After six months of preparation, the Salt Ride 2022 has come to an end! Twenty-six people took part in the reimagining of Gandhiji’s historic Salt March, with locals cycling alongside for different legs of the journey, taking in the Dharmic spirit and sharing the compassionate ethos.
The legendary, 384 km, route from Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi is forever tied with campaigns for good causes. Where Gandhiji walked to protest social injustice, Go Dharmic cycled to reverse the global climate crisis. The Salt Ride has currently raised over £24,000 for Go Dharmic’s various environmental campaigns, including the Dharma forest (2 million mangroves to be planted in the Sundarbans by 2026), animal-free living (avoiding animal products is the single biggest shift we can each make to lowering our carbon footprint), and living by the light of ahimsa (non-harming) to have a cleaner more sustainable relationship with the natural world.
The 8-day event was also dedicated to the cyclists taking part. Each of them would grow into beacons of love and peace, going back home to illuminate others through their example. They spent time in ashrams, met the local people, were exposed to new ideas, formed perfect memories, and were enriched by the sight of the Mahi river, Stambeshwar Mahadev, Sant Ram Temple, and the Statue of Unity (the tallest statue in the world) and got the opportunity to explore some of the village schools Go Dharmic has developed. It was a great way to discover India and witness Go Dharmic’s impact across the world.
Another rider, Pravina Mehta, reflected, “Words cannot express what a wonderful experience the Saltride has been for me personally. From a determined commitment to learn how to ride, to fitness training, to doing practice runs in the night, to continually upping my fundraising target, to a nervous start at Gandhi Ashram, to gaining confidence on the roads as the journey progressed, to the awesome welcome and blessing ceremony at Anoopam Mission, to experiencing “7-star accommodation” at the Ashrams, and finally to falling off! I shall treasure every moment of this beautiful experience”
“Upon meeting the small, but amazing group at the start in Ahmedabad, I felt immediately fired up for the ride imbued with historic significance, which made this a unique charity event.” said another rider, Hema. She added, “A huge thank-you to everyone in making this ride meaningful and the wonderful memories which will continue to inspire us and others. With love – missing you all.”
Some highlights from the journey include inaugurating a new library Go Dharmic had developed to support children’s education and food distribution at Kankapura which moved many riders to tears. The final leg of the journey was run on foot by the riders with locals adding to the momentum by running behind them to the beach.
At the conclusion of the life-affirming journey, Go Dharmic’s founder and chairman, Hanuman Dass, congratulated the riders, stating, “You have shown how we can make this life better for all. The world is one family and we live in a symbiotic relationship with our planet, and it is through the indomitable spirit and love you emanate that we will reverse the climate crisis, protect future generations, and alleviate poverty. My hope is you will each continue to live guided by ahimsa and inspire others through your great actions.” Hanuman Dass made one final connection between Gandhi’s great work and that of the contemporary riders, “You are the change Go Dharmic wishes to see in the world.”
