202 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Regarding the above mentioned Satyagraha Dr. Ambedkar explained his stand in the following letter addressed to Bhaurao Gaikwad.
BHIMRAO R. AMBEDKAR, Rajgriha Colony.
M. A., Ph. D., D. Sc, Dadar, Bombay 14.
Barrister-at-law., J. P., M. L. C. 3-3-34
My dear Bhaurao,
I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd Feb. It is very kind of you to have asked me for my views on the propriety of the Depressed Classes launching upon a Satyagraha at the Kala Ram Temple in Nasik on the coming Ram Navami Day. I have no position in saying that such a move would be quite uncalled for and should not merely be suspended but should be stopped altogether. This may appear strange and surprising coming as it does from one who was the author of the Satyagraha. But I am afraid to declare this change of front. I did not launch the temple entry movement because I wanted the Depressed Classes to become worshippers of idols which they were prevented from worshipping or because I believed that temple entry would make them equal members in and an integral part of the Hindu Society. So far as this aspect of the case is concerned I would advise the Depressed Classes to insist upon a complete overhauling of Hindu Society and Hindu theology before they consent to become an integral part of Hindu Society. I started temple entry Satyagrha only because I felt that was the best way of energising the Depressed Classes and making them conscious of their position. As I believe I have achieved that purpose I have no more use for temple entry. I want the Depressed Classes to concentrate their energy and resources on politics and education and I hope that they will realise the importance of both.
Your sincerely, Sd/-B. R. Ambedkar.” [1]
Accordingly the Satyagraha was stopped immediately. —Editors
1 : Khairmode, Vol. 3; Pp. 357-358.