what was the opinion of Gandhiji about the Dalit community
Answers
Gandhi’s views on caste, untouchability and his legendary quarrels with Ambedkar are well-known. Many scholarly works have been produced on the subject. A more pertinent point to explore is how far Gandhi is now relevant to the Dalits’ struggle for equality and justice. The short answer is, not much.
Does one, then, reject Gandhi lock, stock and barrel? No.
It is one thing to conclude that Gandhi has nothing to offer to the future of Dalits and it is quite another to allege that he didn’t do anything to improve their condition. Does one’s disbelief in the ability of St Teresa to comfort the destitute of Calcutta amount to one’s dismissal of Mother Teresa’s service for decades? No.
It is the contention of this comment here that Gandhi and Gandhism offer ideologies and policy prescriptions that are not conducive to the welfare of Dalits. One, Gandhi’s stand on caste and untouchability need to be placed in its historical context, not as an absolute moral position. Two, we must situate Dalits in his worldview to examine if they can enjoy a place of dignity and equality.
Both during his South Africa days and after he moved to India, Gandhi positioned himself as the spokesman of Indians, whatever “Indians” meant at that time. As his involvement in the freedom struggle increased, his position graduated from merely seeking better conditions for Indians under British rule to demanding complete independence.