In Nashik, Damu and Sonu became actively involved in the movement for temple entry inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar's call for equality and human rights. They joined hundreds of Mahars who gathered for meetings, passionately participating in the satyagraha that emphasized the right of untouchables to worship in Hindu temples, asserting that they were deserving of equal treatment as human beings. On the day of the agitation, thousands gathered, united under Babasaheb's leadership, who spoke fervently about the struggle for equal rights. This movement culminated in a massive march towards the Kala Ram temple, symbolizing their collective demand for dignity and access.
During the peaceful sit-in at the temple gates, the protesters faced armed police and hostility from upper-caste individuals. Despite the tensions, Damu and Sonu, along with their fellow activists, remained determined and resolved to continue their fight, embodying the spirit that Babasaheb had instilled in them. They endured several days of resistance, marked by strong emotions and fervent expressions of solidarity, yet also encountered sympathetic individuals in the broader community who recognized the unjust treatment faced by the untouchables.
Throughout this period, the agitation was met with pressure from some leaders within the Indian National Congress who urged Babasaheb to withdraw from the movement. However, he steadfastly refused, insisting that they could no longer accept the denial of their basic human rights. The struggle intensified when temple priests allowed only high castes to enter on Ram Navami, triggering outrage among the masses that eventually led to altercations, injuries, and a temporary halt to the agitation as police intervened.
After returning to their hometown in Kurla, Damu and Sonu found themselves grappling with severe economic hardships. Damu faced exploitation and unemployment, while Sonu took up work in a matchbox factory to keep the family afloat. The strain of financial struggles began to weigh heavily on Damu, leading to declining health and a sense of despair. In this vulnerable state, Laxman, a family friend, revealed Damu's suicidal thoughts to Sonu, raising alarms within their close-knit circle.
As Damu contemplated his life choices, he expressed a longing for spicy mutton mince, a reminder of his past comforts. Sonu, determined to care for her husband, fulfilled this wish, and against the odds, Damu recovered and returned to the workforce. However, the relief was short-lived as he continued to battle unemployment, compounded by pressure from his mother about finding stable work. Reluctantly, Damu sought assistance from Tau Master, who not only praised his past contributions to the Kala Ram temple agitation but also informed him about Babasaheb's advocacy at the Round Table Conference. Tau Master introduced Damu to "Janata," a newspaper reflecting Babasaheb's initiatives for the Dalit community. Inspired by Babasaheb's dedication, Damu resolved to prioritize his family's well-being while remaining committed to the broader social movement.
Amidst his struggles, Damu took part in a black flag demonstration against Mahatma Gandhi upon his return from London, symbolizing the persistent tensions between different approaches to Dalit issues. Soon, a distant relative named RD came to stay with Damu and Sonu, adding to their household dynamics. Damu took it upon himself to help RD prepare for a job interview, reflecting his desire to uplift others even in their challenging circumstances.
Seeking guidance once more, Damu engaged in discussions with Tau Master about the differences between Gandhiji and Babasaheb's philosophies, particularly regarding the terms “Harijan” and separate electorates. Tau Master assured Damu that he could help secure a job for him at United Mills, leading to a new chapter in Damu's life. As he began to excel at his role there, he found joy in his work and the support of Sonu visiting him at the mill.
Despite their efforts to stabilize their lives, societal pressure loomed over Sonu as she faced insults for not conceiving. Damu fiercely defended her against the expectation to take another wife, demonstrating his commitment to their partnership. Tragically, the weight of their struggles culminated in a work accident where Damu lost his thumb and was dismissed from his job, marking yet another significant challenge in their tumultuous journey.
Damu's journey towards education began when he was challenged by a figure he referred to as Tau Master. Tau Master criticized Damu for not being able to read well and emphasized the importance of setting an example for his future children. Motivated, Damu dedicated himself to reading the newspaper diligently, following each line with his finger. Inspired by the story of Mahatma Phule and his wife Savitri, who faced societal backlash for educating women, Damu engaged his wife Sonu in the endeavor. He provided her with a slate and chalk, facilitating her learning each night after dinner. Initially met with skepticism from their mother, who questioned the need for Sonu's education, Damu persisted, firmly believing that if Sonu learned to read and write, their children would inevitably achieve greater opportunities. However, the discussion between them revealed a deeper tension about their aspirations, especially when their family life still lacked children.
By 1935, the national freedom struggle had diminished, and Damu felt the political landscape changing, particularly in relation to Babasaheb Ambedkar's efforts. With Babasaheb's new position as principal at Government Law College in Mumbai, Damu observed the dwindling momentum of their Dalit movement. Despite attempts at protests, legal barriers stalled significant actions, leading to an atmosphere of frustration and uncertain speculation about Babasaheb's next steps. This atmosphere intensified when rumors spread that Babasaheb was contemplating a radical decision regarding conversion away from Hinduism, igniting discussions and debates amongst the community. The potential for change loomed large, with Damu eager to discern the truth, prompting him to seek insights from Upshum Guruji and others in the activist circle.
As Damu and others prepared for a crucial conference, they experienced a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. The day of the gathering found thousands of delegates eager to hear from Babasaheb. His speech underscored the suffering the Dalits had endured at the hands of the upper castes, and he proposed a bold new direction—the renunciation of Hinduism in favor of a faith that could offer them equality. His declaration left many in a state of shock, sparking a wide array of emotions, from admiration to skepticism. The weight of Babasaheb's words resonated deeply, emphasizing the need to shift energies from fruitless pursuits to education and empowerment as the path towards true freedom.
In Damu’s personal life, the influence of educational aspiration continued to challenge gender norms within his household. Despite the societal expectations that relegated women to a less significant role, Damu’s insistence on educating his wife reflected a progressive shift. However, he faced resistance and criticism, particularly from his family, revealing the deeply entrenched patriarchal values that persisted. Balancing his desires for both progress and acceptance in his domestic life, Damu's pursuit of knowledge bore witness to his broader ideological aspirations.
Over time, as Damu engaged with the teachings of Babasaheb, he began to confront his own feelings and societal conditioning. In moments of emotional liberation, he recognized his desire to articulate his opinions and define his identity outside the roles assigned to him. These realizations culminated in a profound sense of pride and responsibility towards his family and community, a feeling amplified by the transformative experiences at key events where Babasaheb spoke about the liberation of Dalits. Embracing the teachings of Babasaheb, Damu resolved to prioritize education for his children, acknowledging it as the key to fulfilling their potential and achieving equality in society. With a vision to carry forward Babasaheb’s legacy, Damu found purpose in ensuring that the aspirations of his community persisted, anchored in the promise of education and justice for all.
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