DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 753
us to think and act like free men and we followed him. That was the tradition that he established. Long before this country was technically free, he ushered in an atmosphere of free thinking and action. But unfortunately, he is no more with us to guide us, but his example is there for us to follow. Even on a matter like the abolition of untouchability, temple entry and such allied matters, he advised that we should not accomplish those worthy objectives by means of legislation. He presuaded and preached to the people the necessity for such measures. He even imposed suffering on himself. That is how he brought about this mighty reform and it has become an established fact today. It is that way that we should follow and not force down reforms upon the throats of unwilling people.
Shri V. L Muniswamy Pillay : It is for you to educate them.
Shri O. V. Alagesan : We should go about the country and educate the people. The general elections are coming very shortly and that will be the best time for it.
Shrimati G. Durgabai (Madras : General) : That is the whole fear.
Shri O. V. Alagesan : That will be a wonderful opportunity to educate the people on the various provisions contained in this Bill. There is much force in what the Congress President said yesterday. The Labour Government in Britain, how does it function? It has postponed a very important measure, a Bill for which they took the permission of the electorate. It had the sanction of the electorate but after taking note of the situation in the country, they have postponed it till after the general election. They are going to take the verdict of the people afresh and then push through the measure. When such is the case in regard to a matter on which the permission, the sanction of the electorate had been obtained, then I should think it is much more necessary in this case where we did not give even an inkling of our ideas to the electorate. Sir, we have seen the spectacle of this Bill being debated for two days in every session. It is like the promise for renewing the gold bangles for the next deepavali. That is how we have been going on and it is good that we go on like this, because, who knows even the sisters who have given their enthusiastic support to this Bill may change their minds tomorrow and they may try to improve it on their own lines. After all one does not remain static and more so woman.
Shrimati G. Durgabai : There are also some men who change their opinions.