 Moved by the plight of poor people (called untouchables in those days), he strived throughout his life to integrate them into society and provide them economic opportunities and equal social status.He ignored the threat of social boycott by fellow Brahmins and participated in "sahapankti-bhojanam" (eating along) with the down trodden untouchables.His stature, wealth, political influence, and social status gradually forced other members of his community and others to follow his reforms.