MAHAD SATYAGRAHA 13
Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha in Bombay. It was declared that the satyagraha struggle was to be launched under the auspices of the said institution.” [1]
Police Report of Agitational Programme of Dr. Ambedkar :
I
“ The Depressed Classes at Mahad : Protest of Bombay Untouchables against the atrocities inflicted on…..
Bombay City S. B., July 4, 1927. —Under the auspices of the Bahishkrit Hitakarani Sabha, a public meeting of the Depressed Classes was held at the Cowasji Jehangir Hall on the evening of July 3 to protest against the hardships inflicted on the Untouchables of Mahad in Kolaba District. Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, Bar-at-Law, presided over an audience of about 1,000 people.
Speeches were made by the president, Ragoba Narayan Vanmali, Mahadeo Abaji Kamli, Sitaram Namdeo Shivtarkar, Nirmal Limbaji Gangavane, Gitanand Brahmachari and Samant Nanji Marwari, condemning the treatment meted out to their brethren in Mahad by the Higher Classes. They decided, in order to carry on a peaceful agitation against this treatment, to enlist volunteers and collect funds. They would first have a conference at Mahad after the Diwali holidays and then it would be decided to start Satyagraha in order to enforce their rights as citizens. A resolution to this effect was passed.
Another resolution was passed requesting the Government to establish a separate department to deal with the grievances of the Depressed Classes as was done in Madras.
An appeal for funds was made by the speakers and about Rs. 350 were collected. A dozen people consented to become volunteers for the Satyagraha movement when it is started.” [2]
1 : Keer. Pp. 77, 79, 89-90.
2 : Bombay Secret Abstract, dated 16th July 1927.