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welfare, you would then become our hero", Ambedkar complained. “Very sweet of you to say so”, Gandhi said. “I want political power for my community. That is indispensable for our survival. The basis of the agreement therefore should be: I should get what is due to me. I wish to tell the Hindus that I should be assured of my compensation." Ambedkar added. Gandhi said “You have clarified your position very beautifully. However, I should like to ask you one question... If I accept the primary election, the letter of my vow is not violated. I therefore accept the Clause but I would most certainly have to scrutinise its wording....I suspect something when you insist that the panel should consist only of three candidates. It does not give me sufficient place to turn in... I have to safeguard without any discrimination not the interest of one group alone but of the Depressed Class as a whole. I want to serve the untouchables. That is why I am not at all angry with you... when you use derogatory and angry words for me. I tell myself that I deserve that. I will not at all get angry even if you spit on my face. I say this with God as witness. I know that you have drunk deep of the poisoned cup. However, I make a claim, which will seem astounding to you. You are born an untouchable but I am an untouchable by adoption. As a new convert I feel more for the welfare of the community than those who are already there... You spoke the truth when you said that the welfare of untouchables is dearer to you than my own life. But do not be false to Harijans... Without eradicating untouchability, root and branch, the honour of Hindus cannot be saved. That can only happen when untouchables are treated at par with caste Hindus in every respect. A person who is regarded as *unseeable' today should also have the opportunity to become the Viceroy of India. I had said in the first political speech I made on coming to India that I would like to make a Bhangi the President of the Congress.....About other issues you should put the Hindu Community on its honour....I know that the country will be ruined if I swerve from the stand I have taken." Whist other members of the Committee wished that the right to vote for the Constitution should be given to the people every five years, Ambedkar and his group insisted on a period of ten years.
Pg. 118 | Gandhi & Jainism
| SR No. | 007798 |
| Book Title | Gandhi And Jainism |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Shugan C Jain |
| Publisher | International School for Jain Studies |
| Publication Year | 2017 |
| Total Pages | 339 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 120 MB |