1044 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
*Pandit Kunzru (Uttar Pradesh) : If I may say so, I agree with you. Sir, that we expected that the debate on the clause. But important questions of concerned with the merits of the clause. But important questions of principle were raised yesterday and I see that the minds of hon. Members are coloured by what was said in the course of yesterday’s debate. It is therefore unfortunately necessary to say something on these points so that the prejudice created agains those parts of the bill that we are going to discuss may be removed.
My hon. friend, Shri N.V. Gadgil has dealt admirably with some of the points that were raised yesterday, and I venture to say something more on this subject because I feel that what was said yesterday ignores not merely the spirit of Hindu Law but the changes that are already taking place in Hindu society. In considering the Bill before us it is not enough that we should confine our attention to the provisions of the Bill. It is necessary that we should understand the character of the society for which we are legislating ; Its most important character is change; it is in a state of transition. To mention only one important factor that is vitally affecting our society, a great deal of awakening has taken place among our sisters during the last twenty-five years. They have happily become conscious of their just rights and they are making organised efforts in support of their just demands. It is partly to the credit of these educated and enlightened women that this Bill has been placed before us. But we have to add to this the fact that education is fast growing amongst women……
Shri R. K. Chaudhuri : You mean Western education ?
Pandit Kunzru : The education that you have received and in spite of which you claim to be a good Hindu. Our sisters are receiving the same education and there is no reason to suppose that they will become denationalized or adopt an attitude of disrespect towards their religion or culture. Our women are receiving education in ever-increasing numbers. They will enjoy the franchise on a footing of equality, complete equality, with men. Is it conceivable that in a society that is being moulded by such forces inequalities between men and women will be tolerated for any length of time ? Those who use the name of religion in order to defend social ineuqalities and social injustice are doing the worst service they can to Hindu religion. There is nothing, I venture to say, in those provisions of the Bill that we are going to discuss
*P. D. Vol. XV, Part II, 18th September 1951, pp .2772-77.