Er. Hem Raj Phonsa: First Civil Engineers from SCs of J&K State,India Er. Hem Raj Phonsa was born on 14 June 1940 in the village of Pakhri, Tehsil Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, to the revered couple Shri Gillu Ram and Shrimati Gullan Devi. He was born into a humble yet hardworking family and was one among five siblings, having two brothers and two sisters. His mother died, when Hem was only about two years. Though Shri Gillu Ram possessed agricultural land in his native village, he had established himself as a skilled shoemaker and entrepreneur in the bustling commercial centre of Mori Gate, Lahore (Now in Pakistan), where he owned and operated a shoe-repair and footwear shop before the Partition of India in 1947. Through his hard work and determination, he provided a stable livelihood for his family. He along his elder brother Shri Tillu Ram provided working tools and shelter to over 35 of his known cobblers, who went to them to find skilled labour as shoe menders. As child marriage and bride exchange was then prevalent, so his one elder sister and brother were married, during the life time of his mother. However, the tragic events surrounding the Partition of India in 1947 drastically altered the course of the family’s life. Houses were burnt by Pakistan raiders, matured crops put on fire, domestic animals wealth looted, and many human lives killed in every border village including village Pakhri. Like millions of other families caught in the turmoil of communal violence and mass migration, Shri Gillu Ram and his family were compelled to abandon their home, business, and possessions in Lahore. Uprooted from a life they had painstakingly built, they returned to their ancestral village of Pakhri in Jammu, carrying little more than memories of the life left behind. The post-Partition years were marked by hardship, uncertainty, and struggle. The family had to first migrate to higher reaches of Kandi belt, then to Punjab. The family lived in Kotli Shahpur village, District Gurdaspur, Punjab. Family travelled on foot from Samba to Pathankot. The family laboured hard as farm labourer. Gillu Ram carried on his skilled job as a cobbler. He was expert in making new shoes. Young Hem Raj carried the duty of raring his family animals, besides another family, who gave Hem Raj, daily two times meals, as daily wage. While facing poverty boldly, Gillu Ram carried the mental urge to give education to younger Hem Raj, who had grown 8-9 years old, during running for safety. Gillu Ram had already given education to his eldest son Chatru Ram up to 6th class, when his schooling was discontinued, as no school in the area was available above 6th class. Hem Raj was admitted in Govt. Primary School Jaura -Chhattran, District Gurdaspur, with Punjabi as school language. He was soon admitted in another school Govt. Primary School Varsola. This newly opened school had no building of its own, so was housed in the Singh Sabha Gurudwara in the village. Hem passed3rd primary class from Varsola Pry. school. Then the family shifted back to their native village Pakhri. Here people were living in tented accommodation in an area duly fortified from safety of human and animal life. Government has provided 3-4 rifles of 303 make to our village ex. Army personals for the village safety. Many a time, in night , Pakistan raiders attacked, over powered our night guards, looted animals’ wealth, before returning back to Pakistan. Added difficulties were faced in their native village, the family faced numerous economic and social challenges besides Pak- raiders. Nevertheless, Shri Gillu Ram with his family, displayed remarkable courage, resilience, and determination in rebuilding their lives. His perseverance, strong work ethic, and commitment to the education and welfare of his young son created the foundation upon which young Hem Raj would later build an extraordinary life and career. Growing up in the shadow of Partition and witnessing the struggles endured by his father, profoundly shaped Hem Raj’s character. The values of hard work, self-reliance, perseverance, and social responsibility that he imbibed during his formative years remained guiding principles throughout his life, eventually enabling him to emerge as a distinguished engineer, author, and social thinker. Despite the severe economic hardships faced by his family in the aftermath of Partition, Hem Raj Phonsa displayed exceptional determination and academic brilliance from an early age. His educational journey was marked by perseverance and sacrifice, as all the schools he attended were located at distances ranging from five to seven kilometres from his village. Undeterred by these challenges, he pursued his studies with unwavering commitment. In 1959, he passed the Matriculation Examination from Government High School, Ramgarh, securing a meritorious position. This achievement was historic for his village and community. He became the first Scheduled Caste student from Village Pakhri to pass the Matriculation Examination and only the second student from the village overall to achieve this distinction, the first being Shri Behari Lal, son of Shri Nikku Ram Lohar, who had passed Matriculation in 1948. Continuing his pursuit of higher education, Hem Raj Phonsa enrolled at Government Gandhi Memorial (G.G.M.) Science College, Jammu, from where he completed his Intermediate (Pre-Engineering) in 1961. His academic excellence earned him admission to the Regional Engineering College (REC), Srinagar—now known as the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar—one of the premier engineering institutions in the country. In 1966, he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering, becoming very first engineer from the whole of Scheduled Caste community in Jammu and Kashmir. Hem Raj used to stand as guide and protection anchorage to all those Scheduled Caste students, who joined REC and Medical College, Srinagar. He even rendered financial help to needy SC students. His single-handed efforts in REC got relaxed government rules to grant Education Loan, besides Social Welfare Department. Scholarship. Although J&K State did not give any reservation in services, promotion and admission in Higher Education Institutions till 1970, in the state, still 15% reservation for all SC persons was available in Centrally Sponsored services and Higher Education Institutions. Hem Raj alias Hem Raj Phonsa during his stay in REC exploited this fact. He took this important fact to the knowledge of the State authorities, through REC Srinagar authorities, and so the Government Authorities agreed to provide 15% reservation to SC students in REC (now NIT) Srinagar. In July 1967, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa joined the Jammu and Kashmir Engineering Service as a Technical Assistant. Through dedication, professional competence, and integrity, he steadily rose through the ranks and served in various capacities across the state. During his distinguished career, he contributed significantly to the Survey with planning, design, construction, and supervision of numerous public infrastructure projects. After more than three decades of dedicated service, he retired in July 1998 as an Executive Engineer from the Jammu Development Authority. During his service period, Er. H.R. Phonsa continued to render needed help to SC employees in J&K Engineering wings. It is noteworthy that during a substantial part of his service career, the benefits of reservation available to Scheduled Castes in Central Government services had not been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, many deserving officers from historically disadvantaged communities were deprived of opportunities for career advancement available elsewhere in the country. Given his academic record, professional competence, and service achievements, it is widely believed that had reservation policies been implemented in the state services on the same lines as those in the Central Government, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa could have risen to the rank of Chief Engineer or an equivalent senior administrative position before retirement. In 1971, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa entered into matrimony with Shrimati Savita Kumari, daughter of Lala Munshi Ram of Jalandhar, Punjab. Their marriage proved to be a harmonious and enduring partnership founded on mutual respect, understanding, and shared family values. It was perhaps first such single day marriage function without taking any dowery, during those days. Throughout his demanding professional career, Shrimati Savita Kumari remained a constant source of strength and support, contributing significantly to the stability and progress of the family. The couple was blessed with three sons, all of whom inherited their parents’ commitment to education, discipline, and hard work. Following in their father’s footsteps, all three sons pursued engineering and established successful careers. Today, they are happily married and well settled in their respective professional and family lives. Two of their sons are serving abroad in distinguished positions—one in California, USA, and the other in Calgary, Canada. Their third son serves as a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) Officer in the Civil Secretariat, continuing the family’s tradition of public service. Er. Phonsa’s success as a professional and family man stands as a testimony to his belief in the transformative power of education. Having risen from humble beginnings through determination and perseverance, he ensured that his children received the best educational opportunities and were equipped to excel in a rapidly changing world. During his illustrious career in government service, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa served with distinction in several key departments of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. His professional assignments included the Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings), Local Bodies Department, Police Housing and Construction Works, Electric Department, and the Power Development Corporation (PDC). He was one among others who carried first Civil Survey for Uri Hydro-electric Project in Baramulla District of Kasmir province., In each organisation, he earned a reputation for technical competence, administrative efficiency, honesty, and dedication to public service. His service contributions helped strengthen public infrastructure and improve civic amenities across differ servient regions of the state. Colleagues and subordinates alike respected him for his professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to quality workmanship. The life of Er. Hem Raj Phonsa thus represents a remarkable journey—from the son of a Partition-affected family in a small village to a respected engineer, devoted family patriarch, author, social thinker, and role model for future generations. His achievements continue to inspire young people, particularly those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue education, excellence, and public service with dedication and integrity. Throughout his distinguished engineering career and even after retirement, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa remained actively engaged in professional, intellectual, and social activities. He is a life member of several prestigious technical and professional institutions, reflecting his commitment to the advancement of engineering knowledge and professional excellence. His association with these bodies has enabled him to contribute meaningfully to technical discussions, policy matters, and the dissemination of engineering expertise. Following his retirement from government service in July 1998, Er. Phonsa continued to serve society through professional consultancy. He worked as a consultant for projects sponsored by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and was also associated with various World Bank-aided development projects. His vast experience in planning, design, construction, and project management proved invaluable in the successful implementation of infrastructure and development initiatives. A keen scholar and technical writer, Er. Phonsa has regularly contributed technical papers and articles to various professional and engineering institutions. His writings, based on practical experience and sound technical knowledge, have been appreciated by fellow professionals and have enriched discussions on engineering and developmental issues. Beyond the realm of engineering, Er. Phonsa possesses a deep interest in social, political, religious, and contemporary public affairs. As a thoughtful observer of society and a prolific writer, he has contributed numerous articles and opinion pieces to various state and national newspapers. His writings are distinguished by their analytical approach, balanced perspective, and well-conceived suggestions for addressing social challenges and promoting inclusive development. His intellectual pursuits extend to electronic media as well. Besides Dogri his mother tongue, Er. Phonsa can read write and speak fluently in English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Over the years, he has participated in radio and television programmes, delivered talks on matters of public interest, and taken part in panel discussions on social, cultural, and developmental issues. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated the values of education, social justice, national integration, ethical governance, and human dignity. The combination of professional excellence, literary engagement, and social commitment has earned Er. Hem Raj Phonsa recognition as not merely an accomplished engineer but also as a respected public intellectual and social commentator. His life exemplifies the ideal of lifelong learning and constructive engagement with society, inspiring future generations to combine professional success with social responsibility. Since his school days, he has endeavoured to maintain close social contacts not only with members of his own community but also with people from all sections of society. Throughout his life, he has considered it his duty to guide and encourage young men and women to pursue education, develop self-confidence, and excel in their chosen fields. It has been his constant endeavour to promote social harmony, human dignity, and the values of equality and justice. During his professional and social journey, he has never succumbed to undue religious, political, or administrative pressures. He has always tried to uphold the principles of honesty, independent thinking, and ethical conduct, irrespective of circumstances. These values have guided his decisions and shaped his contributions to society. Alongside his engineering profession, he remained deeply engaged in literary and social work. Writing has been both a passion and a means of contributing to social awareness. Among many of his notable literary works, Dr. Ambedkar and His Associates, Volume-I and Volume-II, which document the lives and contributions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s associates and contemporaries is an exhaustive work. He has also co-authored a Hindi book on Sadguru Sain Ji Maharaj, highlighting the teachings and spiritual legacy of the revered saint. His literary pursuits continue unabated. Present work “First Scheduled Castes in Jammu and Kashmir and Dalit Icons,” which seek to preserve and present the life stories, achievements, and struggles of distinguished Dalit personalities whose contributions deserve wider recognition and appreciation, is the labour of his mid night oil burned. Even after witnessing more than eighty springs of life, he remains actively engaged in professional and social activities. As a Structural Designer and Evaluator, he continues to offer his technical expertise wherever required. At the same time, he remains involved in social counselling and community guidance, particularly for younger generations seeking direction in education, career development, and social advancement. His library has over 600 books on different subjects. Being a founding member associated with founding of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy (BDSA), Jammu Unit, and serves Executive Body member of BDSA, Jammu Unit. He served as an active member of the Scheduled Castes Retired Employees Forum (Regd.). Through these associations, he continues to advocate for social justice, educational advancement, and the welfare of marginalized communities. Er. Hem Raj Phonsa, a Chartered Engineer himself, is a founding member of the Institution of Valuers (IOV), Jammu. He has also rendered distinguished services as the Honorary Chairman of (IOV), Jammu Chapter, a position he successfully held for more than six years. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote professional excellence, technical competence, and ethical standards among valuation and engineering professionals. Er. Phonsa’s writings reflect a deep concern for social equality, education, and human dignity. He is the promotor and maintainer of “BlogSpot “Dalit Vision,” which focuses on contemporary social and political issues affecting society, particularly the Scheduled Castes and other disadvantaged sections. Through this platform, he has documented and highlighted the lives, struggles, achievements, and historical contributions of numerous Dalit icons, thereby preserving an important chapter of social history for future generations. Till May 2026, this BlogSpot have earned over 4,25,000 views from readers from world over. In recognition of his literary and social contributions, Er. H. R. Phonsa was honoured with the prestigious Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Award (2012) during the 28th Dalit Writers National Convention held in New Delhi. He is also holder of “Budh Mitra” award, besides received various more honours during his addresses to Social and religious organisations. The award acknowledged his significant work in documenting and promoting Dalit history and social awareness. In recognition of his literary, social, and organizational abilities, he is also discharging responsibilities as the All-India Spokesperson of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy, New Delhi. In this capacity, he actively participates in literary and social forums aimed at promoting social equality, human dignity, and educational empowerment. Even after crossing the age of eighty years, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa remains remarkably active and committed to public service. He is always on his toes, ready to contribute towards the upliftment, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement of the downtrodden, needy, and marginalized sections of society, particularly the Dalit community. His lifelong dedication to social welfare, education, and human rights continues to inspire countless individuals and serves as a shining example of selfless service to humanity. Looking back, we consider his life’s journey not merely a story of personal achievement but a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and social commitment. Whatever little he has accomplished has been possible through the blessings of his father, the support of his family, and the encouragement of countless friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. As long as health and circumstances permit, he shall continue to contribute, learn, write, and serve society in whatever capacity he can. His sincere hope is that future generations will build a society founded upon knowledge, equality, compassion, and justice, where every individual, irrespective of birth or background, is provided an opportunity to realize his or her full potential.