Poona Pact 1932 and upliftment of ‘Harijans’

Topic: Indian National Movement

Explanation:
In the aftermath of the Poona Pact of 1932, Mahatma Gandhi placed a renewed and determined focus on the social and political betterment of the Harijans, a term he used to refer to the Dalits or Depressed Classes. This pact emerged as a resolution to the controversy surrounding the British Communal Award, which had proposed separate electorates for the Depressed Classes—a move intended to ensure their political representation but one that Gandhi firmly opposed.

The Poona Pact was signed on September 24, 1932, in Yerwada Central Jail, Pune, between Madan Mohan Malviya and B.R. Ambedkar. This was signed while Mahatma Gandhi was lodged in Yerwada Central Jail, Pune. The agreement was signed Madan Mohan Malviya and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and some Dalit leaders at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune, to break Mahathma Gandhi’s fast unto death.

Also read: Poona Pact 1932

Gandhi believed that creating separate electorates based on caste distinctions would deepen existing social divisions within Hindu society and weaken efforts toward unity. In protest, he began a fast unto death while imprisoned in the Yerwada Central Jail. This act of nonviolent resistance drew national and international attention, eventually prompting negotiations between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the prominent Dalit leader and social reformer. Their dialogue culminated in the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with a system of reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within the general Hindu electorate—an arrangement both parties agreed upon as a compromise.

Following this turning point, Gandhi became increasingly dedicated to eradicating untouchability and promoting the integration of Dalits into mainstream Indian society. He initiated various efforts to improve their social standing, education, and access to public resources. Notably, he established the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932, an organization aimed at promoting social reform and supporting the welfare of marginalized communities. Additionally, Gandhi launched a weekly publication titled “Harijan”, through which he voiced his concerns, spread awareness, and advocated for the dignity and rights of Dalits.

This period marked a significant shift in Gandhi’s approach to social reform, as he sought to address the deep-rooted inequalities within Indian society while maintaining a unified national struggle against colonial rule.

Source(s): ” Comprehensive Modern Indian History : From 1707 to The Modern Times“ written by Brijesh Singh, published by S Chand.