Question

Mahatma Gandhi declared that Swaraj would not come in 400 years if untouchability was not eliminated what is the implication of the statement given by Gandhiji evaluate the role of Gandhi in elevating in the position of untouchables

Answer 1

The work of the Committee for the Removal of Untouchability had merged in the struggle for swaraj, as had happened with several other committees when the struggle was on. Untouchability had been quite forgotten at many places there. However, now that partial peace reigns the custom seems to be reviving. The Congress Working Committee has alerted the Committee for the Removal of Untouchability to deal with the situation. Shri Jamnalalji has been its President. We all know how, through his efforts and those of Swami Anand, the doors of several temples had been thrown open to the so-called untouchables. There is still much scope for effort in this direction and the effort should be made. A practice which has struck deep roots through the centuries is not likely to disappear all at once. It is difficult to open the eyes of a person who clings to irreligion taking it to be true religion. Such is the difficulty we experience regarding untouchability. All the same the progress achieved in this matter and the awakening noticed among Hindus raise our hopes. We do not now find many persons supporting untouchability or believing that the practice is so deeply rooted that it can never be eradicated. However, we should not allow ourselves to be deceived by that progress. The Untouchability Removal Committee will not let us rest in false hope.