Gandhi revered the Bhangi role but refused to break caste marriage rules

Evidence

The position that I really long for is that of the Bhangi. How sacred is this work of cleanliness! That work can be done only by a Brahmin or by a Bhangi. The Brahmin may do it in his wisdom, the Bhangi in ignorance. I respect, I adore both of them. If either of the two disappears from Hinduism, Hinduism itself would disappear. And it is because seva-dharma (self-service) is dear to my heart that the Bhangi is dear to me. I may even sit at my meals with a Bhangi by my side, but I do not ask you to align yourselves with them by inter-caste dinners and marriages.” — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 546

Categorization

• XREF: The reader’s caste-annihilation work is served by this direct evidence of Gandhi’s refusal of inter-caste intimacy despite admiration of scavengers.
• CANDY: A quotable Gandhi paradox: adores the Bhangi yet declines inter-caste dinners and marriages.