MAHAD SATYAGRAHA 25
Another resolution urged that a competitive examination be held for the admission of persons to the Hindu priesthood and that licenses be issued only to the successful candidates.
The speeches were mainly denunciations of Brahmins and Brahminism. Mr. Mandlik asked permission to address the meeting but the President refused permission.
Mr. D. V. Pradhan, a touchable also supported the burning of the Smriti.
The ceremony of burning the Smriti - then took place and the conference concluded for the day.” [1]
“ The bonfire of the Manusmriti by Dr. Ambedkar and his followers on 25th December 1927, anticipated this age. While speaking of bonfire of Manusmriti ; Dr. Ambedkar in an interview with T. V. Parvate in 1938, said “The bonfire of Manusmriti was quite intentional. We made a bonfire of it because we view it as a symbol of injustice under which we have been crushed across centuries. Because of its teaching, we have been ground down under despicable poverty and so we made the clash, staked all, took our lives in our hands and performed the deed.” [2]
“ The Collector, the Superintendent of Police and 100 armed police were present. In the night harikirtan composed by an “Untouchable” and hitting at Brahmins was enthusiastically sung.
Collector’s Letter
Second day’s proceedings of the Conference began on the morning of the 26th. Dr. Ambedkar read a letter from the Collector which said that it was the desire of Government that the “Untouchables”should obey the injunction of the Civil Court. Government were always sympathetic to the cause of the Untouchables and were willing to advance their cause in every lawful way and help them to establish their right of access to places of public utility. But, in view of the temporary injunction granted, Government were helpless and desired that the Untouchables should not embark on Satyagraha at this moment.
- Manusmriti.
1 : The Indian National Herald, dated 31st December 1927.
2 : Parvate, Pp. 58-59.