Question

Who founded the ‘All India Harijan Samaj’ in 1932?
(A) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(B) Acharya Narendra Dev
(C) Mahatma Gandhi
(D) Jagjivan Ram

Answer 1

Hint: To eradicate untouchability in India and work for the upliftment of the depressed classes of India Harijan Sevak Sangh, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1932.

Complete step-by-step solution:
In August 1932, Ramsay MacDonald, the British Prime Minister, reported a plan of the portrayal of the minorities which came to be known as the Communal Award. The award not only continued the existing separate electorates for the Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and the Europeans but also extended it to the depressed classes (scheduled castes). Gandhi Ji was upset over this expansion of the rule of mutual portrayal to the discouraged classes and embraced a quick unto passing in Yerwada Jail, Poona to get the honor adjusted. At last, there was an agreement between the leaders of the Congress party and Ambedkar on 24th September 1932, which was known as the Poona pact. The agreement gave reserved seats to the depressed classes and retained the Hindu joint electorate. On 30th September Gandhi Ji founded the All India Untouchability League, to eradicate untouchability and work for the upliftment of the depressed classes, this organization was later named the Harijan Sevak Sangh which translates to ‘Servants of Untouchables Society’. At that time, its founding president was Industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla and Amritlal Takkar was its secretary.

Thus, option (C) is correct.

Note: This organization has its branches in 26 states across India and is headquartered at Kingsway Camp in Delhi. It has helped the depressed classes gain access to many public places like temples, schools, water resources, etc. It also conducted several temple entry movements, inter-dining, and inter-caste marriages.