“Where Gandhi Walked – One Step with Gandhi”: Journey from Patna to Champaran Organized with Support of Lok Samiti

10 April 2026, Patna: A journey from Patna to Bhitiharwa Ashram in Champaran is being organized under the joint aegis of Sarva Seva Sangh and Bihar Pradesh Sarvodaya Mandal, with the support of Lok Samiti and other like-minded organizations.

The initiative marks the 109th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s historic arrival in Patna on April 10, 1917, on his way to Champaran. On this occasion, a Gandhian dialogue on the theme “Message of the Champaran Journey and the Present Times” was organized at AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna.

Addressing the gathering, Lok Samiti National President Shri Girija Satish said that although the idea of Satyagraha was conceived during Mahatma Gandhi’s stay in South Africa, its first large-scale application took place in Champaran against the indigo planters. He cited examples from Gandhi’s life demonstrating how the power of truth and non-violence not only confronted injustice but also won the goodwill of opponents.

Several prominent Gandhian leaders, including Shri Chandan Pal, President of Sarva Seva Sangh, Shri Pradeep Priyadarshi of Bihar Pradesh Sarvodaya Mandal, and Smt. Shikha Chakravarty, were present at the dialogue.

At 4:00 PM, participants undertook a march from the institute to Gandhi Ghat, Patna. Beginning April 11, the journey will pass through rural areas connected to Masaurhi, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, and Bettiah. During the course of the journey, 7 night halts and 14 public meetings, dialogues, and discussions will be organized.

Organizers stated that the journey is focused on promoting Gandhian values, peace against war, protection of the legacy of freedom, democratic and constitutional ideals, communal harmony, women’s safety, conservation of natural resources, and the principles of self-rule and self-reliance.