118 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
different places in London. Such was the powerful effect of Dr. Ambedkar’s fighting propaganda that Gandhi was really nonplussed, and his assumed guardianship of the Untouchables lay exposed !
This exposure became more pronounced at this juncture by the temple entry movement launched by the Depressed Classes in India, at Nasik and at Guruvayur. The revival of Satyagraha at Nasik gained a tremendous momentum. Five thousand volunteers poured in Nasik. Dr. Ambedkar’s devoted lieutenant, Bhaurao Gaikwad, Depressed Classes leaders like Rankhambe, Patitpavandas and trusted lieutenant Deorao Naik, fought out the struggle, exposing the Orthodox Hindus and the pretended sincerity of the Hindu leaders in their true perspective. The shame was so carping that Dr. Moonje appealed from London to the Hindus not to deny these civic and religious rights to their kith and kin at their own peril. The gates of the Kalaram Temple were closed as was done during the previous Satyagraha.
Dr. Ambedkar was happy over this timely support from his people in exposing the caste Hindu behaviour. He sent a message to his people from London.*
The Nasik Satyagraha was carried on with unique enthusiasm and determination. Mass meetings were held, and big procession were taken out. Several volunteers and leaders were arrested. They bravely courted imprisonment and faced jail. The News in the London Times about these arrests and the developments of the Satyagraha added to the weight of Dr. Ambedkar’s say.
After the clash with Gandhi, Dr. Ambedkar took part in the discussions on the Fiscal system which was adumbrated by the Sub-Committee for the Federal Government. He made a very thought-provoking and illuminating speech on the composition of the Federal Court in which, Jinnahh, Jayakar, Lord Sankey and
- See Pp 192-193, of this part.