Here is your essay on non-governmental efforts to eradicate Untouchability in India !
Besides the Governmental efforts, some non- Governmental efforts have been made by different individuals and organizations for the eradication of untouchability. In this connection, the efforts made by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Thakkar Bapa, Narayan Guru, Vivekananda. Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Daynanda Saraswoti are noteworthy.
Gandhiji had long back observed, ” I believe in the justice and necessity of removing untouchability, without its removal, Swaraj would be a meaningless term” He therefore, strongly pleaded that “opening of tile roads is not the fine but the first step in the ladder of reforms. Temples, public wells and public schools must be opened to the untouchables equally with caste Hindus” He further said that “There could be no rest therefore for me or for those who by word of mouth or so of hand willing endorsed the resolution, until untouchability, becomes a thing of the past.” Narayan Guru preached “Gospel of one caste, one religion and one God”.
Swamy Dayananda Saraswoti through his Arya Samaj preached the notion of equality, liberty and fraternity among the Hindu castes. Besides, various voluntary organisations also in their private capacity have made notable efforts to uplift the position of untouchables in the society.
The chief among them are the Harijan Sevak Sangh, the Depressed Class Union, the Social Service League, the Scheduled Castes Federation, the Depressed classes League, Andhra Deen Seva Sangh, the Depressed Classes Conference and so on. In 1932, Harijan Sevak Sangh was established by Thakkar Bapa.
It achieved maximum in the eradication of untouchability. As a result of the efforts made by the Harijan Sevak Sangh temples public places, schools and colleges were opened for the Harijans. All the efforts made by these voluntary organizations were oriented to the emancipation of the untouchables in the national mainstream.