8
A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE UNTOUCHABLES IN BOMBAY
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was continuously making efforts to generate the funds for the movement of Untouchables to bring the human dignity in terms of social equality to the Indian Community. He was planning to establish a Centre, so as to execute and monitor the activities of the Untouchables. He appealed probably in 1949, to the Princes and the people of India.—Editors.
To The Princes and People of India Funds for A Social Centre for the Untouchables in Bombay The Scheme needs Rs. 3,25,000/Won’t You Help ? An Appeal By The Hon’ble Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, M.A., Ph.D., D. Sc, Bar-at-Law, Member, Governor General’s Executive Council
The New Movement among the Untouchables
The down-trodden and degraded condition of the Untouchablewho number today 70 millions of India population—has been one of the major problems of India. The work of raising them to the level of other communities has engaged the attention of many Hindu reformer for ages past. But the phenomenon of the Untouchables taking upon themselves the responsibility of improving their own lot is quite a new one. It is their won struggle for equality and began only 25 years ago.
This struggle has passed through several stages and the movement has gathered strength in spite of repeated rebuffs and constant opposition. The message of self-reliance has reached even the lowest strata; the backwaters of outof-the way villages and lonely hamlets have been stirred; and the sleepy hollows where once rank superstition, utter self-debasement and abysmal ignorance reigned are now throbbing with new life. The right spirit has