Communalism and loyalty
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Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only BenefitsTHE Viceroy’s reply to the Bombay non-Brahmin deputation last week throws interesting light upon the communal policy of the government. Both in Bombay and Madras, the political progress of the people is hampered by non-Brahmin separatism, encouraged by the government on the ostensible ground that non-Brahmin Hindus are backward in education and other respects. The Bombay non-Brahmins, in their address to His Excellency, had asked for a greater share of employment under the government and for a larger representation for themselves in public bodies than are accorded to them at present. The Viceroy asked them to utilise the opportunities given to them for education more largely than at present and added: “I have listened with great interest to your statement of the steps the leaders of our communities have taken to secure representation of the views of your people and to take a part in public affairs and a share in the new representative bodies. I heartily congratulate you upon the new spirit which animates you and the new aspirations which direct your actions. Your desire to take a larger part in public work in the presidency and activity to support the government in all measures for promotion of the welfare and prosperity of the people is worthy of the highest praise and you may count on my warm sympathy and interests in your progress in these directions.” The reference made by His Excellency to the non-Brahmin “activity to support the government in all measures for the promotion of the welfare of the people” as being “worthy of the highest praise” and calculated to secure his “warm sympathy and interests” deserves to be properly examined and understood.