In 1932, Gandhi began a new campaign to improve the lives of the untouchables, whom he began to call harijans, "the children of god".[37] On 8 May 1933, Gandhi began a 21-day fast of self-purification and launched a year-long campaign to help the harijan movement.[38] This campaign was not universally embraced by the Dalit community: Ambedkar and his allies felt Gandhi was being paternalistic and was undermining Dalit political rights. Ambedkar described him as "devious and untrustworthy".[39] He accused Gandhi as someone who wished to retain the caste system.[40] Ambedkar and Gandhi debated their ideas and concerns, each trying to persuade the other.[41][42] It was during the Harijan tour that he faced the first assassination attempt.