57
A LETTER TO JAWAHARLAL NEHRU REGARDING THE BOOK ‘BUDDHA AND HIS
DHAMMA’
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had written a letter, on 14th September
1956 to Pandit Jawahadal Nehru regarding a book on “The Buddha and his Dhamma”. It is as follows : Editors.
My dear Panditji,
I am enclosing herewith two copies of a printed booklet showing the Table of Contents of a book on “The Buddha and His Dhamma” which I have just finished. The book is in the press. From the table of the contents you will see for yourself how exhaustive the work is. The book is expected to be in the Market in September 1956. I have spent five years over it. The booklet will speak for the quality of the work.
The cost of printing is very hevy and will come to about Rs. 20,000. This is beyond my capacity and I am, therefore, canvassing help from all quarters.
I wonder if the Government of India could purchase about 500 copies for distribution among the various libraries and among the many scholars whom it is inviting during the course of this year for the celebration of the Buddha’s 2500 years’ anniversary.
I know your interest in Buddhism. That is why I am writing to you. I hope that you will render some help in this matter.
Yours sincerely, (Signed) B. R. AMBEDKAR.
Pt. NEHRU’S REPLY
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had responded to the letter of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He expressed his inability to purchase the Book “Buddha and His Dhamma”. He referred this to Dr. Radhakrishnan, the Chairman of Buddha Jayanti Commttee. Following is the reply by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru : Editors.
Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, NEW DELHI.
No. 2196-PMH/56. NEW DELHI September 15, 1956.