452 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
These stuctures are designed to serve a three-fold purpose. The first is to house all activities for the promotion of the well-being of the Untouchables under one roof in order to bring about co-ordination and prevent dissipation of effort. The second purpose is to provide a place for the Untouchables to which they can look as a centre of knowledge and inspiration, a place which will provide a meeting ground for the Untouchables for exchanging ideas, for performing social and religious function and act as a centre of culture in which they can take pride. The third and the most important purpose is to provide the Centre with a permanent source of income to maintain itself and to sustain its activities. Most of the buildings are intended and planned for being rented out. They will bring rent which will keep the Centre going and make it self-supporting.
An Appeal to the Princes and People of India
It is a universally recognised fact that the present condition of the Untouchables is the most serious blot, from the humanitarian point of view, on Hindu Civilization and constitutes one of the greatest obstacles to an all-round progress of the Indian nation. The problem needs all the courage, ingenuity, resources and organising power of all the parties concerned for its solution. In spite of the efforts of social reformers and politicians the progress hitherto achieved is far from satisfactory. In fact, it may be safely asserted, that only the fringe of the problem has so far been touched. The Untouchables, considered as a mass, are as backward as ever. Their aspirations for social, economic, educational and political advancement are thwarted at every step, and the habit of depending upon outside help which is being insidiously cultivated may render the Untouchables unfit to fight their own battles. The force which will sweep all the obstacles from their path and really emancipate them from their age-long bondage can, I am sure, come only from whithin. It is because this new movement of the Untouchables is a movement from within that I feel sure that will help and encouragement it will be a success.
It may be said that if the Untouchables are anxious to undertake the work of their salvation they should also take up the responsibility of financing it. I am glad to say that the Untouchables