Jayashree Award for Dr. G.A. Biradar

                                      

       English Book “Mahatma Gandhi’s Campaign Against Untouchability in Karnataka”, authored by Dr. G.A. Biradar, bagged Jayashree Award, instituted by Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, Bangalore. The award was conferred on Dr. G.A. Biradar by D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Gandhi Bhavan, Bangalore. The award presentation ceremony was presided over by B.S. Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister of Karnatakata. Dr. G.A. Biradar is working as an Archivist, at National Archives of India, New Delhi. Having a Masters Degree in from Gulbarga University Dr. Biradar has published many research books including ‘Mumbai Karnatakadalli Savinaya Kanoonubhanga Chalavali’ {Abhiruchi Prakashan},  ‘Karnatakada Sardar Patel- Channabasappa Ambli’ {Udaya Prakashan}, ‘Karnataka Bhushana-Srinivas Rao Kowjalgi’ (under publication) etc. Presently, Dr. G.A. Biradar is working on “Mahatma Gandhi in Bombay Presidency”.

                                           

Dr. G.A. Biradar (right) receiving  the award from
Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Chief Minister of Karnataka

       The Book

Dr. G.A. Biradar’s book elaborately documents the considerable efforts put in by Mahatma Gandhi, to visit various parts of Karnataka, propagating the need for eradicating the inhuman practice of untouchability, by uplifting the living conditions of the Harijans, by facilitating financial assistance for them.  At the very outset, the author enthusiastically acclaims Karnataka as the abode of a great number of religious reformers, who had already tried to alleviate the sufferings of the untouchability.  It is the land where the Vachanakaras like Basavanna had brought about a social revolution through their movements unparalleled in human history.  Biradar’s book renders the vivid details about Gandhi’s visits to various parts of Karnataka and the royal manner in which he was received everywhere. 

         Mahatma Gandhi’s campaign in Karnataka was followed by the political leaders of India - irrespective of casts and creed - attempting to reform the Hindu society through legislative measures in the subsequent days.  But they did not have an immediate effect.  The untouchability Abolition Bill was introduced in 1933 in the Madras Legislative Assembly for adoption.  But the bill was lapsed. The book, towards the end gives a picture of the balanced views of people from different sections of the society, and the eminent leaders of various communities and bureaucrats.  Most of the educated Hindus were in favour of the Bill to provide for the removal of social disabilities.

        Thus the book provides a comprehensive picture of the   attempts that were made by Mahatma Gandhi together with the leaders of Karnataka to eradicate the evil practice of     untouchability prevalent in the Hindu society.  Though there were some stray protests and deliberate withdrawal of the Harijans, it was a great success.  This historic movement is something to be recorded and documented for the future     generation, and for this reason, Dr. G.A. Biradar’s book should undoubtedly be appreciated.  His simple and unassuming style of presentation and lucidity of expression gives an experience of a smooth and pleasant reading to any kind of reader.

“This is most important intervention into debates about the history of the social reform of caste, and of untouchablity. The book focuses on the little known episode of untouchability reform during the anticolonial period in the Karnataka region, an area with a long history of anti-caste protest dating back to Basavanna. Dr. Biradar deftly draws on previously unknown archival materials to shed new light on the development of the anti-untouchability movement in Karnataka, and reveals Gandhi's signal role in the development of the movement in this region. The book thus brings an understudied region within the purview of Gandhian politics, caste history, and the history of anticolonialism more broadly” opine critics.                       

      The book is an exemplary work of documentary nature providing the researchers working in Polity and History, Socio-Economic System, Human Rights and Ethics etc. with the primary data.

      The entire fabric of book is being dealt pursuance to upliftment of Harijan, empowerment of women and weaker section. It would have most useful book to students, children, academicians, working institutions and research scholars all over the world.