Question

Explain the contribution of Ghandhiji to uplift the position of Untouchabilites in the society

Answer 1

Gandhiji made an immense contribution towards the upliftment of untouchables in Indian society. In 1932, he launched a fast against the move to declare untouchables a separate electorate. Simultaneously, he urged Hindu society to reform itself and end the centuries old discrimination against the so called untouchables. At his urging, there was a upsurge of sentiment in favour of untouchables. Schools, colleges, temples and other public places that had been closed to untouchables were thrown open to them. Under his inspiration, the Harijan Sevak Sangh was formed to combat untouchability and a new newspaper, the Harijan, was launched to campaign against untouchability.