1038 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
social reconstructions ? India could not be an integrated unit under one flag during ten or eleven centuries. But if that task was achieved by this generation, is not this generation competent to do something in the social sphere to make society progressive ? I want an answer to that question. You praise us and praise yourselves for having done something great in the political sphere. Why are you afraid of achieving something in the social field ? Why do you have this inferiority complex ? Of course what was done by Manu was good. But—
“ तातस्य कूपोयमिति ब्रुवाणा
क्षारं जल कापुरुषा: पिवन्ति ”
Because this well was dug by my great-great grand-father, and although the water of it is saltish, I must drink it. Well, that is not my outlook.
Shri R. K. Chaudhuri : Then why not throw away your sacred thread ?
Shri Gadgil: I have thrown it away. Look here.
Pandit Malaviya : I believe the Hon. Minister puts it on now and then whenever he feels like it !
Shri Gadgil: No, nothing of the kind. And since it is a matter concerning me, you will kindly permit me to dilate on it for a moment.
Shri Brajeshwar Prasad (Bihar) : Sir, on a point of order. Is it parliamentary for the Hon. Minister to show the House his tummy ?
Shri Gadgil: Well, it was appreciated anyway.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : I am glad this point was raised. I can only say that it is not proper for questions to be put whether a person is wearing this or that, leading to unnecessary complications.
Shri Bhatt: I want to know one thing. Can he have Yagnopavita at the time of Yagna ?
Shri Gadgil: I am prepared to satisfy the curiosity of the hon. Member.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : The Hon. Minister need not discard his Yagnopavita to support the Bill. He can have it and still support it.
Shri Gadgil : Some years ago when I was in Thana Jail and when I started thinking about Hindu religion, I thought I was not a good Brahmin and could not be one merely because I had a Jeneu and I discarded it. And only when I am a good Brahmin, even for a moment, I will put it on, and this I did when I attended the Somnath installations ceremony. Then I felt a moment of inspiration. I felt my whole being ennobled when I was there and I put it on for sometime. Later on I threw