Vol. 15 · pages 1001–1005

982 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES ten times dearer to us Maharashtrians than what he was to India as a whole. It was he who created a sense of self-respect and importance in the most down-trodden community in our area. Undoubtedly he was very bitter in his tongue, but his heart was sweet. His faults we all know, but his virtues out weighed them. What he did in the matter of framing our Constitution is sufficiently well known. But, essentially, he was a rebel against the injustice in the status quo, whether the sphere was social or economic. Lastly, he was thinking on much more progressive lines. Very recently, I had some discussion with him, and he said, ‘No more privileges to the Scheduled Castes. Now, they must come into their own and fight against the injustice that is still there, along with the rest of the members of the whole Indian community.’ Such a man has passed away; but, everything in this world must pass away. Let us, therefore, remember what good he did, and deserve by what he did and progressively achieved—the objects for which he stood. I associate myself with the sentiments expressed by other Members of this House. Mr. Speaker: I fully associate myself with all the sentiments expressed on the floor of the house by the Leader of the House and the leaders of various groups, and I am sure the House will equally associate itself with those sentiments. Dr. Ambedkar was a great and dynamic personality. He rose from humble beginnings and became a leader of the Scheduled Castes. He was a great scholar and writer, and, more than all, he was a powerful speaker. He piloted our Constitution. In the field of social reform, he initiated many wholesome measures. In his death, India has lost one of her great sons. I shall convey the sentiments of this House and the condolences to the members of the bereaved family. As a mark of respect, I am sure the House would like to adjourn today. In sorrow, we shall stand for a minute in silence.

983PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES The Members then stood in silence for a minute. Mr. Speaker: The House will now stand adjourned as a mark of respect to him, and meet again at 11-00 a.m. tomorrow. 12-23 hrs. The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven of the Clock on Friday, the 7th December, 1956. zz

SECTION VIII ANSWERS BY DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR LAW MINISTER TO THE QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 18TH NOVEMBER 1947 TO 28TH SEPTEMBER 1951