The J&K Scheduled Caste persons who First esteemed in different fields.

The J&K Scheduled Caste persons who First esteemed in different fields. While describing conditions of Indian Dalits Jyotiba Phule (1927-1890) the political Guru of Bharat Ratana Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar said:- Lack of education impairs wisdom, Lack of wisdom impairs moral, Lack of moral impairs motion; Lack of motion impairs financial status, Lack of finances impaired status of untouchables. This few worded but great meaningful capsule narration, summed up the man made hurdles in the path of Dalit progress for very long time. For centuries Dalits (Shudras, Ati-Shudras) were not allowed to read and write under the authority of Hindu religious texts like Manusmiriti. The Hindu texts carried many obnoxious unfounded imaginary things about Dalits, who were rulers prior to the Aryan invasion in this land of ancient culture. Dalits had given rich cultural heritage, wisdom, agriculture and many other progressive measures to Bharat. After Aryan invasion the aboriginals were made Dalits and forced out to live out side the human habitations and lead a life of extreme poverty. They were debarred from schools and worship places. They were not allowed to draw water from wells or, tanks, wear clean cloths. All though the Dalits contributed immensely in making history but biased writers put a blanket ban in their writings about Dalits contributions. So they became history less peoples. In the past 150 years or so, effort by some writers particularly from among Dalits themselves including foreign writers have put in efforts to dig out right historic facts in their writings. The undertaken effort is a small step to keep on records the contributions made by the Dalits of J&K in their efforts for their own progress and for the empowerment of their brethren in their mother land. This shall give in site of the testing times the Dalits have gone through to climb the progressive ladder by dint of their sole efforts. The persons on whose life and contributions, I have been in a position to lay hand show that Dalits if given chance are no way inferior to any other in the society. They have proven their worth in all fields of life on the basis of their intelligence and hard working. There must have been many more I regret to have missed due to lack of data and time available to write in this article. I wish all readers shall contribute more material to make my efforts still more informative. I am great full to all those who have spared time to contribute material for this write up. I am reminded of Baba sahib Dr B.R. Ambedkar saying “Those who do not know their history, cannot make history”. Thus upper caste induced illiteracy ruined untouchable of every thing. Getting a little respite from these men made hurdles, the untouchables have tried to show their worth in all fields and this article demonstrates it amply. These people have proven their worthiness of being worthy off springs of great Epic Writers Bhagwan Valmik, Ved Vaisa, and Father of Indian Constitution Bharat Ratana Baba Sahib Bhimrao Ambedkar. Tara Chand First SC Deputy Chief Minister of J&K State:- Mr. Tara Chand was born on 25th April,1963 in village Chak Malal in a Scheduled Caste family of poor farmers. Shri Tara Chand passed his Matriculation and jumped into social work for the upliftment of his Scheduled Caste Communities in particular and general population of displaced persons of Border Area.. Convinced by the idea that rendering help to poor people was impossible with out political affiliations being the system of the land so he joined Indian Nation Congress Party at the age of 20 years. He was made District General Secretary of the SC and OBC Congress Cell and nominated as general secretary of the Youth Congress He won his maiden election in 1996, he was made leader of the Congress Legislative Party in Assembly in 1998. Mr. Tara Chand continuously won Assembly Elections in 1996, 2002, 2008. He was elected as Assembly Speaker in 2002 and now he is the Deputy Chief Minister with portfolios of Housing, Urban Development and Municipalities in the NC-Congress coalition government with Omar Abdullah a the Chief Minister.. B.R. Kundal IAS (First SC Chief Secretary) was born on 11th February 1949 at a small village Parlah of Tehsil Bishnah. His father Shri Beli Ram was a school teacher and Ramdasia by caste. Sh. Kundal after passing his Matriculation from GHS School RSPURA continued his urge for higher education till he qualified for IAS in 1972 and was allotted J&K State and joined service in June1972. By dint of his hard work, dedication, sincerity, honesty, seniority and caliber he got elevated to occupy the highest state level bureaucratic post as the Chief Secretary. He also served as Div.Com Jammu besides Secretary and Financial Commissioner to various departments incl. Finance,Health and Home . Deputy Commissioner, Distt Magistrate in some districts. He served as Development Advisor to the Royal Government of Bhutan Thimpu( Foreign Deputation, He has many firsts to his credit as the first S/C Divisional Commissioner of Jammu for over 5 years. He was also first S/C officer to be appointed as Advisor to the Royal Government of Bhutan. Besides this he is first S/C Officer to serve as Principal Secretary to Public Works, PDD, Finance Departments and the Financial Commissioner of Home. He was awarded twice Gold Medals getting also Rupees One lakh for his honesty, dedication to duty, integrity and efficiency. He sought voluntary retirement as State Chief Secretary and was inducted as Revenue Minister under chief Minister ship of Gulam Nabi Azad.Mr Kundal a first S/C Revenue Minister in J&K is a widely traveled bureaucrat. He served as an M.L.C from INC. I, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa earned the distinction to be the first SC Civil Engineer in the J&K State:- I was born in village Pakhri of Tehsil Samba on 14th June, 1940 to revered shri Gillu Ram and Shrimati Gullan Devi. I have two brothers and one sister. My father although owned agriculture land in the village, but got him engaged in shoe making at Lahore before 1947, where the family owned a shop. I passed my Matriculation (1959) from Govt. High school Ramgarh with merits, Intermediate from GGM Sc. College (1961) Jammu and B.E. (Civil) in 1966 from REC Srinagar. Joined J&K Engineering service in July 1967 as Technical Assistant and retired in July 1998 as Executive Engineer from the Jammu Development Authority. I was married in 1971 to Shrimati Savita Kumari daughter of Lala Munshi Ram of Jalandhar. We are blessed with three Engineer sons all married and settled in life. During my service I have served in various state government departments including PWD (R&B) Local Bodies, Police, and Electric deptt. PDC, with distinction. I am life member of some very prestigious technical bodies. After my retirement I served as consultant to NABARD and World Bank. I am continuously contributor of technical papers to various technical bodies. As a hobby I contribute papers and articles in the various State and National news papers on social, political, religious topics suggesting my well conceived solutions. I also give talks on Radio, TV, programmers and participate in group discussions. Since my school days I have tried to maintain, social contacts with my community and others. I made efforts to guide many to excel in different fields and have never yielded to undue religious, political or administrative. I am engagements at present to write a book on the life of Dalit luminaries, besides keeping my technical activities as a structural designer, Valuer and rendering social counseling’s. Presently I am Joint Secretary BDSA, member S.C’ s /ST s , Member of Retired Employees Forum, Secretary Jammu Valuer Association RAM SARAN BANGOTRA the First SC Chief Engineer in J&KState PWD( R&B) . He was born on 6th February, 1950 at village Rajwal Tehsil Akhnoor to Shrimati Kako Devi and Shri Punnu Ram Ramdasia by caste. He joined REC Srinagar in 1969 and passed his B.E. (civil) in 1974. He Joined service as Junior Engineer (civil) in Feb, 1976 and Retired as Chief Engineer PWD ( R&B) in Feb, 2008. There after he served as a Consultant with DHV India Pvt. Ltd for one year. He is an experienced Civil Engineer, associated with social and religious activities, sympatric, gentle at heart and vegetarian. Er. R.S Bangotra is married to Madam Bachno Devi in 1979 and they are blessed with three equally brilliant sons, now married and settled in life. Er. Dhani Ram Kalotra, Ist,SC Chief Engineer(PDD):-Er. Dhani Ram Kalotra S/O Sh. Rohlu Ram was born on 1-11-1946 in village Gangeeth of Hira Nagar Tehsil of Kathua Distt hailing from Megh community of Scheduled Castes. His family migrated to Samba during partition in 1947. He did his schooling from Govt, Higher Secondary School Samba. He joined Regional Engineering College Srinagar in 1965 and did his B.E. (Electric) in 1971 in Ist Division. He is the first scheduled caste Graduate Electrical Engineer of the state. Er. Kalotra, joined Govt. service on 10-06-1972 as Assistant Electrical Engineer and. he retired on 31-10-2004 as Chief Engineer (Electric) Baglihar Hydro Electric Project, Chanderkot ( Ramban). Er. Kalotra served with distinction as Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer and was promoted as Chief Engineer in Aug 2004 and posted as Chief Engineer (Electric) Baglihar Hydro Electric Project, Chanderkot ( Ramban) also . During his service tenure, he worked on various prestigious Projects like laying of 220 KV, D/C Transmission line from Gladni (Jammu) to Udhampur and 132 KV D/C Transmission line from Gladni ( Jammu ) to Kathua besides construction of 220/132 KV Grid Station at Udhampur and construction of 132/66 Kv Grid station at Kathua.. He was always helpful to his fellow SC employees in his department.. We wish him good luck. Shri Dhian Chand Thapa the First SC Employee of the J&K Civil Secretariat:- Shri Dhain Chand Thapa is s/o shri Thurda Ram R/O Village Badheri Tesil Samba and was born on 9th Nov, 1936. He passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Samba in 1957 and joined state government service in the Civil Secretariat (Social Welfare Dep’t.) on 2nd Nov, 1957 as a junior Assistant. He was married to Shrimati Bishno Devi in 1957 and they are blessed with three sons and a daughter. Unfortunately his wife passed away early. He then remarried. He served in various depts. namely Social welfare, Custodian, information, PWD, Food and supplies, Transport and Industries. He was promoted as Under Secretary in 1985 and posted as an administrator officer in the Directorate of Industries deputed as Secretary in the S/C’s and Backward Classes Corporation, Adm. Inspection and Reforms depts. and also in the Education dep’t from where he retired on 30th Nov, 1994. Shri Dhain Chand Thapa with three of his trusted frieds in Civil Sectriate, namely Shri Punjab Chand and Shri Jagat Ram rendered help and guide to all those who approached them during service times . CHAMAN LAL BANAL IPS ( First SC,IGP & Member J&K-PSC) was born on 20th September,1942 to Sh. Piara Ram of village Pindi Charkan Tehsil Bishnah. All through Sh. Piara Ram was agriculturist by profession and belonged to Ramdasia Sub – castes of Scheduled castes. By dint of his hard labour he over came poverty related problems and passed his M.A. (Economics), DBA. There after he qualified the competitive examination from J&K Public Service and got distinction of being one out of the two First S.C Deputy Superintendent of Police in J&K State in 1966. The other Dy. SP was Late Sh. J. C. Bali who retired as SSP. Earlier to their appointment the state had recruited some SC personals, but all in Non Gazeeted ranks. Probably the First SC Police sepoy was Sh. Duni Chand Ramdasia of Shekhupur Palota near Ramgarh Tehsil Samba, who was recruited prior to Indian independence during Maharaja Partap Singh’s Rule in J&K. Sh. Banal was promoted as Supdtt of Police in 1977 and subsequently inducted in IPS . He was later promoted as IGP in 1998. Mr. Banal is recipient of Police Medal for meritorious service. He has served with distinction on various posts namely SP Rural Jammu, Commandant 9th Battalion of JKAP, Additional Secretary Home, SP (CID, CI), DIG Of Ranges of Anantnag- Pulwama;Rajouri-Poonch , Jammu-Kathua Districts besides DIG CID( Intelligence), Home Guards and Civil Defense. In appreciation to his service records of efficiency, honesty, disciplined solider Mr chaman Lal Banal was Appointed as Member of J&K,PSC filling the long aspirations and demand of All SC’s Of J&K to have a member from among themselves to this premier State Recruitment Commission for the recruitment in State Gazeeted Services. He had shown his impartiality here too but took care that rights of the SC candidates were protected as far as possible. Mr. Banal retired from from active government service in 2005. Although Mr Banal is retired from government service,but he is ever busy in his social activities. He is Trustee Member of the Dera Soami Jagat Gir Charitable Trust Pathankot, Member All J&K S.C’s; S.T’s Retired Employees Forum, Member Duggar Vikas Manchand member CentralGovt Employees Welfare Association Jammu. DR.Girdhari Lal Thapa is the First SC Regular Principal of a Degree college in J&K. He is M. Com.; M. Phil & Ph. D. He retired as Principal from Govt. College for Women, Kathua in April 2009. Shri Thapa was born at village Hira Chak in Marh Block of Distt. Jammu on 27th April, 1951. His parents revered Shri Maghru Ram and Shrimati Shanti Devi were agriculturists belonging to Ramdasia community. Shri Maghru Ram was a committed soldiers of Harijan Mandal. Child Girdhari Lal was admitted in Govt. Primary school Jaswan but later passed his Matriculation in 1968 from Govt. High School Domana, when he had to foot over 12 Kms to and fro to reach school. Mr. Thapa’s love for higher studies won him B.Com in 1972, M.Com in 1975. and was Awarded the Degree of Master of Philosophy ( M. Phil. ) in August, 1987 and Doctorate in Commerce ( Ph. D. ) in April,1997 all, from Jammu University , Jammu. Mr. Thapa was appointed on adhoc basis Lecturer in Commerce in September, 1976 and regulirised in March, 1978. Mr. Thapa served as Lecturer. S. P. M. Rajput College of Commerce, Jammu; HOD Of Commerce in Govt. Women College, Parade Ground Jammu; Govt. Degree College, Kathua .Shri Thapa got scholarship for Higher Studies under UGC New Delhi and deputed to Jammu University from where was awarded Degree of M. Phil. in August, 1987 and Doctorate in Commerce ( Ph. D. ) in April, 1997. Besides his regular teaching job Dr Thapa remained associated for recruitment and promotions of the Punjab National Bank and Rural Bank as a member ( Representative of SC/ST community ) Dr. Thapa worked in Govt. M.A.M. College, Jammu as HOD Commerce and Management Studies up to October, 2005 and won citation for the excellent work done in Govt. Degree College, Akhnoor by the State Education Minister. Mr. Thapa was discharged duties as the Principal of the Govt. Degree College, Doda with additional charge of, Ramban College. , Principal Govt. Degree College, Billawar and Govt. SPM Rajput College of Commerce, Jammu, Govt. College for Women, Kathua. Through out his teaching carrier Mr. Thapa had remained a guide to wanting students and iron hand to trouble makers. His social work continues even after his retired life. He was awarded Dr Ambedkar Distinguished Service Award by the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy Delhi. Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah presented the Award to Dr. Thapa on 11-12-2011 at Delhi. Dr. S.D. Karloopia, the First Dalit Doctor in J&K State:- Shri Satya Dev Karloopia was born at Chak Jaralan Tehsil Bishnah Distt Jammu in 27th Sep. 1942 as third son of Shri Sardhu Ram and Late Shrimati Jyanti Devi, mostly called by all youngers “Baiy Ji बे-जी” The family of Sh. Sardhu Ram consisted of four sons and one daughter. Including Satya Dev three sons of sh. Sardu Ram served in Indian Army. Family was engaged in agriculture profession. Shri Sardhu Ram a tall and well-built person owned ancestral land in his village . Mata Jyanti Devi ji was very submissive, laborious and social. Shri Sardhu Ram ji carried all out door farm field duties and Mata ji besides sharing out door jobs with her husband ,rendered him all possible help in carrying all family responsibilities. Then flour was grinded in hand stone grinding Chakki and paddy husking was manually. She was intelligent, helpful, sobber, social but had strong mind set. Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Shri Satya Dev (earlier name Sanju Mal) passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Bishnah with merits and joined GGM Sc college (Earlier Prince Of Wales College) in 1959 where from he passed Intermediate ( F.Sc) with medical subjects. He got admission on his merits in the Govt. Medical College Srinagar in 1961. He was my roommate in GGM Sc College Jammu hostel as also we shared rented private accommodation in Chand Nagar colony, Jammu. We were lifelong friends. We shared all our joys, sorrows and remained in each other’s confidence while deciding all worldly matters. Although Late Dr Indu Bhushan Of Hira Nagar, was senior to Satya Dev Karloopia in Govt. Medical college, but Dr S.D. Karloopia passed M.B.B.S in 1966 earlier than Dr Indu Bhushan. There after Dr S.D. Karloopia joined Indian Army in Medical Core. He passed his M.D. from AFMC Pune and D.M. Cardiology from AIIMS New Delhi, earning distinction of becoming first D.M. Cardiology in the State of J&K (Now, J&K UT, and UT Ladakh) from among all the state subjects. Dr Karloopia was elevated to the Rank of Brigadier and retired from the same rank. Dr Karloopia married Vaishno Devi of Udhampur and they were blessed with two sons and a daughter, who too are all qualified doctors and presently working in America. Dr Karloopia worked as Cardiology consultant at Delhi in Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital. After retirement.He has constructed his house at Chhani Himmat colony Jammu and also owned a residential flat in Vasant Kunj New Delhi. Unfortunately, Dr. Brig. Karloopia breathed his last in his Chhani Himmat colony Jammu house on 23rd March, 2016 in early morning. His mortal remains were consigned to flames with full military honours . Besides his family members many of his friends, colleagues, class mates, Jammu citizens paid tributes to Dr.Karloopia by joining his last rites. He was simple, gentle, intelligent, social and strict disciplinarian solider as well as human. The Indian Army bade him farewell by sounding last post bugle at the funeral pyre. He was given 21 fire salute by the Indian army. His commitment to his duty was final and exemplary. He was great help to soldiers and community at large while in service and also in his retirement. For such qualities of head and heart he was awarded PVSM. He shall be long remembered as a cardiologist and social human. In his death I lost a trusted friend. May his soul rest in peace. Dr. R.C. Bhagat first SC Ph.D:-Dr. Romesh Chander Bhagat S/o Sh. Inderjit Bhagat was born on 14.08.1943 at Bobiya Village in Hiranagar Tehsil of Kathua District. He had his preliminary schooling from Govt. Schools of Kathua town.. There after he did his Graduation from Government Degree College, Kathua and Post Graduation in Geography from Punjab University, Chandigarh. He became a Lecturer in December, 1970. He was sent on Deputation to Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi for higher studies in 1977 from where he obtained. M. Phil in 1979 and Ph. D. in September, 1982. He remained posted as H.O.D. Geography, Government Degree College, and Kathua w.e.f. 27th March, 1983 to 31.08.2001 and retired from Government Service in Agust,2001. He has the distinction of participating and presenting a paper in International Conference on ‘Food System of the World’ held at Aligarh Muslim University in January, 1982besides also participating in International NAGI Conference held at Vidyanagri, Bombay in 1980. He actively participates in National Association of Geographers. His love for studies is so great that after his retirement he joined a private B.Ed. College as Principal and completed his B.Ed. in 2003. Presently Dr Romesh Chander Bhagat is engaged as Director, Bharat College of Education, Hatli Morh, Kathua (J&K). Dr. RP Hans (B.V.Sc.& A.H)the First SC Director Animal Husbandry Deptt.Jammu Dr. Raj Paul Hans S/o Sh. Shiv Ram was born on 4th of August 1953 in village Paloura Teh & Distt Jammu. He passed his middle standard from Govt. Middle School Paloura in 1968 and his matriculation from Govt. High School Jullahaka Mohalla Jammu in 1970. After passing Matric he got admission in Govt. Gandhi Memorial Science College Jammu and passed pre-medical examination in the year 1973, there after he was nominated by the state govt. for B.V.Sc & A.H. in Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana . He completed his degree successfully in the year 1977 and joined state govt. services in the same year. Dr. Raj Paul Hans’s first appointment was Vety. Asstt. Surgeon Majalta. Teh. Ramnagar Distt. Udhampur and served the deptt. for 34 years in different capacities including Clinical Pathologist Poonch , Livestock Dev. Officer and Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Rajouri , Lecturer SAT Institute Ganderbal (Kashmir),Quality Control Officer in prestigious Institute Of Animal Health & Biological Products Zakura Srinagar (Kmr) and R.S Pura Jammu as well .Dr. Raj Paul Hans was promoted as Joint Director Anti-Rabic Vaccine Labs. R.S Pura Jammu in 2010. Dr. Raj Paul Hans due to his seniority and efficiency coupled with dedication to duty was promoted to prestigious post of the Director Animal Husbandry Jammu and served as such from Oct. 2010 to Aug. 2011. He retired in August 2011. S.D.Swatantra the First SC, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer was born on October 12,1946 to Smt.Nanti Devi and Sh. Bhathu Ram at village Sher Pur Pain, in Tehsil Hiranagar. His parents belonging to Ravidasia caste professing as agriculrists.After matriculation passed B.Sc. Agriculture 4 years Degree course in 1965.He briefly served in Agriculture Department before qualifying the State Forest Service Examination conducted by J&K State Public Service Commission and successfully completed the 1967-69 training course. He joined State Forest Service in April 1969. Subsequently, he qualified for Indian Forest Service Examination( IFS) in 1969 was allotted J&K State Cadre so he joined Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department in April 1970.He served the Department in various capacities viz. Director Environment and Ecology, Director Soil Conservation, Director Social Forestry, Director State Forest Research Institute, Director Forest Protection Force, Chairman State Pollution Control Board, and finally as Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests on 31st December, 2004 He retired on October 31st, 2006. His performance always remained out standing. He represented State Forest Department in various National and International Conferences and contributed several papers to various publications. He developed innovative techniques -Soil and Water Conservation in Situ. His papers in this behalf was published in Indian Forester Journal, January 1994 issue. He participated as panelist in the National Work-Shop on Bio-Medical Waste management, status analysis and planning for the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 17-18 March, 2004 at New Delhi. He served as Chairman of Organizing Committee of work-shop on Joint Forest Management held at Patnitop in May,1994,participated in International Work-Shop on climate change mitigation in Forestry at New Delhi on 23-24, January,2005 and was elected Chairman of Session IV Panelists during his tenure as Principal CCF. After retirement S.D.Swatantra remained member Advisory Committee, Indian Council OF Forestry Research and Education for two years and presently he is member Standing Committee, J&K State Wild Life Board. He is also member of the J&K SC/ST Retired Employees Forum Dr. Mela Ram KALSOTRA, First SC from J&K, CGS, Addl. Director General:-Dr. M. R. Kalsotra was born in February 1945 at village Bhagwan Chak, Tehsil Akhnoor of Jammu district. He did his matriculation from Govt. High School, Pallan Wala in 1960, B.Sc. from GGM Science College, Jammu in 1964, then M.Sc., Geology in 1966 and obtained Doctorate in Geology by Rajasthan University, Jaipur becoming the first Geologist amongst the SCs in J&K State with Ph.D. He served as Asst. Geologist in Jammu and Kashmir State, for about two years. Dr. Kalsotra joined Central Geological Services (CGS) as class-1 officer in 1969 , through competitive ‘Geologist Examination 1968’ .He served the Geological Survey in India (GSI), for more than 35 years. During his tenure, he conducted varied prestigious Geological investigations / projects, mostly in frontiers of economic minerals, including aluminous minerals, fertilizers minerals, precious metals, gem stones, strategic minerals, flux grade minerals for iron and steel industry, clay deposits for paints, pottery and pharmaceuticals, geo-chemicals, geotechnical and geo environment projects. Apart from generating 23 technical reports, on the assigned items, he published / presented a number of innovative papers in national and international scientific journals, on economic and academic aspects of his geo finds. Due to his extensive experience and vast knowledge of various geological frontiers, Dr. Kalsotra was associated with some of the projects of International Geological Coordination program (IGCP) sponsored by UNESCO. He was also chairman of National Working Group on Industrial Minerals. In his pursuits of geology, he made some maiden geo -scientific contributions which have potential to enrich the nation besides changing the known concepts and opening new vistas. Thus Dr. Kalsotra is a geo-scientific expert. At Senior Administrative Grade and Higher administrative grade in central service, Dr. Kalsotra, successfully carried out programming, planning and monitoring of multi-disciplinary geological projects of J&K, Gujarat and Rajasthan states. He retired as Additional Director General (Equivalent to Addl. Secretary) and HOD, GSI, Western Region, Jaipur in 2005. He is also scientific adviser to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Because of his keen interest in academic and applied aspects of earth sciences, Dr. Kalsotra is currently concentrating on research to bring out a book on vital aspects of geology having societal bearing. Bhagat Daulat Ram (1912-2007) was the first M.A,LLB, B. T, from among the S.C’s of J&K State Bhagat Daulat Ram was in Village Satowali Tehsil RSPura on 12th, Nov, 1912. His father shri Sant Ram was an agriculture labourer. Sh. Daulat Ram was admitted to Govt. School at RSPURA Besides being a meritorious student hehad to face curse of untouchability being a Dalit, Megh by caste. His maternal uncle, a sadh (hermit) used to guide him and rendered him necessary financial help. After primary schooling he shifted to Jammu for further studying. Hindu religious reform movement Arya Samaj had started Shudhi Karn or or purification of untouchables so had established their education schools and temples with Dharmshalas for all Hindu castes. So Daulat Ram got a room in the Arya Samaj temple near city chowk Jammu. Here he came in contact with one good hearted Arya Samaji Hindu Lala Manik Chand, who owned a brick kiln on canal road Jammu. Lala Manik chand had two sons, with one a school mate of Daulat Ram. Lala ji asked Daulat Ram to shift to his house from the temple, against stiff opposition from the Caste Hindus. Lala Manik Chand adopted Daulat Ram as a foster child. With this Daulat Ram’s education, housing and other financial problems of Daulat Ram found a solution. Dault Ram education continued and he passed his M.A, LLB from Lahore University. Thereafter he started his legal practice at RSPURA. He applied for a Lecturer’s post in the Prince of Wales (Now GGM Sc. College) Jammu. Some how he did not get it due to caste apathy and in stead a Brahmin fellow not any match to Daulat Ram’s merits got this job Daulat Ram was appointed a teacher in Mirpur ( Now POK). While teaching, he continued his studies and passed his B.T (Now B.Ed) Examination. Durin1947 turmoil over18, 000 Mirpur residents were slaughtered by Pakistani raiders, but luckily Daulat Ram along with wife were saved and they migrated to Delhi where he got a job in the Ministry of Health G.O.I from where he retired as office superintendent in 1970. He shifted back to Jammu after selling his Delhi house and resumed teaching profession in the Arya Kanya Vidhyalaya Kachi Chowni Jammu. However his just claims of elevation as Principal of this school were ignored by the school management and he resigned. He was married to a social activist Shrimati Sushila Bhagat, and the couple fathered two sons and two daughters. This son of the soil was the first President of the Harijan Mandal a political organization formulated after dismantling Megh Mandal. Shri Daulat Ram passed away on 27th Oct, 2007 at his house in Bakashi Nahgar Roulki Jammu at an age of 95 years. His sons live there even now. Babu Parmanand (1932-2008), the first S/C Governor from J&K State: - Babu Parmanand was born on 10th August, 1932 at small village Saror Tehsil RSPURA to respected Shri Jaggu Ram and Shrimati Matiyan Devi. Parmanand a very handsome, well built boy was got admitted in the village school, then in government High School at Bishnah at a distance of nearly 6 Kms from his village. He had to daily foot this distance twice mostly bare foot. After passing his High school in high merit he joined the GGM College Jammu(then its one part was Arts College) and finally got admission to Aligarh Muslim University for MA, LLB. He passes both the examination in 1958-59 a span of two years. Although he remained active student union member and worked for the welfare of Dalit Students. A Boys Hostel wing for SC students was his brain child. It again goes to his credit that he got declared Guru Ravidas Birthday as State Holiday in J&K. Against the wishes of his parents and other relatives he entered politics and won his maiden election from Ramgarh constituency. He spree of winning elections for six times. He Joined the state cabinet in 1967 and served till 1974. As a minister of Social Welfare, Transport, local Bodies, Housing and Co-Operation his goals of achievements shall be along time land marks for his successors to follow. During 1977 general elections Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla’s National Conference got absolute majority in the State Assembly but Babu Ji won the elections from Bishnah with thumbing majority. Since Sheikh Sahib was greatly impressed with head and heart qualities of Babu Ji, so he requested Babu Ji to lend him helping hand in improving lot of poor population of the state to which he agreed. Babu Ji took over a Assembly Speaker (1978-1982). On the demise of Sheikh Sahib, Dr Farooq Abdullah took over as CM and Babu Ji was made Finance and Power Minister with rank two in the cabinet. During Governor’s Rule Babu Ji Babu Ji was nominated as a Member of Governor’s Advisory council. In 1996 Babu ji joined BJP Babu Ji was sworn as Governor of Haryana on Mondaythe19th June, 2009 and served for nearly 4years. Babu Ji was married to Shrimati Sudesh Kumari in 1962 and they were blessed with two sons. Babu Ji passed away on 24th April, 2008. Babu Ji was given state funeral and the Death day declared as State Holiday. Over 10,000 people joined his funeral incl. State CM, Governor former Dy Prime Minister Sh L.K. Advani, state Cabinet , various State department HOD’s. Babu ji shall be long remembered for his people friendly policies, as founding President of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (J&K) and construction of its HQ Building at Roop Nagar Jammu. State govt. has named Roop Nagar (EWS) Chowk as Babu Parmanand Chowk and Janipur to Ban Talab Road as Babu Parmanand Road. Srore Adda to Arnia Road crossing on Pandorian-Bishnah Road is also named as Babu Parmanand Road.The Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi has instated Babu Parmanand Annual National Award,to be awarded to to persons of eminence, who work for the empowerment of the Dalits. Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath( 27th Sep.1918 to- 1st june1970). ( Salting him on His 50th Shaheedi Divas Falling on 1st June 2020) Although India won freedom in August, 1947 by forcing out the British Crown, but the real freedom from the rigid religious fundamentalists & autocratic mind set forces remained to be won. The Hindu Religious Texts did not change even an iota of their sanctions against their own religion brethren classified as Shudras now clubbed together as Scheduled Castes & Scheduled tribes & Other Bach ward Classes. Their rights as per the Constitution of Free India adopted in January, 1950 are being systematically denied even now. The situation in the country was worst before Independence with little change even after political freedom gained in 1947 so the Dalits had to wage political struggle to gain the legitimate rights as per the cannons of law. Basically these deprived sections of the Hindu Society were slaves to the British slaves. The British slaves got freedom in 1947 & their slaves are still striving to gain it. Although the reservation in services for the S/C’s, S/T’s was effected from 1944 and withh the enactment of the Indian Constitution. However it remained elusive in J&K state as long as 1970. So in J&K state revolt against this was raised. A deputation of Megh Samaj met the Glaxy Commission in 1931. This commission was formed by Maharaja Hari Singh to study the reasons of unrest prevailing in the state and also to make recommendation for their redressal. Jagat Ram Aryan who was nominated to Praja Sabha in 1932 put forth demands of welfare of his people. These efforts succeeded in getting some relief as opening of entry to temples to Harijans( Now SCs), admission of their children in schools with grant of Scholar ships to school going Harijan children. But no respite was given in services to these slaves to the British Slaves. Later Babu Milkhi Ram joined the team of Dalit leaders . For the first time the Dalits in J&K organized fast unto death thrice, first at Chhan Rorian in 1955 in Parade Ground &third time in Karan Park Jammu in 1957, against excesses being perpetuated on them by upper caste peoples and government under their control. A large number of Dalits participated in these fasts and processions. It is said 165 pounds of Dalit Blood was lost for the noble cause of Dali emancipation in J&K State. Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath blew the bugle in May 1970 which created a strong wave in J&K forcing the J&K State to issue Reservation in services orders in 1969 and 1970. This struggle continued for 63 years in one form or the other & finally J&K Legislature passed law in 2004 giving legal teeth to the Rules of Reservation in services by issuing Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 Dated19/23 March, 2004 . The son of soil, Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath was born on Friday the 27th Sep.1918 at village Champa near Batote Tehsil. Ramban Distt Udhampur ( Now Ramban ) in a Bhagat or Megh family now one of the of Scheduled Castes. His parents were respected Shri Moti Ram and Shrimati Janki Devi After completing his school education up to Middle standard; he joined service in NAC Batote and later in the Health department. He got married to Shrimati Shanti Devi at a young age. He was blessed with a son and a daughter. His family including his wife still lives at Champa .He resigned from the Govt. job and joined social service. He joined Congress party and was elected as Congress Block President and later was made the Secretary of this party. To fulfill his dreams of uplifting and betterment of the depressed classes educationally, socially, economically, he came to Jammu from his native place with an explicit motive, and to secure justice for Dalit Samaj of J&K in particular and country in general. He worked in Bhartiya Depressed Classes league, an all India Origination founded in 1935 by Babu Jagjivan Ram a union Minister and later Deputy Prime Minister. The organization as unit of INC had spread its wings all over India for the welfare of the depressed classes’ peoples. Bhagat Amar Nath was made President of this Organization in J&Kwith HQ on Jogi gate Road Shahidi Chowk Jammu, Its General Secretary was Chodhary Guran Ditta Mal an MLA and Vice Chairman of S/C’s Welfare Board. All other Dalit leaders including M.L.A’s Ministers of J&K were. A Weekly Urdu News Paper named “PASMANDGI” was started from Jammu to raise a forceful voice against denial of the just rights of depressed Classes peoples in J&K State. The write ups in Pasmandgi paper helped in uniting the Dalit masses. An All India one day convention of the Bhartiya Depressed Classes league was held in 1968 in Parade ground Jammu which was presided over by Babu Jagjivan Ram and was attended by over 20,000 peoples. Among others Babu Jagjivan Ram, Bhagat Amarnath, Pandit Trilochan Dutt addressed the gathering. Bhagat Amaranth spoke forcefully pleading for granting due rights to the Depressed Classes persons in recruitments and promotions in services, grant of scholarships to the deserving students up to all levels of education including university level, stopping illegal dislocation of small farmers from their rightful possession and many more problems faced by common people.. Bhagat ji created a close contact with Jammu based Dalit leaders i.e Babu Parmanand, Babu Milkhi Ram, Bhagat chajju Ram, Pashori lal and Mahasa Nar Singh , Jagat Ram Aryan ( Kishatwar) and others. But the government was not acceding to the just demands of the Dalit leaders. He had gained close association & friendship with Ayub Khan, then Health Minister of J&K State. Bhagat Amaranth was earlier Kabir Panthi and later was initiated as follower of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. He was a complete vegetarian and abstained from any type of intoxicants. Despite issue of G.O No 252-GD of 1969 dated 3-2-1969 and Govt. Notification No 37 GR of 1970 dated 28th April 1970 for providing reservation in services for the SC’s , ST’s and OBC’s the state Govt. was still reluctant to implement the reservation rules in services in letter and spirit . Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath took it very serious and a comprehensive note on the ill-conceived intention of the state Govt. Containing detailed demands was submitted to the State govt. When the State government failed to give positive respond, he intensified his nonstop agitation in the entire Jammu province by leading many processions, demonstrations, public meetings for the expeditious redressal of core issue including reservation. An ultimatum with deadline was given to state Govt. to take remedial measures soon otherwise he shall go for fast unto death. When convinced that the state government was not taking his threats seriously he under took fast unto death. Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath voluntarily offered himself for the supreme sacrifice and resolved to observe silence and subsequently sat on fast unto death on 21-05-1970 in Karan park in front of civil secretariat. A day before taking the extreme step of stating fast unto death by Bhagat Ji , this writer met him in Karan Park and discussed some apprehensions of peoples not prepared fully for such an extreme step and requested him to work in the field for some more time to prepare the masses for such a step. While addressing my apprehensions he quoted lines from Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s poem “Chalain ge mere naal deushman be mere, eh bakhari a gal ke muskra ke chalangey, jaddo mere Arthi utha ke chalaney gey” meaning after my death, when I shall be carried for cremation, even my adversaries shall accompany it, may be with joy in their hearts”. His health condition deteriorated so he was shifted to SMGS Hospital Jammu. But despite efforts by prominent physician of that time Dr. Manhas the condition continued to worsen. Bhagat sahib refused to take any medical treatment and this son of the soil Bhagat Amaranth achieved martyrdom on the 1st June 1970. His supreme sacrifice for the cause of the Scheduled Castes reservation and other problems forced the government to make consorted efforts to implement rules for reservation in services for the SC’s , ST’s and OBC’s. Also 165 lbs of the blood was lost in Karan Park in the under taken fast unto death in 1957 and at Chhan Arorian in 1955. After the agitations, fast unto death in 1955 and 1957 Dalits succeeded to win on their own Assembly Election in 1957 under the banner of Harijan Mandal. Martyrdom of Bhagat Amar Nath in 1970 proved final blow to hurdles in providing Reservation in Services in J&K State. However Act to give the Reservation sound legal footing is services for SCs, STc, OBCs was issued vide Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 Dated19/23 March, 2004] Amar Sheed Amar Nath’s name shall go in the History of Martyrs for the cause of Rights of Dalits in India. Bhagat Amarnath’s family with his wife Smt. Shanti Devi lives in their native place Champa,Batote Tehsil/Distt. Ramban J&K ( UT). Bhagat Ji’s daughter Smt. Chanchala Bhagat lives in Rajinder Nagra Ban Talab Jammu and is engaged in social work. References:- 1. Bhagat Amarnath’s personal details received from Bhagat Amarnath’s daughter Smt. Chanchala Bhagat 2. Many details are known to the writer as he had association with the National Hero Bhagat Amarnath JiDuring his stay at Jammu? This writer used to contribute articles in the “ Pasmandgi “ Paper on life of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s life and work List of Demands submitted and circulated through Public wall paper writings Translation from ( Urdu) 1. Cabinet should have adequate representation of SCs as Cabinet Ministers. 2.Reservation to Scheduled Castes is fixed to only 8% whereas their population is more than 6 Lacs. Their reservation should be enhanced up to 20%. 3. Adequate representation should be given to SCs in each state, province, district recruitment boards 4.Representation to SCs should be given while sellecting PSCs members. 5. No representation is given to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes in Legislative Councils, Legislative Assembly, Parliament. Thus, due representation should be given to them. 6.Some of the Scheduled Castes were allotted land but that were being driven out of their land via illegal means due to they were becoming susceptible to hand to mouth existence. This should be stopped immediately. 7.Free land, including Shamlat land belonging to government should be immediately allotted to scheduled castes and backward classes. 8.Thousands of educated scheduled unemployed. Govt jobs should be given to them immediately. 9. Scheduled castes and backward class employees should be given Reservation in promotion's benefits. 10.There should be representation of scheduled castes in KAS and IAS. 11.Houses to homeless scheduled castes and backward classes be given in Muncipal Town Areas, Notified Area Committee areas and with property ownership rights, along with financial assistance from govt to build houses. 12 Labour laws formulated by Central government to be immediately implemented in J&K. 13. Financial support to Scheduled caste and backward class entrepreneurs via easy loans and credit benefits. 14 Slum dwelling Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to be rehabilitated in permanent colonies with property ownership rights. 15 Separate Degree Colleges for Scheduled caste students with all the hostel facilities. 16 Graduate and Post Graduate students should be given free coaching for competing in exams like IAS, and preparation for getting job at National and International levels along with skill development courses. 17 Crash course programmes for matriculate scheduled castes to trained them entrepreneurships and, self employment. Mahasha Nahar Singh Ji (1899- 1987):- Mahasha Nahar Singh ji a Mahasha (Shudras) by caste fought bravely against the oppression and corrosive ways of exploitation of the Dalit Samaj. He was born on5th Baisakh 1956vikrami (17th - April, 1899 C.E) to respected Shri Jagat Ram Ji Mahasha and Shrimati Sroopa Devi at village Khairy in Tehsil RSPURA Distt Jammu. Sh. Jagat Ram was poor but honest and hard working farm labourer. Nahar Singh was youngest of his two brothers and one sister. Nahar Singh exhibited extra qualities of leadership, boldness, fearless, calm and composed although had no formal school education. Nahar Singh’s mother died when he was of nine years. Nahar Singh joined army in 1919 but served it for about four years only There after he went to Sailkot ( now in Pakistan) to find source of earning. He met Mistry Mohd. Hussain, a kind hearted expert carpenter. Mistry Mohd. Hussain gave shelter to Nahar Singh besides imparting him training in carpentry. Soon Nahar Singh became an expert carpenter and returned to his village Khairy to open a modern furniture shop there. Unfortunately his wife expired with out any issue. Mahasha Nahar Singh remarried at village Raya Tehsil Samba Later Mahasha couple was blessed with two sons and two daughters. His son Shri Romesh Chander rose to the rank of Deputy Commissioner Excise and taxation in J&K Govt. Service but died in 2010. Mahasha Ji started learning Punjabi and Hindi at home .He studied Hindu religious books and found they were full of malice against Dalits (Untouchables). Arya Samaji literature appealed him so he joined it. For a brief period he got Govt. job of carpentry and was posted on Tawi Bridge, then a foot suspension bridge. Finding his govt. job a hindrance in his social work of fighting for the cause of his untouchable brethren, he resigned. He plunged fully into ShudhiKaran purification movement of Arya Samaj . Under this movement untouchables were allowed to draw water from wells and tanks, perform puja in Hindu temples and leave the unclean jobs including carcass eating, wear good cloths and send their children to schools. This was objected by the superstitious upper caste Hindus. They lodged a complaint with the DIG, again a upper caste Hindu. Police enquiry was conducted by SHO an upper caste Hindu. Mahasha Nahar Singh along with his father and three others were summoned to the office of DIG then to the IGP. With the intervention of the Arya Smaji leaders they were let off. In 1935 the Dalit leaders submitted to the government and the religious leaders a charter of 14 demands. Dalit community leaders organized a meeting of over one lakh shudras at Kip-Pind Ratian village, near Miran Sahib R S Pura. They invited clergies of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Hindus, saying that Sudhra shall leave the Hindu religion and join any other religion, which gives them equal status. When Sikhs, Muslim and Christian clergies promised equal status to Dalits, if they join their religions. The Hindu religious leaders opposed to equality and safeguards to Dalits, feared losing lakhs of them, in case Dalits leave Hinduism. The Hindu leaders begged for three months time to come up with required safeguards. So the meeting was called off to again meet after three months.. The Hindu leaders including Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, met Maharaja Hari Singha who was J&K King. They explained him the situation arisen out of the agitation of the Dalits. Maharaja Hari Singh ordered opening all temples, wells, tanks, schools to Dalit and ordered strict compliance Scholarships to school going Dalit Children were also promised. Mahasha Nahar Singh continued his Shudhikarn spree, so traveled far and wide including Jammu and Punjab, Sailkot ( Now Pakistan). Later Mahasha ji became instrument in getting different Scheduled caste Sabhas(Organizations) united into Harijan Mandal. Mahasha ji was member of the State Constitution framing Assembly and later M.L.A.fom Samba constituency 1957-1962. Mahasha Ji joined Communist Party and remained its member till his death in 1987 at the age of 88 years. Bhagat Chhajju Ram,Gandhi Of J&K (7-3-1907—22nd May,1989) Bhagat Chhajju Ram was born at Ranbhir Singh Pura on 07-03- 1907 to Shri Bhanga Ram and Shrimati Hari Devi Ji. He was eldest of the three siblingsof his parents, two sons and one daughter. He was studying in 8th class at Lahore when his father died. At the time of death of his father he had to quit his studies to take care of the his brother and sister at the tender age of 14 years. His parents belonged to Hindu Jullaha or Megh Caste , one of recognized Scheduled Castes out of 13 in all in J&K. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was tall, fair colored but a thin lean skelton. He was teetotaler and lived a simple but purposeful life. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was one among the first crop of Scheduled Caste political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir who contribute a lot for the welfare of his brethren. A fearless leader always expressed his views in clear terms without fear or favour. Once, while explaining the helplessness and discriminatory treatment meted out to his people he said “In J&K we see urea in fields and Khajurias ( A superior Brahmin sub title) in offices, questioning is party meeting asking its leaders that where other need to go”. Ever since creation of J&K State after Indian Independence from Dogra Kingdom and even during Kimgdom days Rajputes, Khajuria, Dogra, Mangotra,Sharmas, Dubeys etc. Brahmns have dominated education, administrative employment, religious affairs more so in Jammu region,wher Scheduled caste people lived in majority. Brahmins acted as Prohits, Pujaries to the Hindu temples, headed Pathshalla ( Local vernacular schools), controlled government schools besides being advisors to the state Kings. So only a courageous Dalit with spine could make such remarks against the powerful ruling clout. Bhagat Ji mostly substantiated his speech with funny jokes, short stories, tailored with hard facts, to make home his point to his audiences. Bhagat Chhajju Ram started his career as a tailor along with Sh. Duni Chand Bhagat. Due to 1947 turmoil Bhagat Chhajju Ram migrated to Jalander ( Punjab) and established his business in sports goods. But after few years he returned back to his native place and started his old tailoring job and subsequently as a cloth merchant. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was a committed Arya Samaji and had good rapport with the Mahajans a business community of his place. He successfully established Arya Samaj Mandir at RSPURA and at Shastri Nagar Jammu, his old age abode colony. He made good fortune out of his business. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was an honest person and he maintained this tag throughout his life. He was called Gandhi Of J&K. One of his relations told me that once he stated supplying milk to an army unit with his other partners. Bhagat Chhajju Ram soon pulled out of this business sensing corrupt practices adopted by his partners. Bhagat Chhajju Ram followed Sadguru Kabir’s teaching and he established Kabir Kalyan Kendra Jiri , Kana Chak , Jiri Jammu. Jiri is an important religious place associated with the supreme sacrifice of a Brahmin farmer Bawa Jitto along with his toddler daughter Kiri, for their just rights. An Annual fair is held at Jiri,where devotees from some neighbouring states also join in a week long celebrations on Karthik Purnima . Thinking to establishing Kabir temple at Jiri , where people of all faiths especially all fictions of Scheduled castes join on important occasions, proved a great visionary thought.Bhagat ji planned to display portraits of all Dalit Saints in this Kendra. Bhagat Chhajju Ram a man of clean habits, continued with this throughout his life including morning and evening prayers as per Arya Samaj tradition throughout his life. Regular walking, massaging his body with Sarson ( Mustrad)oil formed his daily habit. Although he had studied only up to 8th class but had in depth knowledge of the poverty suffering of his poor people, accordingly he was taking keen interest in ways and means of mitigation of their sufferings. Bhagat Chhajju Ram had political bent of mind from his childhood and said to have met Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Lahore. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was one among the founding fathers of Megh Mandal in early 1930. He got this organization merged with Harijan Mandal to make it broad based and representative of all Scheduled Castes then known as Harijans. But his being instrument to merge Harijan Mandal with National Conference against wishes of many others aroused great resentment also. Bhagat Chhajju Ram contested unsuccessfully for the Praja Sabha in 1938 but was made member of the J&K Constituent Assembly 1951 . Bhagat Chhajju Ram ji had met Dr. Rajinder Prasad also along with Mahasha Nahar Singh another prominent Dalit leader to discuss problems of their people. Bhagat Chhajju Ram successfully contested elections for Legislative Assembly in 1962, 1967,1983 and remained Minister in the state cabinet for pretty long time. Besides other departments he was Minister for Social Welfare department. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was also MLC. He was Vice President (1967-1970) and Acting President ( 1970-1972) of the Indian National Congress. For a brief period he became a member of the Communist Party when it was formed by many leaders like Gulam Mohd, Sadiq, Ram Paira Saraf, K.D. Sethi ,G.L. Dogra and others. This was a clout formed against, the Prime Minister of the state Bakashi Gulam Mohd. But soon he returned to National Conference with some other prominent leaders. Bhagat Chhajju Ram had close rapport with many National and State leaders. I had a personal acquaintances with Bhagat Ji from 1960 and he was instrument in getting me admission in the Regional Engineering College ( Now NIT) Srinagar in 1961 from where I passed out as a first Scheduled Caste Engineer in the J&K State in 1966. Till then no body from all Dalit castes put to gather had privilege to qualify as Engineer. Bhagat Ji also snatched for me first appointment by giving a tough duel with then PWD Minister, RS Jamwal in the presence of CM, Late G.M. Sadiq. Bhagat Ji was ever ready to help all poor and deprived sections of society more so, poverty ridden including Scheduled Castes. J&K State ( Now two UTs)Scheduled Caste leaders of that time namely, Bhagat Chhajju Ram, Babu Parmanand, Choudhary Guran Ditta Mal, Jagat Ram Aryan, Babu Milkhi Ram, Mahasha Nahar Singh and others worked delicately for the welfare of the Dalit masses. They had their personal difference at times but for common cause they were one. The only common matter they did not co-operate, as required was lending helping hand to Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath ji who undertook fast unto death for the cause of Scheduled castes. Frankly speaking I also proposed Bhagat Amarnath ji to delay his decision as our samaj was not prepared for such drastic step. But he was adamant to go ahead with his plans and we unfortunately we lost him in his death on first of June,1970. With the active co-operation of our leaders of that time 40 Housing plot were got reserved/allotted to Scheduled caste persons in the Shastri Nagar Jammu colony by the Housing department. This substantial increased presence of our people there. This right of scheduled caste had been criminally ignored while developing Gandhi Nagar colony when no facility of reservation of plots existed. Hence forth all housing colonies developed by Housing Board or JDA had to keep a reserved a fixed quota for SCs,. With the vision of these leaders in the Medical and Engineering college Srinagar education the Scheduled caste students were granted with both facilities of Scholarship and education Loan against only one facility in the initial years besides reservation of seats. Reservation in the only B.Ed. college in Jammu was also provided reservation of seats in admission due to efforts of these leaders. Some people do disservice to them by restricting them to their particular castes, but it was not so in practice. They were seen by me in person as united when Pasmandgi fort night Urdu news paper was launched with Bhagat Amar Nath ji as its editor. Bhagat ji worked for all toiling humanity. He was great instrument in getting established Agriculture College RSPURA, now SKUAST Agriculture University RSPURA campus, working to help the farmers, students and generating employment opportunities. He helped stread of education in the area and was instrument in getting scholarships to students, particularly Scheduled castes. This son of the soil passed away at his home in Shastri Nagar on 22nd May, 1989 at an age of 82 years. His services to the downtrodden masses shall be long remembered with reverence. Let us salute his memories and his services rendered to poor, neglected, illiterates, ill fed of our society. Dogra Ratan Babu Milkhi Ram (1926-89) ( Saluting Dalit Crusader whose 95th Birth Day falls on 14th June,2021) By: Er. H. R. Phonsa(contact hrphonsa@ gmail.com,Mob 949134060) Late Babu Milkhi Ram Ji (1926-1989) was social justice crusader but an uncompromising personality for losing interests of his people. Despite heavy odds in his personal and social life, he carried on his campaign of mass awakening and building up pressure on the Government to grant the J&K Dalits their legitimate rights of reservation in public services, denied to them from 1934, when for the first time such orders under GOI Act of 1919 & 1935. He struggled also for allotment of surplus government to land less farm laboureres. The surplus land was government common land, Nazool land left behind by Muslims who migrated to Pakistan in 1947 turmoil and the land which became available under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estate Abolition act 2007 (samvat) and Agrarian Reforms ACT 1976. Such surplus land was illegally held by high caste musclemen in connivance with revenue authorities. Another valid point he forcefully agitated was grant of scholarships to SC students up to university level and free education to all up to University level. Babu Ji agitated with the government to full fill all promises made with the residents of J&K State(now UT) as promised under Naya Kashmir memorandum submitted in 1944, by Sheikh Abdullah the leader of Kashmir's leading political party the National Conference, as submitted to Maharaja Hari Singh the then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. Babu Ji commitment for upliftment of SC students in studies was personally experienced by this writer. When after passing Matriculation in 1959, I reached GGM SC. College Jammu for admission,I was asked to produce scheduled caste certificate, which I did not have. There was no actual procedure in force to issue such certificates except, a certificate from an M.L.A. I was last to fill up admission form and needed this certificate with an hour or so. I enquired where from to get the certificate, somebody named Babu Milkhi Ram and also pointed out that he was there, under the tree shade on the side of college ground. I approached him and got the needed certificate. Before signing the form he asked me my division in Matriculation. Before I replied a city student standing nearby replied quickly, III Division. When I told First Division, Babu Ji got happy and that student slipped from the site. Had he been not there I might have lost chance of admission that year? Babu Milkhi Ram was born on 14 June, 1926 in a family of Ramdasia (Chamars) of Jammu,which is one among 13 Recognized Scheduled Castes in J&K State( Now UT). His father revered Shri Rohlu Ram and mother respected Shani Devi. Shri Rohlu Ram had three sons (Milkhi Ram, Krishan Lal and Ram Lal ) and two daughters( Shanti Devi and Taro Devi). Rohlu Ram ji followed his community business of Shoe making .Young Milkhi Ram was physically strong, intelligent and mentally alert. He was a great lover of sweetmeats and Pakoras (A fried local dish). Milkhi Ram was admitted in school when he was about 8 years old and passed his Matriculation Examination in 1944 and Intermediate in 1949 and B.A in 1952 with Urdu as special subject. Urdu is state language. His was not a child marriage as normally followed then .His marriage was solemnized in 1947 with Smt. Ishri Devi when he was 21years old. The couple was blessed with one son (Kuldeep Kumar Sarangal) and three daughters (Sareshta Kumari, Sunita Kumari and Meena Kumari). Shri Rohlu Ram while running business in a rented shop in Hari Market was cheated by his partner, so he migrated to Kashmir leaving behind Milkhi Ram to take care of the family and also to continue his studies. Shri Rohlu Ram never returned back and breathed his last in Kashmir. Milkhi Ram , then an undergraduate ,bravely shouldered the entire responsibility to run the family affairs. Milkhi Ram under took private tuitions and worked in shoe making shop also to eke out family living besides pursuing his educational. He set his goal of “Service to masses is service to God”. He is reported to have met Baba Saheb, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Jalander in 1951 and got influenced by his political semons to his people. In later years Babu Milkhi Ram came in contact of Babu Jagjivan Ram too, then Union Minister and both kept lifelong close contacts , interactions on matters of welfare of the Depressed classes country over. Mean time Milkhi Ram obtained his B.A.B.T ( Bachelor Of Arts & Bachelor of Teaching) and served as a school teacher in Christian Missionary School his Alma Mater, as he had studied there in early years.. Later Babu Ji passed his LL. B Degree in 1964 from Delhi University. For this qualification, his life dreams he struggled very hard. He ofter said a lawyer can help his people more forcefully. Now he started practicing as a lawyer at Jammu. He charged nominal fee as lawyer. Once I was told by him that he could get only Rupees Twenty four against the actual court fee of Rupees Thirty Two he had spent, not to speak of getting any pleader’s fee. In Jammu, Harijan Mandal was founded in 1940 by dissolving existing pro Megh Mandal, since it represented only Megh or Bhagat of RSPURA Tehsil,where had substantial population and guidance from elder community leaders,Bhagat Chhajju Ram,Bhagat Daulat Ram,Bhagat Sain Das to name a few. This new organization amalgamated all Sub Castes of J&K Untouchables and their unity started showing results. Babu Milkhi Ram along with other provided leadership to the Dalits agitation in Marhin and Chhann Rodian in Kathua Distt in 1956 a clear revolt against the suppressing of Upper Caste people after 1935 Kir Pind Ratian, Miran Sahib public protest meeting. A public meeting of the Dalits was called by Pandit Chhaino Ram( he recently passed away at an advanced age) Chamar in village Mareen on 25th July 1956 on the bank of village pond in which over 300 participants took Part. But the upper Caste public with misguided Dalits pelted stones and disturbed the peaceful gatherings. On this large gathering including starting of HUNGER Strike was planned overnight with convience of Babu Milkhi Ram,who was contacted same day at Samba. Following this, on 26th July 1956 a team of eleven volunteers went on a hunger strike which continued for ten days. Many attempts were made by anti national and anti SCs people from upper caste with active support of forceful politician like Girdhari Lal Dogra. Unfortunately some miss guided SCs employees and local politician’s touts also joined hands. There was up surging in Dalits in whole of Jammu Province. Large scale contributions in cash and king came and educated youth reached every village in Hiranagar Tehsil to appraise masses about strike need and basis. My father Shri Gillu Ram carried by head food items contribution from my village to fast site, over 40 Kms. I arranged protest march in my village for which got beating from village head. Protestors were approached by Political Minister, Tehsildar, Deputy Commission, local police office to withdraw hunger strike, but all in vain. On Eleventh day the Prime Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohd. Came personally at the venue of strike and he assured providing full justice to the Dalits in J&K. He commanded Babu Milkhi Ram as a true leader and offered him berth of Finance Minister in the Cabinet provided Babu Ji merged his Harijan Mandal with National Conference. Babu Ji declined this offer. Later, on 15 November, 1956 a rally was organized at Karan Park Jammu, where the same conditional offer was repeated by the Prime Minister. But Babu Ji declined the offer till practical action was not seen on ground level. Consequent upon bowing down by the Government to the demands of the strikers, many of the miscreants who had stone pelted the meetings were put behind bars. A couple of them went underground and became Sadhus to avoid detection. It is said that 165 pounds of the strikers’ blood lost in Chhan Rorian . This bore fruit in the form of Babu ji’s entry into the J&K legislative Assembly in 1957 on the force of his Harijan Mandal Party. Babu Ji’s efforts succeeded in getting his fellowmen as officers and ministers in the later years. Babu Milkhi Ram continued raising the issue of reservation in services and farmers’ tenancy rights issues- . Mean while Government issued notification No 37-GR of 1970 dated 28th April, 1970.This notification without any legal teeth was titled as “The J&K, SC’s and BC (Reservation) rules 1970”. This also landed into trouble by writ petition in SC of India. Sensing lack luster approach of state government on reservation and other pressing problems of SCs another prominent Dalit Leader Baghat Amar Nath got aspirations from Babu Ji’s hard work, so he too served a notice to the State Government with Charter of Demands, giving fixed time for implementation of demands, else he will resort to Fast unto death. When government did not initiate any action in the desired direction Bhagart Ji went on Hunger Strike in Karan Park Opposite State Assembly & reached his martyrdom on 1st of June 1970 and so became “Martyr of Reservation". With his supreme sacrifice the reservation was implemented and in this way he wrote the chapter of reservation with his life sacrifice. This finally forced the Government of J&K to issued First ever Govt. SRO on reservation for SCs in public services in 1971 now made an Act after continued Dalit Struggle for this cause. In J&K the Reservation in Services saw light after 25 years after independence; where as SC’s in other Indian States got sanction with the enactment of the Indian Constitution vide SRO 294 of 2005 Dated 21-10—2005. In J&K Art. 370 of Indian Constitution became a hurdle. The very enactment of Art.370 was done against the wishes of the Father of Indian Constitution Baba Sahib B.R. Ambedkar. This also stands partially modified in Nov.2019,but situation on reservation instead of improving worsened,particularly in reservation in promotion for which case is in the law court. Babu Milkhi Ram emerged as a consciences candidate of Harijan Mandal, he contested the first Assemble election in 1952 but he lost. His second attempt to enter the J&K Legislative Assembly from Marh Constituency in 1957 Assembly poll, won him the election. Harijan Mandle then had forged political alliance with Hindu Organization called Jan Sang . He won the distinction of then being one among the highly qualified leader in the entire Assembly & only one in opposition benches. He spoke on almost all Bills with constructive suggestions and fought with in Assembly for the just Rights of Scheduled Castes. Thereafter, he contested almost all Assembly elections till 1987 but lost .But, paradoxically, his popularity, both among the masses and in the political and Government circles, rose day by day. That was, perhaps, due to the extraordinary qualities of leadership he possessed. Undeterred by his election failures, Babu Milkhi Ram ji continued to hold high the flag of the Dalit Movement in the Jammu region of J&K. He offered resistance, led demonstrations and organized rallies and strikes in protest against the discriminatory behavior of the establishment towards the Dalits. He joined the National Conference under the leadership of Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah, in 1975 and participated in the meeting of Democratic Socialist Forum organized by the latter on 2nd Dec,1974. In 1982 Babu Milkhi Ram was nominated as Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Castes Advisory Board when Farooq Abdulla became Chief Minister after sad demise of Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla. Later when Khowaza G.M.Shah,son in law of Sheikh Sahib defected ,joined hands with opposition and became chief Minister, Babu Milkhi Ram resigned as Vice Chairman, on return from office to home he came on foot, leaving office jeep allotted to him in office. He founded the SC-BC Federation with himself its President. In 1979, he joined Mirza Afjal Beigh’s Revolutionary National Conference, a broken wing of National Conference and was nominated its provincial president for Jammu . Irrespective of his political affiliations, Babu ji pursued the Programmes for forging unity among SC’S, ST’s and OBCs to strengthen their political power & awakenings. As a step in that direction, he started a news-paper Subha-I-Jammu, fortnight Urdu paper in 1980 ,later he planned to start its Hindi and English editions, bur his life did not support him to do so. During this period he again presented a 25 point charter of demands to the Government. Babu ji breathed his last on 7 May, 1989 and was cremated at Jogi gate Jammu. He will be remembered for his straight forwardness, righteousness, social working and his concern for the poor and the meek. His life long struggle will continue to serve as a beacon light for Dalit Communities for long. Words:-2152 Dated 12-06-2021 Refers : 1.Writer’s personal experiences with the leader . 2. Babu Milkhi Ram Advocate ( un crowned King) by T.R.Azad. Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat Ist IAS From S/S’s of J&K(1921-1988 ):-Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat a very pleasing, cool and noble personality was born on 09-06-1921 in a small village Atalgarh of Bhadherwah town in Doda District in a Dalit family of Meghalias Bhagat. His father Sh. Mani Karan was a small Farmer. After his schooling from Bhaderwah and joined S.P College Srinagar and M.A L.L.B. from Aligarh Muslim University On shifting to Jammu he found Dalits devoid of any well founded Socio-political movement/ organization except Megh Mandal sponsored by Bhagat Daulat, Bhagat Chajju Ram and others in R, S. Pura area . Although the well attended united Harijan public meeting at Kir Pind Ratian had Shaken the entire Hindu Samaj. The superstitious upper caste Hindus were in a fix whether to give human rights to Harijans or loose them permanently. Harijans have shown their eagerness to join a religion which treats them equal. Since Megh Mandal represented only one Caste with influence in RSPura, he persuaded its leaders to enlarge its scope and include all other Harijan communities. So Harijan Mandal was formed and he was made its secretary. It shook the un-equality and untouchability roots. Harijan Mandal’s popularity won it one seat in the Legislature Assembly making Babu Milkhi Ram as M.L.A. Anti- cow slaughter and Roti movement including Harijan movement for their rights in Jammu and Muslim Conference headed by Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir region were forcing the government to initiate people friendly policies. Maharaja Hari Singh constituted in 1938 the “Praja Sabha”. Elections were held and Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat was elected to Praja Saba. Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat’s tirade against the communal elements was appreciated by the Maharaja and appointed him as Parliamentary secretary to Development Minister. With the partition of country and efflux of millions from Pakistan to India and vise-versa massive rehabilitation work was started. With the exit of Maharaja Hari Singh and formation of interim government by Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah , Sh. Bhagat was made in charge of handling the programme of rescue and restoration. Sheikh Abdullah got passed Big Landed Property Abolition Act and Debt Relief Board. Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat was appointed as chairman Debt Conciliation Board and worked at Samba, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Bhadarwah up to 30-11-1955. He was inducted into judicial Service and served as Munsif Magistrate Ist class Samba from Dec 1956 to August, 1957. Later Sh. Magat Ram Bhagat was appointed Secretary to Govt. welfare of scheduled castes and other backward classes. Bhagat Mangat Ram was inducted into IAS in 1958. There after he served in many department as secretary to government, Deputy Commissioner Leh (Ladakh) , Labour commissioner, Commissioner for Redressal of Public Grievances from Oct. 1973 to May 1977 , finally retired from active Govt. service on 30-06-1979 He also served as Secretary/ Member Anti-Corruption Tribunal till 30-06-1982. He breathed his last on 09-10-1988 at the age of 67 years. His services for the welfare of the down trodden shall always be remembered including formulation of the Reservation Rules in the J&K State. Tilak Raj Arti First SC Distt and Session Judge in J&K:- Shri T.R. Atri a renowned judge for his impartiality, hard working, honesty and dedication to his duties was born at village Talab Datta near Bri Brahmana in Tehsil Samba of then District Jammu ( now Samba) on 27th July, 1928. His father revered shri Sukh Ram was Ravidasia by caste was a poor farmer. Shri Atri was admitted in his nearby Birpur village Government school from where he passed his Middle standard . There after he was admitted in S.R.M.L High School Parade ground Jammu and he passed his Matriculation Examination with high merits. He was admitted in the Prince of Wales College(Now G.G.M. Sc. College) Jammu. During his studies at Jammu he was living in the Guru Ravidas Mandir Upper Gumat Jammu. After his graduation from Punjab University Lahore, he got admission in the Law College Jalander and successfully completed his LL.B again from Punjab University in 1954. He was enrolled as Pleader in the J&K High Court on 24th September,1954. He got employment in J&K Government as Police Prosecutor and served in Samba JMIC Court for two years. On 1st November, 1957was appointed as Munsiff and posted in JMIC Court Basoli. Due to his seniority and work record of excellence, he got promoted as Sub judge and served at various places including Jammu. He also served in State Anti-Corruption organization as Judge Anti Corruption. He was elevated as District and Session Judge and served at Kathua and Poonch. On the change of guards in the State under Indra Gandhi- Sheikh Accord 1975, Sher-i- Kashmir Sheikh Mohd Abdullah took over as the Chief Minister on 25th Feb, 1975. Sheikh Sahib desired Shri T.R. Atri to join his cabinet. So Shri Atri opted for pre-Retirement and joined as Minister of State having departments of Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Irrigation and Flood Control etc. He was subsequently nominated as M.L.C. Shri T.R. Atri ‘s marriage was ceremonised with Shrimati Shakuntala Devi born in a prominent family of Jalander The Atri couple was blessed with Six sons two of whom are settled in USA. His eldest son Mr.Vijay Atri served in judicial services. Shri T.R. Atri’s another son Shri Ashok Kumar Atri is an IPS officer and is serving as DIG in the State Police.Shrimati Shakuntala Devi died a premature death, so Shri Atri re-married Shrimati Kamla Devi of Jammu. Shri T.R. Atri left his mortal frame on the night of 14th-15th February, 2010 after a brief illness. He breathed his last in GMC Jammu where he was admitted for treatment, when he was 82 years of age. Shri Atri a known jolly honest person, had a pleasant personality with complete faith in Sant Mat so lived complete vegetarian life and abstained from all types of intoxicants. Shri T.R. Atri earned respects and admiration from people of all shades, ranks and religious affiliations. Dr Gian Chand ChagdalFirst SC Director ISM, J&K.:-A disciplined and qualified person Dr. Gian Chand Chagdal, son of Shanku Ram, was born on 04-01-1946, at village Amowal tehsil Samba District Jammu A/P resident of House No 95, Sector 5, Nanak Nagar, Jammu Dr. Gian Chand Chagdal attained his early education from a Govern¬ment High School, Guraha slathian from where he passed his Matriculation Examination and thereafterhe joined the Gov¬ernment Gandhi Memorial Science College, Jammu for higher education and did his graduation. After that he did BAMS from Govt. Ayurvedic College Jammu in 1969. After qualifying the de¬gree in BAMS, he joined the J&K Government Health service in 1971 to serve the society. He worked with full dedication and devotion and subse¬quently got promotion in the department. He was promoted as Assistant Dis¬trict Medical Officer in 1989 and posted at Udhampur He performed his duties with full sense of dedication. With in 5 years he was promoted as Assistant Direc¬tor, Jammu in 1994. His performance was appreciated by all his seniors as well as juniors and public at large. In1998 Dr Gian Chand was promoted as Deputy Director, ISM Jammu. He was elevated to the post of Director, ISM,J&K in 2000. Entering the marital life, his marriage was solemnized with Shrimati Krishna Kumari in 1969 of Nai Basti Jammu. The couples led a happy life and were blessed with one son and three daughters. Their children are settled in life with his son Shri Sunil working in ISM Departement. He was a God fearing per¬son and co-operative to even a stranger. Believer of a non-violence arid peace, he always promoted all these traits in youngsters. Dr Gian Chand was due to retire on 31st January 2004, but destiny plucked him before and he passed away on September 2 ,2003 af¬ter a prolonged illness. He was 57. Destiny has its own style to work and so picked up a gem from this world, perhaps his services might be needed in heaven more, as per tributes to his father said his son Sunil. Dated 28-05-2020 Jagat Ram Aryan (1908-88) By Er.H.R.Phonsa Jagat Ram Aryan the ever First SC Member Assembly in J&K: - Bhagat Jagat Ram Aryan was born on 15th May, 1908 in the house of Shri Suraj Ram Megh (Now Bhagat ) at Matta, Kishtwar District Udhampur ( Now Kishatwar). His father was an agriculturist by profession. The Bhagat is a recognized Scheduled caste in J&K State( Now UT) and have largest population with 13 recognized Scheduled castes in J&K. In his childhood he depicted signs of being a great hard working and visionary. Child Jagat Ram was admitted in Kishatwar school with the help of some Arya Samaj workers as untouchability was then observed unabated. His name title Aryan was based on his being an Arya Samaj. So he never supported the idea of conversion to Buddhism by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In school he faced many caste based discriminations and hard ships. He passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Kishatwar. This school was opened as Govt. Primary school in 1900 and upgraded as High School in 1920 during reign of Maharaja Partap Singh. Despite many financial hardships and low caste discriminations he earned the distinction of being First Scheduled Caste in Kishtwar area to pass his Matriculation Examination from Punjab University Lahore. Due to his hard work and dedication to get higher education he passed his Science Graduation ( BSc) from the Prince Of Wales College Jammu, then affiliated with the Punjab University Lahore earning distinction of first Scheduled Caste (Then untouchable Megh) from J&k Principality. Jagat Ram was a good college debtor and picked up experience of public lectures. The Prince Of Wales College at Jammu was opened in 1905 by Maharaja Partap Singh on the eve visit of the British Prince. This college was named G.G.M Sc. College in 1948. As his father was unable to finance his college education , so Jagat Ram labored as tutor and in some other jobs to defray his education expenditure. Then a tutor was either given a meal or a small amount in cash. Jagat Ram had earned proficiency in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi languages besides, Dogri, Kashmiri and Kishtwari , Bhaderwahi local dialects.. He read many autobiographies and biographies of many world famous revolutionaries including books by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In later times he wrote 6 books and pamphlets on various topics of leadership, politics, agriculture (Agro Botany of Saffron) and religion. Jagat Ram Aryan, the son of the soil despite qualified to get high ranking Government job took to social cause of alienation the suffering of his brethren then named as Harijans by Mahatama Gandhi despite stiff opposition by Dalit leaders country over. To support his livelihood he opened a shop ( Himachal Aushadhyala Kishatwar) in Mehta Lane Kishatwar and started practice as Medical professional in Ayurveda, Unami treatment and also as dentist having obtained proficiency in these medical systems. He successfully provided 20 days free treatment to Epilepsy. He had mastered technique of making dentures and fitted to needed persons. One a local business man got his denture made from Aryan but refused to take. Jagat Ram Aryan lodged a complaint and in court lala denied having given any order. on orders from court denture was fitted to concerned Lala in the court. On proper fitting lala was ordered to pay double charges with fine. This proves that Aryan could go to any extent to seek his rights. He even got himself registered as RMP in 1976. He also started as first photography. Jagat Ram had long family association with agriculture so adopted cultivation of cash crops like Saffron and subsequently became dealer in medicinal and spices herbs like Shilajit , black Cumin (Zeera), honey, violet herb( Banafsha) pulses( Rajmash) and such like other items. Later he established a Printing press and also designed a multi thread automatic spinning machine. The Dalits got worst treatment in the hands of upper caste Hindus. No Dalit could even wear leather foot wear in the presence of a high caste Hindu. Dalits were not allowed to draw water from water sources. If by chance there was a touch even of a cloth, the upper caste person broke the water pitcher, beat up the Dalit male or female and took bath along with clothes. On observing such treatment Jagat Ram organized his people and asked them to also broke water pitches on touch with a higher caste man and stop taking off shoes on seeing a upper caste person. After lot of stress and struggle these problems ceased to some extent. There were separate water places, worshiping places, living places, working places and even Cremation grounds for Dalits. They had no common meeting places, still they were declared as part of Hindu religion by caste Hindus, what a funny story. The most unfortunate thing was that even Dalit caste people observed untouchability among themselves considering high and low castes between themselves. The Backward people did not join any movement for their betterment they suffered discriminations from upper castes hands but always sided with them considering themselves nearer to upper castes. Although Begar or Kar-e- Sarkar ( to get work without proper wages) was banned in 1891 by King Partap Singh but it was in use in the state in a big way. In Dogra rule upper caste people had preference so they bypassed established rules .The poor illiterate , ill fed ,ill dressed Dalits were sent to far off places carrying loads, officer luggage and to convey messages. Many of them perished in snow, snow bites, floods and hunger without any care or compensation. Habitation of Kashmiri Muslims settled before 1947 at Lohai and Malhar in BilawarTehsil of Kathua District consisted of those Kashmeries who were sent under Begar to Jammu . When they could not make up back to Kashmir they settled in Jungle away from the view of authorities. In Hilly areas even the cultivable land prepared by cleaning jungle by poor Dalits was forcibly occupied by Jagirdars, Jamindars Money lenders (Soucars). Aryan one from among them equipped with higher qualified vision and pains for the suffering Scheduled Castes (Then called Harijans) started his struggle to eras their life miseries. He first organized his people to take out daily non violent procession from Kishatwar -Chogan to Bazaar against Begar system. He lectured, educated and prepared them to fight for their just cause. This continued for long time till this news spread far and wide in the area among his people. Thus Harijans picking up courage to resist atrocities on them. Some of them even refused to perform Begar and so more atrocities were committed on the poor Dalits, but instances of resistances’ continued increasing. It was the time when Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla (1905- 82), a Post Graduate in Chemistry was organizing his people in Kashmir against Dogra rule under the banner of Kashmir Muslim Conference 1932 ,later National Conference from 1939. The party leaders declared they will struggle for the rights of the oppressed, whether Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. The slogan of Hindu Muslim Sikh Ethad, Jindabad Jindabad meaning “ long live Hindu, Muslim , Sikh unity “. Jagat Ram Aryan started political struggle in 1933 by organizing Satyagraha at Kishatwar which was viewed akin to revolt in Kashmir under Kashmiri leadership against Maharaja Hari Singh rule. In Srinagar Jail on 13 July 1931 already 22 people had been shoot dead followed by looting and rioting in Srinagar. To curb the Kishatwar Satyagraha Jagat Ram was first called for negotiations. He might have been offered some lucrative government job and on failure of negotiations he was arrested and sent for undisclosed jail. This was done to avoid revolt by Dalits as they had sizable population not only in Kishatwar but in whole of Jammu Division. Also some voices against government excesses including those of landlord, Jagirdars, money lenders excesses had started being raised by Dalit leaders elsewhere in Jammu province. Maharaja Sahib had already constituted Glaxy Commission 1931 to study the prevailing problems faced by his public and also to suggest possible solutions. A deputation of Megh Sabha lead by Bhagat Chajju Ram also met the Glaxy Commission and put forth their demands. The Glancy Commission had submitted its report in April 1932, confirming the existence of the grievances of the State's subjects and recommended providing for adequate representation of Muslims in the State's services. Glancy Commission also recommended the establishment of a legislative assembly, called the Praja Sabha with 75 members, with break up as 15 official representatives, 33 elected representatives and the remaining seats held by the Maharaja's nominees. Of the 33 elected seats, 21 were recommended to be reserved for Muslims, 10 for Hindus and 2 for Sikhs. Maharaja accepts these recommendations but delays were caused in implementation. This commission also had remained silent about solving Dalit problems. On all-round protests in Dalit circles Shri Jagat Ram Aryan was nominated to the Praja Sabha along with others in 1934. The first session of the Praja Sabha was held on Wednesday October17, 1934 . The Dalit leaders under the leadership of Bhagat Chajju Ram ( 1907-1989, Bhagat Daulat Ram (1912-2007) both of Megh Sudhar Sabha, Mahasha Nahar Singh( 1899-2007) , Pt. Mangat Ram of Langth Samba, Choudhary Rangila Ram and many others were exerting to cut chains of Hindu excesses on their masses aided and abated by Dogra imperialistic rule. They had collected over one lac Dalits at village Ratian near Miran Sahib Tehsil RS pura of Jammu District in 1935. They called there Christians clergies, Muslims Molvies, Sikhs Bhaies and Hindus Padits including Arya Samaji leaders to know their reactions if untouchable Hindus leave the Hindu fold and join other religions. In their speeches Christians, Muslims, Sikhs leaders proposed open hand reception with all typed help on conversions of untouchable Hindus to their religions. They offered that any attack on untouchable convertees shall be first born by their new religious brothers. The Hindu leaders who had among them Pt.Prem Nath Dogra, Hans Raj Dogra got worried but had no solution at hand so asked three months time in deciding the matter. They reported this matter to Maharaja Hari Singh, who was already seized of the untouchable problem as projected in Round Table Conferences (1930-32) held at London by Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. When Jawahar Lal Nehru was arrested on 19 June,1946 at Kohala Bridge on way to Kashmir to plead case of Sheikh Abdulla, arrested and lodged in Srinagar Jail. He was arrested for abetting and heading “Quit Kashmir”movement against Dogra rule akin to countrywide Quit India Movement by Congress against the British Crown. Dewan Chaman Lal and Asif Ali were accompanying Nehru. Jagat Ram opposed this action of Maharaja’s Prime Minister Kak as ill conceived. This annoyed Maharaja so Jagat Ram Aryan was removed from Praja Sabha membership. Mr.Ram Rakha another Dalit was also made its member. Both forcefully represented cause of their Samaj in the Praja Sabha. Aryan had represented the cause of the Dalit Samaj for 12 years without a dot of fear. He used to project problems faced by his Samaj viz. verities of ill treatment, Begar , practice of untouchability, drinking water problems, separate setting of their kids in school class rooms, denial of scholarships to their students, prevailing unemployment, denial of workmen compensation, temple entry denial to them, proper cremation grounds for dead etc.etc. In his hard hitting speech in Praja Sabha on 21st September, 1838, he summed up the pitiable conditions of Harijans then saying they were not allowed to draw water from wells, water tanks, and admission to school was denied. If a Harijan student ventured to get admission in a government school, he was discriminated, made to sit separately saying his mixing with other students is sure to pollute Higher Caste Students. While continuing his speech he said “We are precluded from using a single drop of water which is given by God. We demand our rights but do not beg as a charity. Civilized governments should side with the poor, but Dogra Raj Government protects the oppressors. The oppressors here are so cruel that our children are thirsty for a single drop of water. They follow Manusmriti, which was written by a mad man. This book has been the cause of our degradation. Our women have to comb the Jungles in search of water. Due to his relentless efforts in the house of repesentatives the following laws were amended/enacted by His Highness Government. 1. Forced labour ( Kar-e – Sarkar, Begar) rules of 1873( Bikrami),1917CE, were repealed under Act No 8 of 1996(Bikrami),1940 CE. 2. Workmen compensation Act was passed in the Praja Sabha and promulgated with immediate effect. 3. Arya Samaj Marriage Act was brought on Statue Book 4. Through a Royal order of 1932 entry of all including Dalits ( Harijans) was allowed in all Hindu temples. 5. Scholarships to all Dalit students was ordered and also order to stop their separate sitting in class rooms. As regards employment to Dalits Aryan writes in his book “ Kashmir Mein Hangaama-e- Rai Shumari Kyon Hai” that when he pressurized government to give employment to his people,one Chet Ram Dubey opined to then Revenue Minister Mehta an ICS officer thet the Kashmir Government had already tilted its stand to give employment to Muslim, why should Harijans ( Dalits ) be not considered for giving them employment. The reply of Mehta ICS is given as given in Urdu language was “ Harijanon Ki Tawaja Malanmaton Ki Taraf Na Dillao, Varna Naukron se Hatt Dho Betho Gey” meaning do not invite attention of Harijans towards employment, you will find difficult to get house servants. However the Dalits had picked up courage to fight for their rights including employment after 1946. Jagat Ram Aryan was Nationalist to the core. He opposed Maharaja Hari Singh for his inclusion of Para (7) and (8) in Instrument of Accession, saying this will create more problems for total integration of State with India. These two Para proved resulted in giving special protectionto state under Art.370 of the Indian Constitution. On India gaining Independence Aryan was appointed in April,1948 as Harijan Special Officer but was dismissed with a year as he did not want to toe government line in his working. He had developed good rapt with many National Conference leaders. On his dismissal from service he joined Praja Parishad Party and was made its President of Kishatwar Agitators were sent to Srinagar Jail and sentenced for one year but relased before completion of their full jail term by Session court. Mr. Aryan was sentenced at some other occasions also Mr. Aryan was fielded as Praja Parishad candidate in 1952 elections but his paper rejected due to deficiency. Later he joined first the DNC (Democratic National Conference) promulgated by leaders like G. M. Sadiq, K. D. Sethi, Ram Paira Saraf and other. But when this party emerged with J&KNC and subsequently into INC on becoming of G.M.Sadiq as Prime Minister ( later CM), Mr. Aryan joined INC party. He was given party ticket in 1967 elections from Bhaderwah Constituency (Reserve) and he won. He served as M.L.A. till 1972. He took part in Assembly discussions almost every time some new Bill or matter came up for discussion and gave valued suggestions. This writer as REC engineering student met Aryan Sahib at Srinagar a number of times and found him ever ready to take any just problem of his people. For the just cause of his Scheduled Caste Samaj Samaj he was prepared to fight with anybody however highly he might be placed politically or bureaucratic position .The writer met Aryan Sahib at Srinagar a number of times and found him ever ready to take fight for the just cause of Scheduled Castes with anybody. He used to say compare his legislative work with any other legislator,He was great orator and secular minded person. During his Assembly membership he called a District Doda convention of Scheduled castes on 27-28 July 1968. The convention was attended by many important persons including Bhagat Chhajju Ram, Babu Parmanand, A.G. Goni, all Ministers, Ishrat Kashmiri, Ch. Guran Ditta Mal MLA’s besides many more. The resolutions passed by voice vote were to provide Reservation to Scheduled Castes in all State services, allotment of residential plots developed in Govt. developed colonies and shop lines, nomination in Upper House and Parliamentary Elections. Construction of Bhaderwah- Basoli, Bhaderwah Chamba, Bhaderwah Jaie, Kishtwar Simthon roads, improvement to Batote Kishatwar road, inverigation of Chenab Basin for Hydro Electric Projects, granting District , college and ITI at Kishatwar etc.etc. Aryan Sahib always pleaded secular and non- violent methods to project demands. Although he took part/organized a number of agitations but never advocated for violent methods. When Aryan Ji was defied in September 1974 hunger strike for Degree college at Kishatwar by local youths, four youngsters lost their lives. In his last life span Sh. Jagat Ram Aryan became weak, lost his eye sight and finally passed away on 25th September 1988 at an age of 80 years. This committed son of the soil shall be long remembered for his dedicated service to his area, Samaj and Nation. References : 1 Shri Jagat Ram Aryan, Ambedkar of Jammu and Kashmir by Shri Des Raj Bhagat 2. Praja Sabha debates as available on net. 3. Writer’s Essay First SCs in J&K written in 2012 and personal meeting with Sh.Jagat Ram Aryan I request to all those who can further enrich the data base to convey it me on Dr. Basant Ram First SC H.O.D in Mathematics Dr. Basant Ram one of the senior most professor in mathematics was born on 28-08-1942 in Village Gho Rackwalan Tehsil and District Samba to Late Sh. Milkhi Ram in a Ramdasia family. Dr. Basant Ram passed the matriculation examination in 1957 from Govt. High School Ramgarh. Later on he got graduation degree from Jammu University in 1962 and Passed M.A. in mathematics from Kashmir University in 1965. Dr. Basant Ram joined Govt. service as Lecture in mathematics on Adhoc basis in 196 and his services was regularized in the year 1968. He obtained degree of M.Phil, in 1978. Ultimately he passed the P.HD. in 1992. Dr. Basant Ram retired in 2000 as H.O.D. in mathematics from G.G.M Science College, Jammu. Dr. Basant Ram was first H.O.D. in mathematics in scheduled castes community. He is known for his honesty and brilliance. Comrade Seva Raman first students leader from SC and B.S.P. President in J&K Comrade Seva Raman was born on 15th April 1939 at Village Sheikhpur Palota Tehsil Samba to Sh. Lal Chand and Smt. Shanti Devi in a Ramdasia family. Sh. Lal Chand was a poor farmer but hard working. Sewa Raman was eldest child to his parents. Sewa Raman started his primary education at Ramgarh but later when his family shifted to Jammu he got admitted Govt. Middle School Gass Mandi Jammu, where he passed the 8th class. There after he joined the Hari Singh High School Jammu Where he passed the matriculation. Through the economic condition of the family of Sewa Raman were not good but Sewa Raman wanted to continue his studies and joined M.A.M. College Jammu where he completed his graduation in Arts. He went to Aligarh to study law and got admission in Muslim University Aligarh for studying LLB and after one year, he got himself migrated to Jammu University to persu law. He was elected President of the student’s union and was taking part in debate competitions and he always stood first. He was crusedar for social justice. Despite many odds in his personnel life, he carried on his compaign for mass awakening and building on pressure on the Govt. for granting full quota of reservation to the SC, ST and OBC in Govt. jobs and Education. Crusader for the rights of down trodden breathed his last on 19-02-2013. Seva Raman will be remembered for his extra ordinary qualities of leadership and for his efforts for the upliftment of working-class people. Request:- Time ,space and authentic data availability has constrained me to write here only briefly and many persons might have been left. I am grateful to all those friends, who contributed data for this article. Space does not allow me to mention their names and address here. Any mistake coming into reader’s notice may be communicated to me for further updating and correcting in near future. I request to all those who can further enrich the data base to convey the same to me on E-Mail:-zenithrs@yahoo.com and on my postal address H No 63 Sector 05 Nanak Nagar Jammu 180004 Contact 09419134060. I may venture to write a book “Who is who” for SC personalities of J&K exclusively, if adequate Data becomes available. Er H.R. Phonsa words:16240