A collection of Babasaheb at the British library in London. Found a historical photo of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Round table conference photo is readily available in the public domain. But many may not have seen this photo of Babasaheb with Indian franchise committee or Lothian committee.
This photo tells an important stage in the conflict between untouchables. It was admitted when the population of untouchables was about 5 crore till 1929. However, when the Lothian Committee moved across various regions in India, many witnesses claimed untouchables did not exist or very few in their territories. Babasaheb had never thought that Hindu society would go to such low level and deny the existence of untouchability. In some provinces, “no behind untouchability” were being made with shameless statements! The reason behind all of this is clear. After 1932, the untouchables were to be represented in politics and the standards were set by their population. So they were openly lied to reduce their representation.
In such a situation, Babasaheb tried tirelessly to give a place to true figures in the Lothian Committee report. Due to their efforts, the official population of untouchables was permanently registered in the Indian Government Act of 1935. Which saved the future of our political rights.
Babasaheb finally talks about this struggle,
“If untouchables are not making noise, then Hindus are not ashamed of their condition and completely indifferent about their numbers. Whether it’s thousands or millions, he doesn’t care. But if the untouchable rises and demands approval, he is willing to deny their existence, deny their responsibility, and share their power without any regret or regret.”
-Author:- Bodhi Ramteke
Babasaheb Ambedkar at the British Library: The Hidden Story Behind Untouchable Representation
