DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 993
but in verious parts of India. People who have not the remotest chance of taking advantage of any divorce law for various reasons are simply shocked at this idea and many people who are well-intentioned, who are reformers suggest that if there are Hindus in the country today who want to take advantage of the modern system of divorce or want to do away with the religious nature of Hindu marriage, there is enough opportunity given to them under the existing law. If, however, the law has to be revised in order to make them ultra-modern and completely up-to-date, let the law be revised for their benefit. But why do away with the fundamental and sacred nature of Hindu marriage ? What is it that you gain thereby ? I have not been able to get any satisfactory answer to this question. Because it is nobody’s case that the new methods which are being laid down will be compulsorily adopted by all Hindus. Obviously that is nobody’s case. Therefore, if option is given and if people take advantage of that option, naturally your case is won.
I was told that even in India, as India is today, there are nearly about 90 per cent, among Shudras amongst whom some form or other of divorce or dissolution of marriage exists. Very well, then the answer is there. You have got your Hindu Law which provides for the dissolution of marriage in castes and communities where it is wanted. You may say, well, why should about 10 or 15 per cent, of the Indian population stand against these changes ? It is not a question of anybody’s standing against the changes. If you want to go ahead or go backwards— whatever it may be—you are welcome to do so. But why drag others who do not believe in you and also who believe in something which is perfectly morally justifiable and in accordance with the highest standards of human conduct ? I have not been able to get any answer to this fundamental question.
We are told very often that our system is backward. I have got with me many extracts from the writings of great Indians and great Western scholars who have admired at the way in which Hindu society has carried on its existence in spite of tremendous odds and difficulties. I am not for a moment saying that all is well with Hindu society. I know where the defects lie. But it is something amazing, something unprecedented that our religion or the great truths on which Hindus for generations past, for thousands of years, have lived, somehow have shown a degree of adaptability and vitality which is hardly to be witnessed anywhere else. What is the reason ? The reason is that whatever truths were propounded by the ancient sages or rishis, or