Voice of the “Depressed"

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5614, 31 March 1931, Page 7

Voice of the “Depressed"

INDIA’S GRAVE PROBLEMS. The representative of 43,000,000 of the ‘ ‘ depressed ’ ’ classes of India at the recent Round Table Conference, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar has no illusions about his position in India. Ho speaks perfect English, and is a Master of Arts, a Doctor of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Science of London University. “Here in London,” he says, “I am treated as an equal, not only by British statesmen, but by my fellow delegates. But when I return to India I shall simply be a member of the ‘depressed’ classes, and Ruling Princes who acknowledge me in London will not do so in India. The Ruling Princes will fight for caste till the end. Our appeal is to the British people. Is it iheir wish that these helpless millions should continue to be outcasts from society? “Our leaders grow in numbers. Young men are escaping from the villages and getting their education in the towns. They, too, will figlht to the end for those who cannot fight for themselves. We have pleaded for these people with all our strength at the conference. Wo get sympathy, but sympathy is not enough. Something must be done, and done soon, and if our ciy for justice, made to tho people of this great Empire, remains unheard, those who, all over India, are waiting to know their fate will not be content to accept the verdict. But if nothing is done at the conference, something will be done —in India. ’ ’