the march, offering a visual narrative of the historic journey.
The design thoughtfully translates the original seashore route into a serene man-made lake. Adorned with 24 murals, the pathways visually narrate the key events of the Dandi March. Life-size statues add a dramatic touch to the march experience, while the main monument, featuring a bronze statue of Gandhiji, symbolizes the crystalline nature of Salt. Satyagrahis who marched with Gandhiji, 80 of them had accompanied him throughout the journey. The 80 life-size statues of the Satyagrahis along with Gandhiji leading them made by one of India's most respected and celebrated sculptor, commemorates and dramatises the Dandi march experience for the visitors.
80 life-size statues of the Satyagrahis made of bronze by India's most respected and celebrated sculptor.
Embark on an artistic exploration at Space 241 within the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial. This gallery commemorates the 241-mile journey taken by Gandhiji and 80 Satyagrahis during the Dandi March. Global artists contribute diverse forms of art, creating a space where the ethos of the march is vividly enhanced. The inclusion of a small library and guest house fosters an environment for the study and contemplation of Gandhian philosophy.
Miles journey taken by Gandhiji and 80 Satyagrahis is the relevance to the space.
Engage in the interactive craft of salt making at the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial. The Salt Making facility invites visitors to actively participate, creating a pinch of salt that serves as a poignant souvenir. This symbolic act beautifully echoes Gandhiji's metaphor of salt creation, illustrating the transformative power of passive civil disobedience.
A defining architectural feature of the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial is the pair of stainless steel ‘A’ frame duplexes that grace its grounds. Strategically positioned around the central statue of Mahatma Gandhi, these elegant frames serve as symbolic anchors, embodying the core principles of the Salt Satyagraha movement.
A-Frame holds a meticulously crafted glass cube, symbolizing the purity and crystalline essence of salt – a potent metaphor for the power of passive resistance and civil disobedience. Illuminated by a ‘Pyramid of Light’ each evening, this ethereal display serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential inherent in even the smallest acts of defiance against injustice.
The glass cube weighing 2.5 tonnes represents the crystal of Salt, which reflects the 'Pyramid of Light' on Gandhiji. A bank of laser lights is mounted on a postal beam around the platform, angled to highlight the crystal of Salt. This light pyramid, seen in the sky every evening, is a unique phenomenon that expresses the powerful thought of Salt Satyagraha, where even a small symbolic gesture can light up a new world of freedom.
Experience architectural elegance defined by simplicity at the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial. The structures are thoughtfully designed, embracing the principle of simplicity inspired by vernacular architecture. Deep corridors not only provide gentle lighting but also contribute to reduced heat gain and enhanced cross-ventilation. A small library and guest house at the project's conclusion embody the harmonious blend of design and functionality, offering a conducive environment for exploration and learning.
The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial embodies a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This ethos is deeply embedded in every aspect of its design and construction. The integration of 480 solar panels, cleverly embedded within solar trees, reflects the Memorial's dedication to renewable energy and self-sufficiency. By harnessing solar power, the Memorial not only meets its energy needs but also contributes surplus energy to the local grid, achieving 'Energy Positive' status.
Solar Trees which contributes energy Surplus making it Energy Positive
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