KALARAM TEMPLE..............ENTRY MOVEMENT 201
The Depressed Classes can say that they are Hindus only when the theory of Chaturvarna and Caste System is abandoned and expunged from the Hindu Shastras. Do the Mahatma and the Hindu reformers accept this as their goal and will they show the courage to work for it ? I shall look forward to their pronouncements on this issue, before I decide upon my final attitude. But whether Mahatma Gandhi and the Hindus are prepared for this are not, let it be known once for all that nothing short of this will satisfy the Depressed Classes and make them accept Temple Entry. To accept temple entry and be content with it, is to temporise with evil and barter away the sacredness of human personality that dwells in them.
There is, however, one argument which Mahatma Gandhi and the reforming Hindus may advance against the position I have taken. They may say : “acceptance by the Depressed Classes of Temple Entry now, will not prevent them from agitating hereafter for the abolition of Chaturvarna and Caste. If that is the view, I like to meet the argument right at this stage so as to clinch the issue and clear the road for future developments. My reply is that it is true that my right to agitate for the abolition of Chaturvarna and Caste System will not be lost, if I accept Temple Entry now. But the question is on what side will Mahatma Gandhi be at the time when the question is put. If he will be in the camp of my opponents, I must tell him that I cannot be in his camp now. If he will be in my camp he ought to be in it now.
B. R. Ambedkar. ”
“Almost all the Depressed Class leaders of Dr. Ambedkar’s persuasion, endorsed the views of their leader. Srinivasan, Premtai and Malik upheld the views of their leader.
Gandhi issued a statement in reply in which he stated : “I am a Hindu, not merely because I am born in the Hindu fold, but I am one by conviction and choice. There is no superiority or inferiority in the Hinduism of my conception. But when Dr. Ambedkar wants to fight Varnashram itself, I cannot be in his camp, because I believe Varnashram to be an integral part of Hinduism.” [1] -
1 : Keer, P. 230.
- Comment on Temple Entry Campaign See Appendix-VI.