236 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
individually and collectively by propaganda, constructive work and in other ways for securing for the Harijans, freedom to reside and settle in localities inhabited by non-Harijan Hindus for abolishing Untouchability in public places, such as wells, schools, dharamshalas and hotels and in general for doing away with Untouchability in the Hindu society with regard to all other matters.”
Mr. Pradhan expressed the deputationists deep respect and love for Dr. Ambedkar and declared that they were anxious to solve the problem arising out of Dr. Ambedkar’s speech at Yeola with his cooperation and consultation.
Mr. Pradhan said that they all desired to dissuade Dr. Ambedkar. from changing his religion, Mr. Pradhan conveyed Shri Shankaracharya’s deep affection for Dr. Ambedkar.
“Remove Basis of ‘Smriti’ religion”
Dr. Ambedkar’s Demand
In the course of the interview, which lasted over three hours, Dr. Ambedkar said: “Whatever may be the metaphysical basis of a religion, those religious principles upon which depend the ethical system and the social practices of a people must be considered to be the principal element of that religion. Though Hinduism is based on the conception of Absolute Brahma the practices of the Hindu community as a whole are founded on the doctrines of inequality as pronounced in ‘Manusmriti’. Some people think that religion is not essential to society. I do not hold this view. I consider the foundation of religion to be essential to the life and practices of society. At the root of the Hindu Social System lies Dharma as prescribed in ‘Manusmriti’. Such being the case I do not think it possible to abolish inequality in the Hindu Society unless the existing foundation of the ‘Smriti’ religion is removed and a better one laid in its place. I, however, despair of the Hindu Society being able to reconstruct on such a better foundation.”
Referring to the position of Harijans in the coming constitution, Dr. Ambedkar said that the cause of removal of Untouchability and of social reform would not advance with the help of the legislatures under the new constitution.