When Dr Ambedkar arrived at Wardha on 1st May 1936 in the morning, people of Depressed Classes welcomed him with great enthusiasm. During the stay of Dr Ambedkar at Wardha’ Nirbhaya Tarun Sangh’ took precautions in all respects. Dr Ambedkar also visited Nalwadi. At 11.30 a.m. Depressed Class leaders, namely Purushottam Khaparde, Shankarrao Sonawane, and Gomaji Tembhare, discussed the issue of conversion with Dr Ambedkar, who stated unequivocal terms that,
‘I do not promote Islam or Christian religions to anybody as yet. Suppose anybody with his own responsibility promotes Islam or any other religion. In that case, he will be cheated, for which I shall not be responsible. It is a fact that I have declared about conversion. Nevertheless, I have not said to adopt any particular religion as yet. All should carry out propaganda about conversion until that time, but they should not propagate any particular religion. When I declare, only we all seven crore Untouchables convert at a time.’
After that, Dr Ambedkar discussed with other Untouchable leaders privately.
Gandhi’s camp was also disturbed by Dr Ambedkar’s activities at this time. Seth Walchand Hirachand, therefore, persuaded Dr Ambedkar to see Gandhi. Accompanied by Walchand, Dr Ambedkar met Gandhi at Wardha and Sevagaon. However, they could not agree on a solution to the problem. Gandhi wrongly thought that there were many influences in India and London acting behind. Dr Ambedkar and the problem had been allowed to assume unduly large proportions because of his threats.
On his way back from Sevagaon, Dr Ambedkar was received enthusiastically at Wardha station by the Depressed Classes.
Walchand Hirachand and Jamnalal Bajaj, the millionaire supporters of Gandhi, asked Dr Ambedkar why he did not join Gandhi’s camp so that he might have unlimited resources at his disposal for the uplift of the Depressed Classes. Dr Ambedkar told them frankly that he vitally differed from Gandhi on many points. They referred to Nehru and asked him to emulate his example by putting aside his views. He silenced them by saying that he was not a man to whom Nehru’s case would apply and added that he could not sacrifice his conscience for success.
The millionaires showed their surprise at the crowds of the Depressed Classes that had gathered to receive Dr Ambedkar. They remarked that although they spent money on their cause, the Harijans did not respond to them appropriately. Dr Ambedkar at once answered that it was the difference between a mother and a nurse.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches Vol. 17 Part 3
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