Literally, I was answerless. I had no idea.
That question triggered me to learn and acquire more and more knowledge about Dr.Ambedkar.
Since then, today I am quite able to answer almost every such question that is thrown to me.
Today I want to share with you his contribution towards society for equality and justice, his struggle for water.
We all know that Mr.Gandhi had conducted a Dandi March in March 1930 for Salt. We all are aware about this event. Wide spread photographs of Dandi March are available across the country. (Because it is highlighted in textbooks.)
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How many of you know about Mahad March? Mahad Satyagraha?? It was conducted 03 years before Dandi March – In March 1927.
Not more, only a century ago, in this country, a large unprivileged segment of some classes did not have the right to use the water from public tanks or lakes or public water places. One such Chavdar Lake was in Mahad, District Raigarh of Maharashtra. Dalits (untouchables) were not allowed to use the water of that lake. Animals were permitted to drink that water, human beings were not !! Was it not a serious issue?
Against this, to allow untouchables to use water in Mahad, Dr.Ambedkar led a non violent satyagraha. Dr.Ambedkar drank water from the tank and thousands of untouchables followed him. The followers and supporters of Dr.Ambedkar were beaten, threatened and humiliated. But the followers tolerated and acted non violently.
To purify the tank cow-urine and cow-dung were used. 108 pots containing a mixture of these products were emptied into the tank while Brahmins recited mantras. The tank was then declared fit for so-called upper caste hindu consumption.
You see, urine and dung were used to purify water!! What to say !!
Mahad Satyagraha was a decade-long struggle. It was in December 1937, when the Bombay High Court ruled that untouchables have the right to use water from the tank.
To commemorate this Satyagraha, 20 March is observed as Social Empowerment Day in India.
How many of you know about this Satyagraha? Why don't we know about this event? The reason is that such Satyagrahas led by Dr.Ambedkar are not included in the curriculum of schools and colleges. How can you ignore such a remarkable event that was held for a basic necessity like water?!?!
Answer honestly, what is more important for life?? Salt or Water???
I would be grateful if your can answer it in the comment section.
"Jay BheemRao"
