KALARAM TEMPLE..............ENTRY MOVEMENT 203
“WHY NASIK TEMPLE SATYAGRAHA WAS GIVEN UP
“No Longer Needed”
Nasik, November 19, 1934
Before a mammoth gathering of over 15,000 members of the Depressed Classes who assembled at Vinchur on the occasion of the 11th day death ceremonies of the late Mr. Dhondiba Runkhambe of Vinchur. Dr. Ambedkar made an important political pronouncement. He said he had been repeatedly asked why the Kalaram Temple Entry Movement had been suspended for the last two years. The only reason, he explained was that such a move was no longer needed. This, he said, may appear strange and surprising, coming as it did from the author of the temple entry Satyagraha.
The Temple Entry Movement, he explained, was started because he felt that was the best way of energizing the Depressed Classes and making them conscious of their position. He believed that: he had achieved that purpose and therefore he had no more use for temple entry.
Instead he strongly advised the Depressed Classes to concentrate their energy and resources on politics. Since in the coming Reforms they would be called upon to play an important part in moulding their own political future and, thus, their own standard.
Concluding, he paid warm tributes to the Nasik Temple Entry Satyagrahis who he said, had not only awakened their brethren and made them realise their true position in Hindu Society but had also aroused deep sympathy towards the Depressed Classes throughout the civilised world. He also stressed the necessity of educating their children.” [1]
1 : The Times of India, 21st November 1934.