Gandhi issued a statement in reply in which he stated: “l am a Hindu, not merely because I am born in the Hindu fold, but I am one by conviction and choice. There is no superiority or inferiority in the Hinduism of my conception. But when Dr. Ambedkar wants to fight Varnashram itself, I cannot be in his camp, because I believe Varnashram to be an integral part of Hinduism”.
Regarding the above-mentioned satyagraha, Dr. Ambedkar explained his stand in the following letter addressed to Bhaurao Gaikwad.
Bhimrao R. Ambedkar M.A., Ph.D, D.Sc., Barrister-at-law, J.P., M.L.C. Rajgriha Colony Dadar, Bombay-14. 3-3-34 | My dear Bhaurao,
I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd of Feb. It is very kind of you to have asked me for my views on the propriety of the Depressed Classes launching upon a Satyagraha at the Kala Ram Temple in Nasik on the coming Ram Navami Day. I have no position in saying that such a move would be quite uncalled for and should not merely be suspended but should be stopped altogether. This may appear strange and surprising coming as it does from one who was the author of the Satyagraha. But I am afraid to declare this change of front. I did not launch the temple entry movement because I wanted the Depressed Classes to become worshippers of idols which they were prevented from worshipping or because I believed that temple entry would make them equal members in and an integral part of the Hindu society. So far as this aspect of the case is concerned I would advise the Depressed Classes to insist upon a complete overhauling of Hindu society and Hindu theology before they consent to become an integral part of Hindu society. I started temple entry Satyagraha only because I felt that was the best way of energising the Depressed Classes and making them conscious of their position. As | believe | have achieved that purpose I have no more use for temple entry. I want the Depressed Classes to concentrate their energy and resources on politics and education and I hope that they will realise the importance of both.
Your sincerely, Sd/-B.R. Ambedkar.”
WHY NASIK TEMPLE SATYAGRAHA WAS GIVEN UP
“No Longer Needed”
Nasik, November 19, 1934
Before a mammoth gathering of over 15,000 members of the Depressed Classes who assembled at Vinchur on the 11th day death ceremonies of the late Mr. Dhondiba Runkhambe of Vinchur, Dr. Ambedkar made an important political pronouncement. He said he had been repeatedly asked why the Kalaram Temple Entry Movement had been suspended for the last two years. The only reason, he explained, was that such a move was no longer needed. This, he said, may appear strange and surprising, coming as it did from the author of the temple entry Satyagraha.
The Temple Entry Movement, he explained, was started because he felt that was the best way of energizing the Depressed Classes and making them conscious of their position. He believed that he had achieved that purpose and therefore he had no more use for temple entry.
Instead, he strongly advised the Depressed Classes to concentrate their energy and resources on politics. Since in the coming Reforms they would be called upon to play an important part in moulding their own political future and, thus, their own standard.
Concluding, he paid warm tributes to the Nasik Temple Entry Satyagrahis who he said, had not only awakened their brethren and made them realise their true position in Hindu Society but had also aroused deep sympathy towards the Depressed Classes throughout the civilised world. He also stressed the necessity of educating their children”.
(To be continued)
