22. 16-12-1934 Find men who will Promote your Interests - Page 120

22

FIND MEN WHO WILL PROMOTE YOUR INTERESTS

“The third session of the Kolaba Distinct Peasants’ Conference was held on Sunday the 16th December 1934 at Chari in Alibag Taluka under the presidentship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The preliminary arrangements of the Conference were made by the peasants themselves. A spacious pandal was erected with a dais in the centre for the president and distinguished guests. The meeting place was nicely decorated with flags and buntings. Cloth boards bearing slogans such as “Victory to the peasants”, “Peasants, Unite” etc., were seen hanging in the pandal. Dr. Ambedkar was garlanded by the peasants at Saral, Rewas, Hashiwre, Naringi etc. The Conference commenced its sitting at 2 p.m. About 6,000 peasants from all over the district had collected for the Conference. Among those present at the Conference were Messrs. G. N. Sahastrabuddhe (Bombay S. S. League), M. V. Donde (Principal, Parel High School), S. V. Parulekar (Servants of India Society), D. V. Pradhan, K. V. Chitre, T. V. Parvate (Editor, Maratha), S. G. Tipnis, C. G. Deshpande, N. M. Deshpande, Subhedar Savadkar, Damuanna Potnis (Bhor Praja Parishad), and others Mr. Ardeshir Baria, landlord of Pezari also attended. The Mamlatdar of Alibag, Police Sub-Inspector and other Government officers were present.

Mr. N. N. Patil, Chairman of the Reception Committee, welcomed the delegates.

Dr. Ambedkar’s Speech

Dr. Ambedkar received great ovation as he rose to speak.

He said ;—

“You have today, to concentrate your attention to find out ways to remove your grievances. The term Shetkari. I must tell you, as commonly used today is a misnomer, people who