There seems to be going on a hot debate over the sequence of the “Three Commandments” of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Dalit Voice ever since DV first published the views of Shankar Ananda Shastri (DV Feb.1 1989). The sequence of the “Three Commandments” as reported by Dhananjay Keer in his book, Dr. Ambedkar: Life and Mission, appears to be quite logical and this order conforms to the philosophy of Babasaheb. The order of the Commandments being followed currently by the Ambedkarite has proved totally ineffective in the process of social change desperately needed in our country. The ‘educated’ or rather literate people who form some sort off organizations find themselves unable to perform any “agitation” worth taking note. of; and their organizations remain just on paper. All ‘ this has happened due to disorderly following of the “Three Commandments” by the Ambedkarite.
Those who have no faith in Dhananjay Keer’s book should see page 357 of Volume 1 of the series Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches published by the Govt. of Maharashtra where the “Three Commandments” appear in the same order as reported by Keer. Vasant Moon (DV July 16-31 1991) also supports this stand. Now the task before the Ambedkarite remains for find out those who were the very first to twist the sequence of the Commandments thereby misguiding the people and de-accelerating the process of socio-cultural change as envisaged in the philosophy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Responsibility should be fixed on such persons, however big they may be, and a wide scale campaign should be launched throughout the length and breadth of India to enlighten the public of the correct sequence of the “Three Commandments” of Babasaheb. I hope this will accelerate the process of socio-cultural change among the persecuted nationalities of India who are continued to be denied human rights. This may act as a catalyst for revolution, if these Commandments are explained to the masses in the correct order.
