27. 1-5-1936 यशासाठी मी माझ्या सद्सद्विवेकबुद्धीचा बळी देऊ शकत नाही

I CANNOT SACRIFICE MY CONSCIENCE FOR SUCCESS

“ When Dr. B. R. Ambedkar arrived at Wardha on 1st May 1936 in the morning, people of Depressed Classes welcomed him with great enthusiasm. During the stay of Dr. Ambedkar at Wardha ‘Nirbhaya Tarun Sangh’ took precaution in all respects. Dr. Ambedkar also visited Nalwadi. At 11.30 a.m. Depressed Classes leaders namely Purushottam Khaparde, Shankarrao Sonawane, Gomaji Tembhare discussed the issue of conversion with Dr. Ambedkar who stated in unequivocal terms that, ‘I do not promote Islam or Christian religions to anybody as yet. If anybody with his own responsibility promotes Islam or any other religion, he will be cheated for which I shall not be responsible. It is a fact that I have declared about conversion. But I have not said to adopt any particular religion as yet. Till that time all should carry out propaganda about conversion but they should not propagate any particular religion. When I declare, then only we all seven crore Untouchables convert at a time.’

Thereafter Dr. Ambedkar discussed with other Untouchable leaders privately.” 1 Keer narrated the visit of Dr. Ambedkar at Wardha as follow :

“About this time Gandhi camp was also disturbed by Dr. Ambedkar’s activities. Dr. Ambedkar was therefore persuaded by Seth Walchand Hirachand to see Gandhi. Accompanied by Walchand, Dr. Ambedkar met Gandhi at Wardha and then at Segaon,* but they could not agree on the solution to the problem. Gandhi wrongly thought that there were many influences in India and London acting behind 1 : Daily Maharashtra, Nagpur, dated 6th May 1936. Reprinted : Kosare, P. 296.

*Later it was called Sevagram.

Dr. Ambedkar and the problem had been allowed to assume unduly large proportions because of his threats.* On his way back from Segaon, Dr. Ambedkar was received enthusiastically at Wardha station by the Depressed Classes. Walchand Hirachand and Jamnalal Bajaj, the millionaire supporters of Gandhi, asked Dr. Ambedkar why he did not join Gandhi’s camp, so that he might have boundless resources at his disposal for the uplift of the Depressed Classes. Dr. Ambedkar told them frankly that he vitally differed from Gandhi on many points. Upon this they referred to Nehru and asked him to emulate his example by putting aside his own views. He silenced them by saying that he was not a man to whom Nehru’s case would apply and added that he could not sacrifice his conscience for success.

The millionaires showed their surprise at the crowds of the Depressed Classes that had gathered to receive Dr. Ambedkar, and they remarked that although they spent money on their cause the Harijans did not respond to them properly. Dr. Ambedkar at once answered that it was the difference between a mother and a nurse.” 1 zz

*Gandhi. M. K., Letters to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel P. 115.

1. : Keer, Pp 268-269.