24
MY ABILITY AND EMINENCE WERE THE FRUIT OF MY PATIENT LABOUR AND INTELLECT
The public meeting was held on Sunday, 8th December
1935 at Foras Road, Bombay. This was the first meeting being held at Bombay after the declaration of intention of conversion by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Yeola. About 10,000 Untouchables alongwith 50-75 Muslims and few Christians were present at this meeting. Dr. Solanki presided over the meeting. Mr. Devrao Naik made an introductory remarks followed by a speech of Mr. Surba Tipnis. Mr. Donde and Bapusaheb Sahastrabuddhe were also present. [1]
“Dr. B. R. Ambedkar declared that the issue of conversion would be first decided at a Mahar Conference which he was contemplating. Letters were now pouring in the Press, the majority of them condemning severely Dr. Ambedkar, and a minority upholding his stand. Among such letters and articles was a letter written by a semi-social reformer blustering that Dr. Ambedkar would be a nonentity, if he went out of the pale of Hinduism ; for, according to him, Dr. Ambedkar owed his eminence to his Untouchability. Dr. Ambedkar, in his characteristic thrust, replied that his ability and eminence were the fruit of his patient labour and intellect, and so he would be able to preserve his individuality in any fold or in the company of any literary or political worthies, whether Brahmin or Non-Brahmin. He, however, added that he would prefer a life without distinction in any other fold if his downtrodden people prospered in it.” [2]
��
1 : Janata, dated 15th December 1935.
2 : Keer, P. 260.