Vol. 17, Part III · pages 521–525

492 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES Honourary Degree conferred on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is as follow : Osmania University The Degree of Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa Has Been Conferred At The Convocation Upon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar In recognition of his Eminent Position And Attainments. Hyderabad-Deccan. Chancellor January 12, 1953. zz : Khairmode Vol. II : Pp.63-66.

143 IF BUDDHIST GOSPEL IS NOT ADOPTED HISTORY OF CONFLICT IN EUROPE, WILL REPEAT IN ASIA Dr. B. R. Ambedkar while speaking at a reception given by Shri P. N. Rajbhoj, General Secretary of the Federation and delegate to the world Buddhist Conference in honour of Shri M. R. Murti, Vice-President of the Indo-Japanese Cultural Associations in Japan at New Delhi on February 15, 1953, expressed the view that either the present generation or future generations would have to choose between Budhism and Marxism. “In the present condition of the world “said Dr. Ambedkar,” so far as I have been able to study the situation, I have come to the conclusion that the conflict, whatever form it may take, will ultimately be between the Gospel of the Buddha and the Gospel of Karl Marx.’’. “It is from that point of view, that I have been attracted by Japan, by China and by other Eastern countries,” he said. Dr. Ambedkar said that the East had already become more important than the West, but he feared that if the Buddhist Gospel was not adopted, the history of conflict in Europe would be repeated in Asia. Religions other than Buddhism concentrated on the problems of the Souls, of worship, but they forgot man. Dr. Ambedkar added that the Buddha alone when pressed for his views on the souls, said, “Such discussions are unprofitable. Nobody can prove the existence of the souls. I am concerned with man. I am concerned with establishing righteousness between man and man.” 1 zz 1 : The Free Press Journal, dated 16th February, 1953.

144 ........THE SO CALLED UPPER CLASSES WILL BE WIPED OUT OF EXISTENCE Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, leader of the Scheduled Castes, told the Youth Assembly in Bombay on Saturday the 2nd May 1953 to go to the masses and rid them of their superstitious inheritance. He was inaugurtating the summer school of the Assembly at the Siddharth College: Dr. Ambedkar deplored mere academic proficiency and advised modern youth to select one or two contemporary problems and tackle them in a rational manner. He was bewildered by the number of political ideologies which had infiltrated the student world, probably due to foreign influences. He asked the assembly to formulate a plan with definite objects in view and eschew lectures in Philosophy or European history if it sought concrete results. Dr. Ambedkar warned that unless the so-called upper classes made an immediate and balanced appraisal of present times, they would be ‘wiped out of existence.’ “The time has come when small groups of students must go to the masses and teach them to lead a rational life,” he remarked. He described modem society as a mangled one, living in modern times the ideals of ancient society. He observed that we had adopted a Constitution totally different from the principles and rules which really governed our pattern of life. Dr. B. G. Gokhale, President of the Youth Assembly, welcomed Dr. Ambedkar. 1 zz 1 : The Sunday Standard, dated 3rd May 1953.

145 UNLESS CASTELESS AND CLASSLESS SOCIETY IS CREATED, THERE WILL BE NO PROGRESS IN INDIA “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, former Law Minister of the Union Government, said in Bombay on Wednesday, May 27th 1953 that he would devote the rest of his life to propagate Buddhism. Dr. Ambedkar, who was addressing a meeting organised by the All-India Scheduled Castes Federation at the Nare Parkmaidan, to celebrate Lord Buddha’s birthday, condemned the Caste System and said that unless a casteless and classless society was created, there would be no progress in the country. He was happy to note that Hindus also were participating in large numbers in the celebration. He was sure that Buddhism would rapidly spread in India. Among the other organisations which celebrated Buddha’s birthday were the Buddha Society and the Boudh Dharma Prachar Samiti. The offices of the Government of India in Bombay remained closed on Wednesday on account of Buddha Jayanti. The day was also a postal holiday. Banks and offices of the State Government worked as usual as the day was not a public holiday.’ 1 C. I. D. report of the meeting is as follows— “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar presided over a meeting held under the auspices of the Buddha Dharma Prachar Samiti, on May 27th 1953 at Nare Park, Parel, Bombay. While addressing the audience (5,000) he said that there were many points of difference between the Hindu religion and the Buddhistic religion and that be remaining in the Hindu religion, the Harijans would not improve their lot. He also declared that he had determined to carry on propaganda of the Buddhistic religion.”2 zz 1 : The National Standard, dated 28th May 1953. 2 : Bombay City, S. B; (i), C. I. D; dated 27th May 1953.

146 DON’T GET MISLED BY CRITICISM “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar addressed an audience of about 3,000 persons on June 3, 1953, in a public meeting held under the auspices of the Scheduled Castes Mahila Mandal at Rawli Camp, Sion, Bombay. He said that there was much criticism on his speech made on the “Buddha Jayanti” day and advised the audience not to be misled by the criticism.” 1 “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar addressed a meeting (3,000) on behalf of the Scheduled Caste Mahila Mandal in Bombay on June 3rd, 1953 and advised them to carry on their programme of emancipation in spite of adverse criticism. The Mandal contributed Rs. 401 as its first instalment towards the Building Fund of the Federation.” 2 zz 1 : Bombay City. S. B; (i), C I. D; dated 28th May 1953. 2 : Bombay State Police (Secret) Abstract of Intelligence.