UNFORTUNATELY I WAS..........HINDU 97
decision on religious matters was the concern of the Brahmins. Rejoiced at the Yeola decision, the Orthodox Hindus heaved a sigh of relief ; and the Nasik Orthodox Hindus, who were harassed for the past five years by the Temple Entry Satyagraha, were exceedingly jubilant over the decision of the Depressed Classes to go out of Hindu fold. They applied now to the Collector for the removal of the ban on the Nasik chariot procession in the light of the fresh declaration of the Untouchables. Enlightened and political-minded opinion in the country deplored the Untouchables’ decision.
A Sindhi Hindu wrote a letter in blood and threatened Dr. Ambedkar with death, if he renounced Hinduism.”* [1]
Gandhiji’s reaction on Dr. Ambedkar’s Yeola Speech :
“Wardha, October 15.
Interviewed by the Associated Press representative regarding Dr. Ambedkar’s Speech, Gandhiji said, “The speech attributed to Dr. Ambedkar seems unbelievable. If, however, he has made such a speech and the conference had adopted the resolution of complete severance from Hinduism and acceptance of any faith that would guarantee equality, I regard both as unfortunate events, especially when one notices, despite isolated events to the contrary, Untouchability on its last legs.
I can understand the anger of a high-souled and highly educated person like Dr. Ambedkar over atrocities such as were committed in Kawitha and other villages.
But religion is not like house or cloak which can be changed at will. It is more an integral part of One’s self than of One’s body. Religion is the tie that binds one to one’s creator and whilst the body perishes as it has to religion persists even after death.
If Dr. Ambedkar has any faith in God, I would urge him to assuage his wrath and reconsider his position and examine his ancestral religion on its own merits and not through the weaknesses of its unfaithful followers.
- The Vividha Vritta, 3rd November 1935.
1 : Keer, Pp. 256-258.