In the fall of 1932, Rabindranath Tagore embarked on a significant journey from Santiniketan to Poona.
This journey followed the announcement of the Communal Award by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald two months prior. The award proposed separate electorates for various religious minorities and the Depressed Classes. BR Ambedkar emerged as a leading advocate for this initiative, while Mahatma Gandhi, who was incarcerated at Yerawada Central Jail at the time, vehemently opposed the idea of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
Vijay Padaki, a theatre educator and playwright known for his work “The Prophet and The Poet,” reflects on the contrasting views of the two leaders. He notes that the British initially intended to divide Hindus and Muslims into West Bengal and East Bengal, which Ambedkar saw as a chance to secure separate representation for the Depressed Classes. This was due to the upper-caste Hindus’ longstanding refusal to recognize them as part of the Hindu fold, a stance that Ambedkar maintained, in direct opposition to Gandhi’s beliefs.
Gandhi was resolute in his stance and declared he would resist the proposal at all costs. On September 20, he initiated a fast unto death, firmly believing that the Depressed Classes were integral to the Hindu community, while Ambedkar advocated for distinct political representation.
Padaki recounts the gravity of Gandhi’s resolve, noting that many feared for his life due to his deteriorating health during the fast. Key leaders like Madan Malaviya, C Rajagopalachari, and Rajendra Prasad were engaged in discussions to find a resolution.
These negotiations culminated in the Poona Pact, which saw the removal of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes but increased their reserved seats in provincial and Central Legislatures. Gandhi accepted the terms, allowing him to end his fast.
Tagore was a supporter of Gandhi’s viewpoint. Upon learning that Gandhi wished for his presence, the poet decided to make the arduous trip to Poona.
At the time, traveling from Santiniketan required a journey to Calcutta, then another train to Bombay, followed by travel to Kalyan, and finally a drive to Poona. This entire process took four days, according to Padaki.
Upon arriving at the gates of Yerawada Central Jail, Tagore faced initial denial of entry due to heightened security concerns surrounding Gandhi’s fast. In a light-hearted manner, Tagore reportedly remarked, “I thought that, in India today, the gates of prison were open for all Indians.”
Eventually, a letter from the prison superintendent permitted Tagore’s entry.
As Gandhi concluded his fast, he requested Tagore to perform a song. The poet chose “Jibon Jakhon Shukaye Jay” from “Gitanjali,” a piece that conveys a heartfelt plea for mercy during times of weariness. This moment is also depicted in “The Prophet and The Poet,” with Tagore humorously admitting, “I had forgotten the tune, so I sang it in an improvised tune.”
Gandhi later joked about this occurrence, saying, “Gurudev, you set a precedent when you sang that song. Whenever I break a fast, now that song is always sung.”
Ambedkar later voiced concerns regarding the Poona Pact, and Tagore too began to question its consequences for Bengal. Nonetheless, the agreement marked a significant milestone in the political representation of the Depressed Classes, with provisions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes continuing in independent India.
Dipanita Nath serves as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express in Pune. She is a multifaceted journalist with a keen interest in the interplay of culture, sustainability, and urban life.
Her professional journey includes experience with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint.
Nath is particularly noted for her reporting on the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem, often highlighted through her “Pune Inc” series.
Her storytelling frequently uncovers the “hidden stories” of Pune, emphasizing historical institutions, local customs, and the personal narratives of social innovators.
Recently, her articles have illuminated Pune’s cultural vibrancy and the environmental issues affecting the city during the winter season.
