APPENDIX—XIII
A LETTER TO H. H. SAYAJIRAO GAIKWAD
New Delhi,
21st May 1946
Your Highness,
I should not ordinarily have ventured to trouble your Highness in a private matter, but the circumstances of the case are exceptional. Dr. Ambedkar has handed over to me the enclosed appeal for financial assistance for a project he has for founding a College in Bombay for the special benefit of the Depressed Classes. As Your Highness is aware, the Depressed Classes have nowhere to turn to for assistance in their desperate condition except to the Hindus of the higher castes ; nor can we entirely turn down such an appeal with grace since we cannot disclaim all responsibility for their present condition. The case is a deserving one, since education is the only effective way of uplifting the Depressed Classes morally and economically. Dr. Ambedkar himself remembers with gratitude all that he owes to the generosity of Your Highness’ grandfather, and for this reason feels that he is still bound to Your Royal House by ties of obligation. He does not feel that he can venture to address you direct with a request for assistance, but since, I have the honour of knowing Your Highness personally, I have undertaken to bring this to your notice. The Government of India is giving a grant to the College, and several Princes have also promised donations, but funds are still badly needed to place the project on a proper footing. If Your Highness will very generously assist the scheme with a suitable donation, you will place both Dr. Ambedkar and his unfrotunate community forever in your debt.
Your Sincearely K. A. Keluskar.
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Rattu Nanak Chand : Little known facets of Dr. Ambedkar. P. 233.