450 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
proposed to have a Central Library for students wishing to study the problems of the Untouchables. The problem of the Untouchables is vast enough to engage the energies and attention of many for years to come. There is, however, hardly any facility at present for studying the problem in its proper perspective and in all its manifold ramifications. It is therefore intended to collect the requisite material for such a study by establishing a well-equipped Library and a Reading Room at the proposed Centre.
5. Publications Branch —
The Untouchables are steeped in ignorance and superstition. The evil customs and usages practised by them are appalling. One of the most urgent necessities is to emancipate them from these evil customs and usages. The best way is to issue literature of the sort published by the Rationalist Association. For this purpose it is also proposed to maintain a small printing Press.
6. Volunteers Organization —
Thousands of Untouchables youths all over the country, markedly in the Bombay Presidency and the Central Provinces, have spontaneously formed themselves into organised bands of volunteers called the Samata Sainik Dal. The object of this movement is to inculcate the spirit of discipline and spread the message of the new era among the Untouchables. It is intended to centralise this all important activity and spread it to other parts of the country.
7. Propaganda Performances —
As in the case of the Samata Sainik Dal, a number of Untouchable youths in the Bombay Presidency have formed clubs and stage dramatic performances, at marriage celebrations and other religious and social functions at several places callings themselves Jalsa Mandals. These are amateur dramatic clubs giving performances of self composed plays depicting the evils of baneful social customs on improvised stage before illiterate villagers. It is intended to organise on a sound basis this very useful activity for dissolving old and disseminating new ideas among the masses and to guide it and make it more effective.