The question asks about the founding year of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh. This organization played a significant role in the movement for the welfare of the untouchables in India.

Understanding the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh

The All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh, also known as the Depressed Classes League, was founded by Mahatma Gandhi.

• It was established with the primary objective of working for the upliftment of the Harijans, the term Gandhi used for Dalits (previously known as untouchables).
• The organization aimed to eradicate untouchability and promote social equality.
• It focused on various welfare activities like providing access to education, wells, and temples, and raising awareness against social discrimination.

Circumstances of Foundation

The establishment of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh was closely linked to the events surrounding the Second Round Table Conference and the Communal Award of 1932.

• The Communal Award proposed separate electorates for the depressed classes, which Gandhi opposed as he believed it would permanently segregate them from the rest of the Hindu community.
• Gandhi undertook a fast unto death in protest against the separate electorates for Harijans.
• This led to the Poona Pact in September 1932 between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. The pact abolished separate electorates but increased the number of reserved seats for depressed classes in the legislature.
• Following the Poona Pact, Gandhi intensified his campaign against untouchability and founded the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh to carry forward this work.

Determining the Founding Year

Based on the historical context and the events following the Poona Pact, the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded in 1932.

Therefore, the correct year for the foundation of the All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh is 1932.

Revision Table: All-India Harijan Sevak Sangh

Additional Information: Anti-Untouchability Movement

The movement against untouchability was a crucial part of India's social reform efforts and the freedom struggle. Key points include:

• Many reformers, besides Gandhi, like B.R. Ambedkar, actively worked for the rights and dignity of the depressed classes.
• Ambedkar advocated for political rights and representation, initially supporting separate electorates to ensure their voice was heard.
• Gandhi's approach focused on changing the hearts and minds of upper-caste Hindus and integrating Harijans into mainstream society through social reform and welfare activities.
• The term 'Harijan' (meaning 'Children of God') was popularised by Gandhi, though later criticized by some as paternalistic. The term 'Dalit' is preferred by many today.
• The Indian Constitution later included provisions to abolish untouchability and protect the rights of Scheduled Castes (formerly depressed classes).