INDIAN UNREST.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18875, 20 February 1933, Page 8

INDIAN UNREST.

.CASTE QUESTION REVIVED.

f BILL BEFORE ASSEMBLY. ORTHODOX HINDUS ALARMED. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb. 20, 12.30 p.m.), CALCUTTA, Fe'b. 19. A Bill now before the Legislative Assembly seeking to remove the social bans on the “ untouchable ” caste and grant them the right of worship In the temples, which were hitherto reserved exclusively to Hindu orthodox worshippers, is creating a tremendous upheaval in Hinduism throughout India. Gandhi’s reform movement which appeared to be declining a few months ago has been vigorously revived and threatens to thrust constitutional and economic questions into the background, as far as Hindu society is concerned. Dr. Am'berdkar, the leader of the untouchables ” declares that he is out to destroy the caste system. He bitterly attacks the orthodox “ concession”, to the “untouchables” of the right to enter the temples and threatens that lie and his followers will either reconstruct Hinduism or find another religion.

The majority of orthodox Hindus, who have hitherto favoured a partial abolition of the caste system are alarmed by Dr. Am'berdkar’s declaration. 'He is suddenly revealed as a fighting labour leader with* a potential host of 40,000,000 unemancipated ferfs behind him.