236 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
I thought for long that we could rid the Hindu society of its evils and get the Depressed Classes incorporated into it on terms of equality. That motive inspired the Mahad Chaudar Tank Satyagraha and the Nasik Temple Entry Satyagraha. With that object we burned the Manu Smriti and performed mass thread ceremonies. Experience has taught me better. I stand today absolutely convinced that for the Depressed Classes there can be no equality among the Hindus because on inequality rest the foundations of Hinduism.
We no longer want to be part to the Hindu society.
What then are we to do ? We shall decide that at a suitable time. For the moment I only want to make it clear that we cannot be part of the Hindu society in any circumstances. We want to be partners in running the government of this country. We want partition of political rights. Our political rights must be recognised distinctly from those of the Hindus separately.
If the Hindus are prepared to recognise those rights I am ever-ready to join them in the common struggle for the freedom of the country.”
Dr. Ambedkar is no hero-worshipper, does not want his followers to do it either, for he is deeply conscious of the evils of hero-worship and the havoc it has caused in this country down the centuries.
Calmly but emphatically said Dr. Ambedkar : “You have been celebrating my birthday for some 15 years past. I have never attended them. I have always been opposed to them. You have celebrated my golden jubilee now; let that be enough. Let there be no more celebrations.
The reason : “Over-regard for leaders saps self-confidence of the masses, leaves them helpless when left leaderless in hour of trial or when led by unscrupulous leaders.”
“One great reason for the downfall of the Hindu society and the perpetuation of its degraded position,” said Dr. Ambedkar,” is the injunction of Krishna that whenever in difficulties they should look