Explanation
The
Poona Pact (1932) marked a crucial turning point in Gandhi’s engagement with the issue of
untouchability, transforming it into a central part of his
social and political programme.
The immediate context was the
Communal Award, which proposed
separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. Gandhi strongly opposed this, fearing it would
fragment Hindu society, and undertook a
fast unto death in Yerwada Jail.
The compromise reached through the
Poona Pact with
B.R. Ambedkar replaced separate electorates with
reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within the general electorate.
After this episode, Gandhi intensified his efforts against untouchability:
He launched a nationwide
Harijan movement
Established the
Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932)
Promoted
temple entry, social equality, and dignity for the oppressed
Thus, it was after the
Poona Pact that Gandhi formally integrated
Harijan upliftment into his broader national programme.