On Thursday, on the fourteenth day, padyatris started the march for Darol in the refreshing atmosphere of the morning. The Dandi Yatra was passing through villages in the interior areas of Bharuch district on that day. Although water was sprayed on these dusty roads during the visit of Mahatma ji, but water spraying was not required on the road for today's Dandi Yatra as it was relatively calm and cool. However the affection showed by the local people here at Kelode warmed the hearts of everyone.
The love and simplicity on the faces of the people here and the faith in their eyes reverberate with the felt presence of Gandhiji even today. The winding roads through the forest gave momentum to the march of the Dandi yatris and added power to their walk. There was so much excitement and vigour among the yatris that they reached the next destination Tralsa two hours before time and that too without really tiring out.
The pedestrians were given a grand welcome on both sides of the road, proceeding from Tralsa. The farmers working in the open fields welcomed the Dandiyatris with cheers all around. After completing the 10 km journey from Samni, the yatra reached the village of Derol. The workers and their superiors working on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, an ambitious project of the Central Government also gave a grand welcome to the padyatris with replete with the tricolor and floral showers.
The whole of Traligram wore a festive mood. Dressed in the costumes of Mahatmaji and other freedom fighters, the students caught the attention of the padyatris. Mr. Derol Vibhav Kelwani Mandal had arranged a large makeshift pavilion for yatris in the public school. Deveshbhai Dave and his team sang patriotic songs and inspired everyone.
A grand meeting began with the arrival of Mr. Bachubhai Khabad, Minister of Rural Housing, Rural Development and Animal Husbandry of the Government of Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, he said that while welcoming the Dandiyatriyas, he felt proud that he too could be a participant in the Amrit Mahotsav festivities commemorating the 75 years of independence.
The Honorable Minister concluded his speech saluting the generation who sacrificed for our independence. The mood then became musical with melodious hymns and finally there was a play on the need to protect our environment and natural heritage.