Vallabhbhai’s Stirring Address at Bhil Conference at Dahod

Vallabhbhai’s Stirring Address at Bhil Conference at Dahod

Bombay Chronicle, 8 February 1921

Mr. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel began his inspiring speech during a homely manner so on be intelligible to the illiterate Bhils.

He mentioned the removal of the Guru which he termed as disgraceful on the a part of the officers responsible. Government officers, he said, were trying their best to stop the holding of the conference by all questionable means. The action of the govt by rousing the Guru in the dark and removing him by night mail without previously informing and without allowing him to ascertain his child are often anything but brave. He rejoiced at the very fact that no resistance was offered, though his most devoted followers were present in hundreds. This was a step which ensured our moral victory.

Mr. Sardar Patel continuing appealed to the people, to withdraw all moral support from the govt which was liable for numerous sins.

Appealing to Bhils, he said, that that they had no reason to be scared of anybody within the world. Their wants were few, their abode was with tigers. Why need they be scared of anything. But he said that they had missed their right path by contracting the habits of drink, by occasional thefts, had no reason to be scared of anybody in forced labour. He exhorted them to resist to the last at any cost.

Reference : The Collected Works of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel