1. According to Mahatma Gandhi, untouchability is a sin. In 1920 A.D., Non- Cooperation Movement was started, against the British government, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Elimination of untouchability from the society was also included in the guidelining programme of this movement. One Sammelan of people of scheduled castes was held at Nagpur in 1920 A.D. Mahatma Gandhi criticised untouchability in this Sammelan. He was of the view at that concept of untouchability among Hindus is the largest sin of India. But Mahatma Gandhi was hurt by the fact that not enough steps were taken by the Congress in Non-Cooperation Movement for the elimination of untouchability from society. That’s why, Non-Cooperation Movement was not supported by the people of scheduled castes. According to them, the British rule was much better than Hindu-Swaraj.
2. When Non-Cooperation Movement was stopped in its half way, then Mahatma Gandhi ordered the Congress organization that they should organize people of scheduled castes for their interests and they should take some steps to improve social, mental and moral condition of these people. They should be provided all such facilities which are already available for other people.
3. The Congress kept 49.5 lakh rupees for the welfare programmes of scheduled castes from 1921 to 1923 A.D. but only 43,881 rupees were spent on them. Yet people of scheduled castes didn’t participate in the Non-Cooperation movement started by Mahatma Gandhi but still Mahatma Gandhi did a lot for the welfare of these people.
Some important works done by Mahatma Gandhi. Some of the important works done by Mahatma Gandhi for the welfare of untouchables, are given below :
- Gandhiji said that untouchables were the children of God and said that they should be equally treated by society.
- Gandhiji started his journey from Vardha for the welfare of untouchables. Wherever he had gone, he asked the people to open the doors of schools and temples for the backward classes.
- He also stressed that untouchables should not be stopped from using roads, wells and other public places.
- He also collected funds during his journeys for the welfare of backward classes. Speeches of Mahatma Gandhi were opposed at some places by the conservative Hindus. Even efforts were made to throw bomb on him at Pune. But the conservatives did not get any success.
