WHO’S WHO IN VICEROY’S COUNCIL 9
His own writings include “The Problem of the Rupee”, “Provincial Finance in British India”, “Annihilation of Caste”, “Federation versus Freedom” and “Thoughts on Pakistan.”
He has conducted Marathi newspapers to awaken the untouchables politically. In 1919* he started the “Muka Nayak” (“Leader of the Dumb”,), but this died a natural death soon after he left to resume his studies in Europe. In 1923@ he started the “Bahiskrata Bharat” (“Excluded India”), a title which was changed to “Janata” (“The People”) some years ago as he felt that its appeal should not be solely to the communities composing “Excluded India.”
Attitude To Religion
A word should be said about Dr. Ambedkar’s attitude to religion. He feels that the Hindu social system, with its four castes and a great mass of outcasts, has been a source of weakness to India as a whole and he docs not wish to remain within its fold.
Some years ago the Jat Pat Todak Mandal, a reformist Hindu organisation, invited him to preside over their annual conference. Later the conference was cancelled as his draft presidential address, in which he stated that it would be his last speech as a Hindu, was not acceptable to the Mandal. He published that undelivered speech as a booklet “Annihilation of Caste.” Its title shows his attitude to caste.
But, while he is determined not to remain a Hindu and has studied the teachings of several other religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism and Christianity, Dr. Ambedkar will not yet announce his entry into another faith. The untouchables, he feels, still need him. His conversion now would have far-reaching repercussions. His faith and the faith of every follower of his is a matter which each man should settle for himself; and he docs not wish to influence his followers in this matter. When he has handed over the leadership of the untochables to others and retired from public life, he will tell the world of his decision. For the present his crusade must go on.
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- Should be 1920.— Ed.
@ Should be 1927.— Ed.