(An Undelivered Speech-Annihilation of Caste, 1936)

Know truth as truth and untruth as untruth.
-Buddha

He that will not reason is a bigot.
He that cannot reason is a fool.
He that dare not reason is a slave.
-H. Drummond

Why Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Canceled His Speech? (Annihilation of Caste)

Background

Dr. Ambedkar was invited by the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal, a progressive Hindu reformist group (goal is to eradicate the caste system among Hindus), to deliver a speech at their annual conference. However, when the organizers read his draft, they found his views on caste and Hinduism too radical and unacceptable. They demanded changes, which Dr. Ambedkar refused. Instead, he self-published the speech under the title Annihilation of Caste.

“Breaking caste requires destroying the religious beliefs that support it—not just promoting inter-caste dinners or marriages. I included this point in my speech not just because they are important but because they are essential to understand how to break the caste system.”
—Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Objections from the Organizers

Lahore, 22 April 1936

Dear Dr. Ambedkar,

We were surprised by the second part of your address, as it has made the speech very long. We worry that very few people will read it in its entirety. Moreover, you have stated multiple times in your address that you plan to leave the Hindu religion and that this would be your last speech as a Hindu. You have also criticized the morality and reasoning of the Vedas and other Hindu religious texts and discussed technical aspects of Hinduism that are not directly related to the topic of the conference. Some parts of the address seem irrelevant and off-topic.

We would have been happy if you had kept your address as it was in the first draft or added only a few paragraphs about Brahminism. The final part, which speaks about the complete rejection of Hinduism, criticizes Hindu scriptures, and hints at your intention to leave Hinduism, does not seem relevant.

I humbly request, on behalf of the conference organizers, that you leave out these sections and focus on what was in the original draft or make minor additions on Brahminism. Making the address overly provocative may not be wise. Many of us share your views and would like to support you in reforming Hinduism. If you had decided to lead a movement against the caste system, many from Punjab would have joined you enthusiastically.

We had hoped you would guide us in eradicating the caste system, especially since you have studied the issue deeply. Your leadership could inspire a great effort for change. However, repeatedly declaring your intention to leave Hinduism might lose its impact over time.

I request you to reconsider and make your address more focused. You could emphasize your willingness to lead the fight against the caste system if Hindus are ready to work sincerely for this cause, even if it requires sacrifices. I am confident that such an approach would receive strong support from Punjab.

Your work on the caste system is exceptional and surpasses anything written so far. It will remain a valuable contribution, and we are deeply grateful for your efforts.

Thank you for your kindness, and best wishes.

Yours sincerely,
Har Bhagwan

Dr. Ambedkar’s Response

27 April 1936

Dear Mr. Har Bhagwan,

I received your letter dated 22 April and regret to note that the Reception Committee of the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal would rather postpone the conference indefinitely if I insist on printing my speech as it is. In response, I must inform you that I also prefer to cancel the conference if the Mandal insists on editing my speech to suit its preferences.

I had previously mentioned to Mr. Sant Ram that caste cannot be destroyed by inter-caste dining or marriage but by eradicating the religious beliefs that sustain it.

Moreover, I wrote this section because it was necessary to complete the argument. I find it astonishing that the committee calls this part “irrelevant.” As a lawyer, I understand what is relevant, and this portion is crucial because it discusses how to dismantle the caste system. You may disagree with my conclusions, but you cannot say they are irrelevant to the subject of caste.

I request that you announce the cancellation of the conference immediately. Even if the Mandal accepts my speech as it is, I no longer wish to preside.

Thank you for acknowledging the effort I put into preparing the speech. While this effort was challenging for my health, I gained from the experience, even if no one else does.

Yours sincerely,
B.R. Ambedkar

The Unavoidable Disappointment

Unfortunately, this has ended in disappointment. But what else can be expected from the difficult relationship between reform-minded caste Hindus and the self-respecting Untouchables? The reformers among caste Hindus do not want to upset their orthodox counterparts, while the Untouchables have no choice but to demand real reform.