AFTER MOTHER INDIA

Another memorial, presented to the Indian Statu-
tory Commission, this time by the 'Untouchables of
Bombay Presidency,5 affirms :

Though Government have taken special pre-
cautions to root out all distinctions of touchability
and untouchability, so far as the sacred precincts
of Education are concerned, yet the arrogant
castefolks (both Brahmins and Non-Brahmins)
with their prejudices against our race, are nullify-
ing the objects of Government in a thousand
and one ways. They cannot oppose Government
openly ; but they lack no means to discourage and
debar our children from receiving education in
schools side by side with their children. . . They
terrorise many illiterate and ignorant parents not
to send their untouchable children to the common
schools. Why, even threats of setting fire to our
huts are hurled in case we went against their will.
In many cases, the touchables prevail upon the
parents to sign documents and memorials purport-
ing to request Government not to force them to
send their children to common schools. If the un-
touchable parents, taking a bold stand on the or8ers
of Government, persist in sending their children
to common schools, the touchables forthwith
withdraw their children and thus carry their point.1

Regarding those comparatively few teachers who
have risen from the ranks of the outcastes, this memo-,
rial adds:

1 As reported and quoted In The Pioneer, Allahabad, June
1928.

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