Question

Mention any three efforts of gandhiji to get harijans their rights

Answer 1

Social reforms were an integral part of gandhiji's struggle for freedom. He believed Swarsj would not come for hundred years if the succour of untouchability was not eliminated.

Gandhi called the untouchables 'Harijans' ,children of God.

Organised satyagraha to secure for them entry into temples and access to public weells, tanks, roads and schools.

He himself cleaned toilets to dignify the work of a 'Bhangi'.

Appealed to the heart of the upper castes for change of heart, and persuaded them to give up the sin of Untouchability.

When Dalits under the leadership of B.R. Ambedkar organised the depressed classes association in 1930, demanding separate electorates, gandhi began fast unto death. He was prepared to sacrifce his life, to preserve the unity of society.

By the Poona pact of 1932 he persuaded the dalits to give up the demand of separate electorates and accept reserved seats in provincial and legislative councils to be voted by general electorates.

Answer 2

Mahatma Gandhi called the 'untouchables' Harijans, or the children of God' and

organised Satyagraha to allow Harijans' entry into temples.

(1) He himself cleaned toilets to dignify the work of the bhangi (the sweepers):

(i) He fought for their rights to use the public wells, tanks, roads and schools.

(iii) He convinced upper castes to change their hearts and give up 'the sin of

untouchability'