The next morning,
Varun awoke with a clear mind, the weight of the previous day's discussions settling into a focused determination.'
'He took a moment to refresh himself, then meticulously planned the day's agenda.'
'With a sense of purpose, he prepared to meet with the others, ready to set his plans into motion.
--------------------------------------------
As Varun entered the hall, he found everyone gathered, engaged in eager discussion.'
They acknowledged his arrival with respectful nods.
Varun, his voice clear and decisive, spoke first. 'I trust everyone is prepared for today's tasks?' A chorus of affirmative nods greeted his question.
'I will be entrusting everything here to you,' Varun continued. 'Following my meeting with Baba Saheb, I will be out of the country for approximately a month. I trust you can manage until my return.'
A mischievous grin spread across one of the older members' faces. 'We are not so unreliable,' he retorted, his voice laced with playful defiance.
'Though our hair may be gray, our bones still possess the strength to wrestle ten tigers!'
The room erupted in laughter, Varun joining in the lighthearted moment. 'Then let us reconvene in a month,' Varun said, his voice filled with camaraderie.
In a unified voice, the group then hailed, 'Bharat Mata ki Jai!'
One by one, they dispersed, each heading towards their respective assignments, their hearts filled with renewed purpose.
-----------------------------------
Dadar, Bombay -
Varun strolled through the Hindu Colony of Dadar, a short distance from the courtyard.
After a brief walk, he spotted a house with a nameplate that read 'B.R. Ambedkar.'
He knew he had reached his destination. As he prepared to approach the house, a voice halted him.
'Hey there, friend. Who are you?' the voice inquired. 'You know you can't just enter a home without permission?'
Turning around, Varun saw a man clad in a simple cotton kurta, spectacles perched low on his nose. Varun recognized him instantly: Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
'I didn't intend to enter without permission,' Varun replied, his voice respectful. 'I simply wished to meet Baba Saheb.'
'And why are you looking for him?' the man asked, his gaze sharp. 'Does he know you?'
'Baba Saheb doesn't know me,' Varun admitted, 'but I know him very well. He is a man of unwavering conviction.'
'Despite the harsh environment of his childhood, the societal ostracization, he refused to be defeated. Instead, he used it as motivation to transform that very society.'
'So, you claim he changed society?' the man questioned, a hint of skepticism in his voice. 'I don't think he accomplished that much.'
'Perhaps not from your perspective,' Varun countered, 'but to the people he championed, he is nothing short of a deity. They keep his photos in their homes and pray to him as they would a god.'
The man chuckled, a sound of genuine amusement. 'Hahaha, I haven't heard something this amusing in a long time.' He paused,
then continued, 'While he may have made some changes, I wouldn't call him that great of a person.'
'And how do I know this?' He paused again, a sly smile playing on his lips. 'Because that person is me. I know myself better than anyone else.'" Baba Saheb stopped, his eyes observing Varun's reaction.
"Varun, though momentarily taken aback by Baba Saheb's candid self-assessment, maintained his composure.
A faint smile played on his lips. 'Indeed, Baba Saheb,' he replied, his voice calm and respectful. 'You know yourself best. But I believe even the greatest of men can underestimate their impact.'
He paused, his gaze meeting Baba Saheb's. 'I am Varun,' he introduced himself, extending a hand. 'I have come to seek your counsel and collaboration.'
Baba Saheb, intrigued by Varun's composure and directness, shook his hand. 'Varun,' he repeated, his eyes searching Varun's. 'And what counsel do you seek?'
'I seek your assistance in a matter of great importance,' Varun began, his voice lowering slightly. 'A matter that concerns the liberation of our nation.'
Baba Saheb's eyebrows rose, a flicker of interest in his eyes. 'Liberation?' he echoed. 'And how do you propose I assist in such a grand endeavor?'
'I lead a group dedicated to the cause of Indian independence,' Varun explained.
'We have been working tirelessly to build a network of support, to unite the diverse communities of our nation against the British. And we believe your influence, your voice, is crucial to our success.'
He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
'We are aware of the injustices faced by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the systemic oppression that has plagued our society for centuries.'
'We believe that true liberation can only be achieved when every member of our nation is free from oppression.'
'And you believe I can help you achieve this?' Baba Saheb asked, his voice laced with skepticism. 'After all these years, after all the broken promises, why should I trust you?'
'Because,' Varun replied, his voice firm, 'we offer more than just words. We offer action. We offer a chance to be part of a movement that will not only liberate our nation from foreign rule but also pave the way for a just and equitable society. A society where every individual, regardless of caste or creed, is treated with dignity and respect.'
'And what, precisely, do you want from me?' Baba Saheb inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Varun leaned slightly forward, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. 'We are building an intelligence network,'
he explained, 'a system of communication that will allow us to gather information and coordinate our efforts across the vast expanse of our nation.'
'We need individuals who are resourceful, discreet, and deeply connected to their communities. And we believe your people possess those qualities.'
Baba Saheb's eyebrows arched, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. 'You want my people to be spies?' he asked, a hint of incredulity in his voice.
'Not spies, Baba Saheb,' Varun corrected gently. 'Information gatherers. We need them to be our eyes and ears, to report on the movements of the British, to alert us to any threats, to provide us with the knowledge we need to protect our people.'
He paused, his gaze unwavering. 'And in return, we will offer them not only financial support but also a sense of purpose, a chance to contribute to the liberation of their nation. We will empower them, give them a voice, and ensure that their contributions are recognized and valued.'
'And what guarantee do I have that you will keep your promises?' Baba Saheb asked, his voice laced with skepticism. 'My people have been betrayed too many times.'
'You have my word,' Varun replied, his voice firm and sincere. 'And more than that, you have the word of the organizations I represent. We are committed to building a society where equality and justice prevail, and we will not betray that commitment.'
He paused, then added, 'We also believe that by empowering the marginalized, by giving them a stake in our struggle, we will strengthen our movement and build a more united and resilient nation.'
Baba Saheb remained silent for a moment, his eyes searching Varun's face, trying to discern his true intentions. He then sighed, a mixture of weariness and cautious hope in his voice.
'This is a risky proposition,' he said. 'But perhaps… perhaps it is a risk worth taking. My people have suffered for too long. If there is even a chance that this movement can bring them justice, then I am willing to listen.'
He looked directly at Varun. 'Tell me more about your plan.
-----------------------------------------------
Varun, sensing a shift in Baba Saheb's demeanor, leaned forward, his voice filled with renewed urgency.
'Our plan,' he began, 'involves establishing a network of communication across the subcontinent. We need to recruit individuals from various communities, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to serve as our eyes and ears.'
He detailed the walkie-talkie system, explaining the 50-kilometer grid and the hierarchical reporting structure.
'They will be our frontline of information, reporting on British movements, local troop deployments, and any signs of unrest.'
'This information will be crucial in coordinating our resistance and protecting our people.'
Varun then outlined the financial support and empowerment aspect. 'We will provide them with a fair wage, ensuring they can support their families.'
'More importantly, we will offer them training, education, and opportunities to develop their skills. We will empower them to become active participants in our struggle, not just passive observers.'
He emphasized the long-term vision. 'This is not just about winning the war,' Varun stressed.
'It's about building a future where equality and justice prevail.'
'We want to create a society where the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.'
'Their contribution to our struggle will be recognized and celebrated.'
Baba Saheb listened intently, his expression thoughtful.
'And what about after the war?' he asked, his voice laced with caution. 'What guarantees do I have that your promises will be kept once the British are gone?'
'We are committed to building a new India,' Varun replied, his voice firm. 'A nation where the principles of equality and social justice are enshrined in our constitution.'
'We are not just fighting for independence; we are fighting for a fundamental change in the way our society is structured.'
He paused, then added, 'We understand the deep-seated mistrust that exists. We know that words are not enough.'
'That's why we are prepared to demonstrate our commitment through action.'
'We are prepared to work with you, to establish mechanisms that will ensure the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are protected.'
"When our motherland is liberated, there would be no more government power.'
'Taking it as an opportunity, we would provide enough support for you to head a committee in implementing a constitution for our nation.'
Varun then brought out a detailed plan, showcasing the proposed network, outlining the financial and educational structures, and even a rough draft of constitutional articles aimed at social equality.
'This is not just a plan,' Varun said, his voice resonating with sincerity. 'It is a promise. A promise that we will build a better future, together.'
Baba Saheb, his eyes tracing the lines on the documents, was visibly moved. He saw not just a strategic plan, but a genuine commitment to social change, a vision that resonated with his own lifelong struggle.