Vol. 17, Part III · pages 91–95

8 ......OTHERWISE ADVANCED HINDU CASTES WOULD REMAIN IN POWER AND RULE THE MINORITIES “About ten thousand men and women of the Bombay Depressed Classes assembled on the maidan (ground) outside the Damodar Thackersey Hall, Parel, Bombay, on Thursday, 2nd October 1930 evening to wish bon voyage to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who is proceeding to England on Saturday to take part in the Round Table Conference as a representative of the Depressed Classes. There was great enthusiasm at the meeting which was presided over by Dr. P. G. Solanki. The Chairman, at the outset, referred to the services rendered by Dr. Ambedkar to the Depressed Classes in various ways and assured the audience that if there was any man who was best qualified to represent them at the Round Table Conference it was Dr. Ambedkar. He wished him, on their behalf, a pleasant voyage and success in his great mission. Mr. Shivatarkar then read an address from the people expressing their good wishes to Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar addressed the meeting at great length. He spoke of the necessity of carrying on propaganda among the Depressed Classes with a view to keeping their interest alive in matters relating to their political and social welfare. He announced that it had been decided by the leaders of the Depressed Classes to revive their old journal under the new name of Janta (i.e., the “People,”) Referring to his forthcoming visit to England, Dr. Ambedkar said that they were being told by the Congress people that it was no use going to the Round Table Conference; he, however, thought something good was sure to come out of the Conference and the Depressed Classes were bound to benefit by it. He could not associate himself with the methods that were being adopted by the Congress people in Bombay, because they had

63...............OTHERWISE............MINORITIES led to the unemployment of thousands of poor working people without doing any good to the country. He would at once say that he and the members of the Depressed Classes wanted self-government just as much as the Congress people, but what they said was that they and the other minorities in the country should also have their fair share in the new constitution. If, as the Congress seemed to desire, the British had simply to go away under the new constitution, leaving the system of administration as it was, then the result would be that the advanced Hindu Classes would remain in power and rule the minorities. That was what the Depressed Classes objected to. He declared that if the Round Table Conference failed owing to that attitude of the advanced classes, the blame for such failure would lie on the Congress and the advanced Hindu Classes. He hoped the Hindu delegates, who would attend the Round Table Conference, would bear in mind the claims of the minorities if they wanted to make it a success. Proceeding Dr. Ambedkar said that he intended to extend his stay in England to carry out another object he had in view. The two main grievances of the Depressed Classes were that they were debarred from serving in the police and the military and his idea was to bring that grievance to the notice of the War Office and the British Cabinet with a view to its being removed. He also intended to go to Russia, Germany, America and Japan, and carry on propaganda on behalf of the Depressed Classes. They knew that the Congress had been carrying on propaganda in those countries against England and he thought that he would be perfectly justified in securing the sympathy of the people of those countries for the Depressed Classes by making them acquainted with the conditions under which they lived in this country. Mr. Keluskar and Mr. Naik then addressed the meeting.”1 1 : The Times of India, dated 3rd October 1930.

64 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES However, there were additional dimensions in the speech of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which were covered by Keer. The dimensions were as under : Editors. “Replying to the address, Dr. Ambedkar said what little he had achieved, had been done with the co-operation of his numerous workers and colleagues. He praised the work and sincere help of Dr. Solanki in the Legislative Council, and, styling Deorao Naik his right hand, added that he would guide the movement on proper lines in his absence. He gratefully thanked Shankarrao S. Parsha, who had expended large sums on his movement. As regards the Round Table Conference, Dr. Ambedkar said it was definitely advantageous from the point of view of the Depressed Classes. “As regards myself,” continued Dr. Ambedkar, “I will demand what is rightful for my people, and I will certainly uphold the demand for Swaraj”. In the end he promised, if possible, he would place their problem even before the League of Nations. He concluded his speech with a warning to his lieutenants and his people to keep themselves aloof from internal quarrels ; otherwise the greed for leadership would weaken their strength, worsen their position and mar their goal” 1. zz 1 : Keer. P. 145.

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 zz 1 : Janata, 17th August 1931. 2 : Keer, P. 168.

10 FUTURE GENERATIONS OF HINDUS WILL APPRECIATE MY SERVICES On the eve of arrival of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar after attending the Round Table Conference arrangements at Ballard Pier, Bombay were ordered by the Government as follows : “Arrival of Maulana Shaukat Ali and Dr. Ambedkar by the S. S. “Mooltan” on 29th January 1932. Superintendent, “H and I” Dns. A copy of the Secretary, Bombay Port Trust’s letter addressed to the Secretary, Depressed Classes Institute, Bombay, is forwarded herewith for your information. You will see from this what concessions have been given for the Depressed Classes and the Khilafat Committee in connection with the arrival of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Maulana Shaukat Ali at Ballard Pier. 2. Your attention is invited to the Dock Manager’s office note dated the 27th Instant, a copy of which has been sent to you direct, and you should make your arrangements accordingly. It has been agreed with the Secretary of the Depressed Classes and the Secretary of the khilafat Committee that the Green Gate will be opened at 5 a.m. Similar arrangements should be made as were made for the arrival of Mr. Gandhi. The Depressed Classes volunteers should be allowed to line the roadway from the entrance to the hall to the Green Gate. If necessary, the Superintendent should arrange to place volunteers in position so as not in any way to impede ordinary traffic. No one should be allowed on the wharf until the boat has been tied up and the gangway let down and no one should be admitted to the Customs Hall except pass-holders for the ship. 3. There is a possibility of hostile Congress demonstration against the Members of the various Round Table Conference Committees who are also arriving by this boat. Arrangements to meet this situation should be made by the