ROLE OF ......................... INDIAN DEMOCRACY 123
prevalent therein and which are enumerated by name in a schedule prepared for electoral purposes.
IV. N OMENCLATURE
In dealing with this part of the question we would like to point out that the existing nomenclature of Depressed Classes is objected to by members of the Depressed Classes who have given thought to it and also by outsiders who take interest in them. It is degrading and contemptuous, and advantage may be taken of this occasion for drafting the new constitution to alter for official purposes the existing nomenclature. We think that they should be called “Non-Caste Hindus”, “Protestant Hindus”, or “Non-Conformist Hindus” or some such designation, instead of “Depressed Classes”. We have no authority to press for any particular nomenclature. We can only suggest them, and we believe that if properly explained the Depressed Classes will not hesitate to accept the one most suitable for them.
We have received a large number of telegrams from the Depressed Classes all over India supporting the demands contained in this Memorandum.”*
“While the session was going on, His Majesty the KingEmperor gave a reception to the Indian Delegates on November
- It was arranged that a few Members should speak at the party. Gandhi was present bareheaded. He was clad in his customary loin-cloth and wore sandals. The king-Emperor asked Dr. Ambedkar about the condition of the Untouchables in India, and when he heard the harrowing tales from Dr. Ambedkar who narrated them with his flowing heart, eloquent eyes and scintillating face, he shuddered. The kingEmperor then inquired of Dr. Ambedkar cordially about his father and the place of his education, and how he had achieved academic eminence.” [1]
- : For previous memorandum see. Appendix to Proceedings of the Minorities Sub-Committee of the First Session of the Conference. This Supplementary Memorandum dated 4th November 1931 is printed as Appendix VII in the original proceedings at Pp. 1409-11.
1 : Keer, p. 181.