MR GANDHI’S THREAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 6, 5 December 1932, Page 6

MR GANDHI’S THREAT.

Speaking from the seclusion of his prison home, the Indian Nationalist leader, Mr Gandhi, has reiterated his intention to again fast at the New Year unless the Hindu temple at Guruvayur in Madras is opened for the admission of the untouchables, or the depressed classes, which are a blot upon Indian civilisation. These unfortunate people are denied the right of worship in the Hindu temples which are reserved for the exclusive use of the orthodox Hindus, and it is a grave offence for any one of them to cast a shadow across the path of the high caste members of the race. A crisis arose last month when a Hindu Rajah, as the trustee of the temple at Calicut in the Madras Presidency, refused admission to the outcasts. _ One of their members immediately commenced a fast as a protest, but on receiving- an appeal from his leader resumed his normal life. At the same time Mr Gandhi said he would join witli him as a matter of honour in a fast if the temple were not opened to the untouchables by Januar3 r 1. It is Mr Gandhi’s contention that orthodox Hinduism is overwhelmingly in favour of these people whose rights he now professes to champion, and that the sacrifice of his life would be of inestimable benefit to Hinduism in India and to the world. It is evident, however, that there is still a considerable rift among- Hindus regarding this vital matter in India’s national life. Mr Gandhi’s previous fast was aimed at the British Government’s plan to provide for the depressed classes in the proposed new scheme of Government, the basis of his protest being that in the creation of separate electorates a wedge was being driven into Hinduism. In line with its policy the Government left the matter to the Hindu leaders to reach an agreement satisfactory to each side, and to the British authorities. This, it was hoped, had been achieved in the conferences of three months ago, but it is obtfious that orthodox Hinduism and the depressed classes are still rent asunder, and the blot upon India’s escutcheon is not being removed. With the India Round Table Conference again assembled in London to work out essential details in the great scheme to give India self-govern-ment, it will be most unfortunate if another serious crisis is created in a death fast by Mr Gandhi.