Bombay experience was not the only episode that troubled the soul of young Bheemrao. Everytime he interacted with people of other castes a new wound was inflicted on him.
In one of those years some parts of Maharashtra suffered famine conditions. No rains came. Goregaon area was worst affected. The government departments started relief operations and the employees were drafted into relief works. Ramjirao too was deputised by P.W.D. to work at relief centre in Goregaon area.
He went away while the children lived at Satara.
One day, Bheeva, his brother and one of his cousin brothers decided to pay a visit to Ramjirao at has new station of work. The schools had been closed down due to famine conditions. So, it was going to be an excursion for the boys. They were very excited about it.
The three reached Goregaon by train. There, the boys learnt that Goregaon was a large district and the place Ramjirao was camping at was far away from Goregaon railway station. The only transportation means to that place was bullock carts. The boys looked around in bewilderment. They saw a bullock cart heading in that direction. The boys persuaded the bullock cart driver to give them a lift as he was going to the same place as their own destination. The driver had taken pity on the boys.
The bullock cart lurched on with the three boys as its passengers. After they had travelled to some distance the boys relaxed and became chatty. They talked among themselves excitedly. The bullock cart driver was carefully listening to the chatter of the three. Suddenly, he frowned.
Then, he turned back and asked in rasping voice, “Hey Boys! You sound like lowly Mahars. Are you?”
The boys froze.
The terror of the upper castes was snarling at them again. Their hair stood on edge with fright. They could not speak.
One of the boys managed to nod his head accepting the crime of being the Mahars. The driver cursed them venamously and screamed, “Get off my cart, you filth of the society! You have desecrated my bullock cart and my piety.”
The terrified boys scrambled off the cart and stood trembling on the road. The bullock cart man drove off his cart still spitting abuses at the boys.
The boys stood shell shocked for some time without even trying to talk to one another. Then, they began walking on foot. They had no courage left to ask any other bullock cart passing by for a lift. The three walked on hungry and thirsty under the blazing sun. Soon, their bodies got so dried up that their eyes had no tear to shed.
On the way they saw some wells but the boys dared not go anywhere near the wells for fear of getting beaten up at the hands of the upper castes. They reached their destination only on the next day in pitiable shape.
Ramjirao saw three scare crow like kids staggering towards him. Their skins had burnt black, the lips had baked up and for the eyes they had white dots peeping from black holes. Ramjirao looked at them puzzled. When the boys came closer the horrifying realisation dawned upon him that the three scarecrows were his own children. He scooped them up in his arms and patted them. The boys were unable to speak coherently. All of them went into a huddle and cried for a long time. The boys told Ramjirao their horrible experience. He gave them water to drink and food to eat.
Then, he spoke to Bheeva. “Son, now you know how important it is for you to get educated. It is the only way out of the miseries of the life of an untouchable in this cruel world. Always keep it in mind and put your mind to books overlooking such inconveniences of life.”
So, braving all the insults and hatred Bheemrao Ambedkar continued his studies. In 1904, he passed the examination of English fourth standard. Meanwhile, the P.W.D. godown which employed Ramjirao closed down due to some reason. Satara offered no other job. Retired Subedar Ramjirao had to shift back to Bombay where his family had to share the accommodation with another Mahar family in Dabak chawl of Parel.
Old Ramjirao had been feeling lonely for a long time bringing up children on his own. He yearned to have a life partner. So, he remarried. It pained Bheemrao. In fact, he felt very angry at his father and outraged whenever his stepmother wore his mother’s clothes or ornaments. In one of his angry moods he decided to leave home. He went away but very soon realised that there was no place for an untouchable boy outside. The home was still merciful in comparison however unpleasant it had become. He went back.
Bheemrao had been admitted into Government Elphinston High School. As he moved up in classes he became more studious. He read a lot of non-curricular literature. He used to go to Churney Road garden to study books there after school. Bheemrao found it convenient exercise to stay away from home and the stepmother.
The same garden was frequented by Maratha scholar Guru Keluskar. He would every day notice a youngman read books on various subjects including social sciences and history very keenly. One day Guruji went to the boy and talked to him. Thus, he came to know about the untouchable boy Bheemrao who was resolved to gain education to overcome the caste disadvantage. It pleased him. They became friends and often discussed social and political matters. Guruji would act as friend and guide. He advised Bheemrao on what books he must read.
At last, in the year 1907 Bheemrao Ambedkar passed the matriculation examination. It was a great achievement for a Mahar boy. Entire Dabak chawl Mahars celebrated the occasion and Bheemrao was given a reception which was attended by Guru Keluskar as well. He was very happy at the achievement of Bheemrao Ambedkar.
In the same year, Ramjirao got Bheemrao married to a ten year old girl Ramabai. The whole family was living on the pension of retired Subedar Ramjirao. So, the family was financially extremely tight. But Ramjirao insisted on Bheemrao joining the college to continue his education. Inspite of the remarriage Ramjirao produced money somehow or the other for Bheemrao’s educational needs. But Bheemrao was reluctant. He couldn’t think of burdening his father, already overloaded with the responsibilities of the family.
Guru Keluskar knew the situation and the predicament of Bheemrao. Guruji knew the king of Baroda (a princely state) who was of philanthropic nature especially generous to aspiring students. The king had a palace in Bombay which he frequently visited. Guruji took Bheemrao to the Baroda king, Sayajirao Gaekwad when he arrived there for a stay.
Guruji introduced Bheemrao to the king and briefly narrated his education problem. The king sized up Bheemrao and at once sensed that he was a genuine case for help. Sayajirao Gaekwad was a good judge of character.
He said, “So Bheemrao, you wish to study in college?”
Bheemrao bowed “Yes, your highness. The college education will greatly help me. I am a poor Mahar. My father, retired army Subedar can not afford it.”
The king nodded and spoke, “I see you are very keen to go to college. Mahar boy wants college education. Good. You will get a stipend of Rs. 20 per month from Baroda treasury. Study well, Bheemrao.”
Bheemrao was overjoyed. He thanked the king feeling grateful from heart. Guruji smiled at Bheemrao and he too thanked the king for his generosity.
The secretary of the king briefed Bheemrao and Guruji about the paper formalities they will have to complete which was complied with without any delay.
