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I AM A MAN OF CHARACTER
“Subhedar Ramji Maloji, father of Bhimrao Ambedkar passed away on February 2, 1913. Bhimrao Ambedkar was now left to stand on his own feet. His insatiable thirst for knowledge and the spur of ambition made him restless. He was now in no mood to return to his job in Baroda. His short stay there had been unhappy. At last another chance came his way in June 1913. The Maharaja of Baroda*, at this juncture, thought of sending some students to the U.S.A for higher studies at Columbia University.” [1]
“While H. H. Maharaja was at Bombay, Bhimrao met him at the Malbar Hill Palace in order to apprise him of the inconvenience faced by him in service and residental facilities while at Baroda. H. H. Maharaja was already knowing almost everything about Bhimrao. Without mentioning a single word about the inconvenience faced by Bhimrao, H. H. Maharaja was discussing various subjects with him. Bhimrao gave his considered opinion on whatever questions the H. H. Maharaja asked. After about half an hour discussion the H. H. Maharaja asked him to come tomorrow at the same time. Since H. H. Maharaja did not speak anything about the complaints Bhimrao had made felt unhappy.
The Next day, H. H. Maharaja asked which subject would he like to study. Bhimrao replied, Sociology, Economics and especially Public Finance.
H. H. Maharaja : What will you do by studying these subjects ?
Bhimrao : The study of these subjects would give me clues for improving the depressed condition of my society and I shall undertake the work of social reforms on those lines.
H. H. Maharaja : (Laughingly) But you are going to serve us, is’t it ? Then how are you going to study, serve and also do the social service ?
- His Highness Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad was born on March 1, 1863. His coronation took place on December 28, 1881. The Maharaja breathed his last on February 6, 1939, at his Jai Mahal Palace in Bombay.
1 : Keer, Pp. 24-26.