Working man

These pages unfold the history of a great movement finding expression through Shri Jagjivan Ram. He emerged as the leader of the Harijans at a very crucial moment in our history. Indian Nationalism, the alien rulers of India felt, could be greatly weakened if the major constituent of the Nation, the Hindu society, could be disrupted. The skill and the resources of a powerful Government were directed towards that end. The first to sense that danger and avert it by putting his life to risk was Mahatmaji. Shri Jagjivan Ram has carried unfulfilled mission the of Bapu many stages further and has become the embodiment of Harijans hopes and aspirations, Endowed with a very sensitive soul, he was filled with anguish at the sad plight of the Harijans. Nurtured in the Sant tradition, he dreamed of founding a new religion for the salvation of the millions whose very spirits had been enslaved by Hindu orthodoxy.

The dream born out of the anguish of his heart found practical expression in his turning a social reformer while yet a school student. The evolution of the social reformer into a nationalist politician was the out come of mature reflection and the realisation that in a modern society politics had an all-embrasive character and covered all aspects of life. But politics has not changed Shri Ram. The vision of a casteless and democratic Hindu society continues to guide and inspire him.