54 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
for the responsibilities of our action lie with the land that dubs me a traitor. If at all I have rendered any national service as you say, helpful or beneficial, to the patriotic cause of this country, it is due to my unsullied conscience and not due to any patriotic feelings in me. If in my endeavour to secure human rights for my people, who have been trampled upon in this country for ages, I do any disservice to this country, it would not be a sin; and if any harm does not come to this country through my action, it may be due to my conscience. Owing to the promptings of my conscience I have been striving to win human rights for my people without meaning or doing any harm to this country.
The atmosphere turned grim. Faces changed colour. Gandhi was growing restless. He wanted to give a turn to Dr. Ambedkar’s talk. Just then Dr. Ambedkar asked him the most pertinent question which was the object of the interview.
A MBEDKAR : Everybody knows that the Muslims and the Sikhs are socially, politically and economically more advanced than the Untouchables. The first session of the Round Table Conference has given political recognition to the Muslim demands and has recommended political safeguards for them. The Congress has agreed to their demands. The first session has also given recognition to the political rights of the Depressed Classes and has recommended for them political safeguards and adequate representation. According to us that is beneficial to the Depressed Classes. What is your opinion ?
G ANDHIJI : I am against the political separation of the Untouchables from the Hindus. That would be absolutely suicidal.
A MBEDKAR ( Rising ): I thank you for your frank opinion. It is good that I know now where we stand as regards this vital problem. I take leave of you.*
Dr. Ambedkar left the hall, his face beaming with a fiery resolve to fight out the issue with all his might and to win human rights for his down-trodden people.
- The Navyug—Ambedkar Special Number, 13 th April 1947.