If the Hindu religion is to be their religion, then it must become a religion of Social. Equality. The mere amendment of Hindu religious code by the mere inclusion in it of a provision to permit try for all, cannot make 4 religion of equality of social status, Ail that it can do is to recognize them as nationals and not aliens, if I may use in this connection terms which have become so familiar in politics, But that cannot mean that they would thereby reach a position where they would be free and equal! without being above or below anyone else, for the simple reason” that the Hindu religion does not recognize the principles of equality of social status: on the other hand it fosters inequality by insisting upon grading people as Brahmins Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, which now stand towards one another in an ascending scale of hatred and descending scale of contempt.
If the Hindu religion is to be a religion of social equality then an amendment of its code to provide temple entry is not enough. What is required is to purge it of the doctrine of Chaturvama. That is the root cause of all inequality and also the parent of the caste system and Untouchability, which are merely forms of inequality, Unless it is done not only will the Depressed Classes reject Temple Entry they will also reject the Hindu faith. Chaturvarna and the Caste System are incompatible with the self-respect of the Depressed Classes; Depressed Classes must continue to be looked upon as low. The Depressed Classes can say that they are Hindus only when the theory of Chaturvarna and Caste System is abandoned and expunged from the Hindu Shastras. Do the Mahatma and the Hindu reformers accept this as their goal and will they show the courage to work for it? I shall look forward to their pronouncements on this issue, before I decide upon my final attitude. But whether Mahatma Gandhi and the Hindus are prepared for this or not, let it be known once and for all that nothing short of this will satisfy the Depressed Classes and make them accept Temple Entry. To accept temple entry and be content: with it, is to temporize with evil and barter away the sacredness of human personality that dwells in them. There is, however, one argument which Mahatma Gandhi and the reforming Hindus may advance against the position I have taken, they may say: “acceptance by the Depressed Classes of Temple Entry now, will not prevent them from agitating hereafter for the abolition of Chaturvama and Caste.” If that is their view, [like to meet the argument right at this stage so as to clinch the issue and clear the road for future developments. My reply is that it is true that my right to agitate for the abolition of Chaturvarna and Caste System will not be lost, if 1 accept Temple Entry now. But the question is on what side Mahatma Gandhi will be at the time when the question is put. If he will be in the camp of my Opponents, I must tell him that I cannot be in his camp now. If he will be in my camp he ought to be in it now.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 23, 1994
