70 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Reason alone cannot wipe off the hypnotic effect of Mahatmic miracles. In these circumstances I would like to offer some suggestions. In order to put an end to the activities of the Mahatma, other Mahatmas should come forward to take active part in Indian public life and set up a political wing of their own. There is no dearth of the Mahatmas in India. Upasani Buva, Dada Maharaj, Mehar Baba, Narayan Buva Kedgaonkar are some of the famous names. Numerous saints and ‘ Mahatmas’ are present in India. They know the art of befooling and ensnaring the innocent people. True, the number of their followers is far less than followers of Gandhiji but their incapacity or lack of ability alone cannot be the reason for that. They have the ability and the strength to attain freedom along with the salvation for their Hindu masses. There are many reasons why they have not been able to know this. Owing to his dual policy and duplicity of character Gandhiji was able to succeed in creating a following by promising to attain spiritual and political liberation for all. I believe that if Uspani Buva, Narayan Maharaj etc. adopt the methods of Gandhiji undoubtedly they too would be able to establish the wing which can effectively face the blind followers of Gandhi. In this lies India’s salvation. Having a number of parties in the country will be beneficial to this country at least for the time being. If an organisation is set up with these aims and objects, it would be able to serve the same purpose as was served by the Apsaras of the puranas namely the annihilation of their adversaries. And if this dose not happen and this organisation remains reactionary even then its existence would be useful. In this way, at least the pernicious creed of fascism which is spreading its tantacles all around will be stalled. I believe that if a Mahatma comes and places his Manifesto stating in a straight forward manner that he can achieve salvation, perhaps India will attain intellectual liberation. This is not a joke. This is no vilification or criticism of anybody. I am writing it with all the seriousness that I can command.
Will the Hindus by changing the minds of the Mahatmas like Dada Maharaj, Meher Baba or Narayan Buva try to serve India ?
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This article was published originally in Chittra (Marathi), Dipavali Special Number, 1938.