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WHAT WAY EMANCIPATION ?
On the background of his declaration that, “I solemnly assure you that I will not die a Hindu.” at Yeola, Distt. Nasik, Maharashtra, on 13th October, 1935, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar convened a Conference on 30th and 31st May 1936 at Dadar, Bombay. The sole aim of this Conference was to assess the support of his own people for the conversion movement. It was attended by about thirty five thousand Untouchable Mahars.
In a specially erected pandal the following slogans were displayed.
*** Man is not for religion, religion is for man.**
*** To become humane, convert yourselves.**
*** To get organised, convert yourselves.**
*** To achieve strength, convert yourselves.**
*** To secure equality, convert yourselves.**
*** To get liberty, convert yourselves.**
*** To make your domestic life happy, convert yourselves.**
*** Why do you remain in that religion which does not** treat you as human beings ?
*** Why do you remain in that religion which prohibits** you from entering temples ?
*** Why do you remain in that religion which prohibits** you from drinking water ?
*** Why do you remain in that religion which does not** allow you to get education ?
*** Why do you remain in that religion which insults** you at every step ?
*** Why do you remain in that religion which obstructs** you from getting a job ?