The Baltic Way — Gandhi’s imprint on Baltic freedom

August 23, 2026, marked the 37th anniversary of the Baltic Way, the historic 1989 human chain that became a watershed moment in the Gandhian-inspired Singing Revolution in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, culminating in the restoration of Baltic independence in 1990-91. Conversations across the Baltic states revealed powerful personal reflections on the Baltic Way and Gandhian non-violence: “We studied India’s freedom struggle and chose Gandhian non-violent resistance to reclaim our national freedom from Soviet rule.” “We watched the film Gandhi on Lithuanian national television, telecast for 24 hours.” “It was thrilling to join a non-violent protest against the Soviet army at Vilnius Cathedral Square; even as a bullet passed near my ear, I stood firm.” “Baltic Way matters a lot for us today.”