9
POWER AND PRESTIGE WILL COME TO YOU THROUGH STRUGGLE
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, as a representative of Untouchable class, was to attend the second session at Round Table Conference. He was to leave for London on 15th August 1931. On the eve of this occasion a ferewell function was organised at Sir Cawasji Jahangir Hall on 14th August 1931. Dr P. G. Solanki was in the chair. Dr. Ambedkar addressed two separate meetings, one of women at 8 and men at 10 at night. [1]
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar made a very stirring speech before the Depressed Class women. He said: “If you stand by your resolve to extirpate your slavery root and branch and undergo all trials and tribulations for it, the credit and success of my being able to discharge the onerous task will be yours.”
Immediately he addressed in the same hall another meeting attended by the Depressed Class men. In a moving speech he told his people that their boundless love was a great inspiration to him. As regards the Round Table Conference, he said : “In a Conference of one hundred and twenty-five members we are two; but rest assured that we will move heaven and earth for the sake of your welfare. I had a talk with Gandhi this afternoon. At present he cannot do anything to promote your interests. We must stand on our own feet and fight as best we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organize your forces. Power and Prestige will come to you through struggle.” [2]
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1 : Janata, 17th August 1931.
2 : Keer, P. 168.