Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 14: A meeting of the Executive and General Body of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (BDSA), Jammu & Kashmir, was held on Saturday, 14th November 2026, at the Akademi's headquarters in Roopnagar, Jammu, under the chairmanship of its President, B.R. Kundal (IAS, Retd.).
The meeting deliberated on several important matters concerning the functioning, organisational strengthening and future activities of the Akademi. Among the key issues discussed were the expansion of Akademi membership and the reconstitution of its governing committees to enhance its organisational effectiveness and outreach.
The members were also apprised that a delegation of the Akademi had recently called on Shri Vikas Kundal, who assumed charge as the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. The delegation extended its greetings and felicitations to him on assuming the new assignment and brought to his attention various issues and concerns affecting the community.
The meeting was further informed that the Akademi has undertaken an initiative to distribute sets of books authored by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to educational institutions across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative aims to promote awareness of Ambedkar's thoughts, philosophy, constitutional values and contributions to social transformation, particularly among students and the younger generation.
The members were also informed about the establishment of the District Library at the BDSA complex, which is open to the general public and has been receiving regular visits from readers. Emphasising the importance of making knowledge and educational resources accessible to all, B.R. Kundal urged members to publicise the library's facilities widely so that a greater number of people, particularly students and young readers, could benefit from this initiative.
Highlighting the contributions of employees serving in government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), Kundal emphasised the importance of recognising their dedication and professional achievements. In this regard, it was unanimously decided to organise a felicitation programme at the Akademi headquarters on 5th December 2026 to honour retired employees for their valuable services and contributions. Kundal directed the concerned members to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the programme.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair. Reaffirming its commitment to the ideals of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Akademi reiterated its resolve to promote Dalit literature, education, social justice and community welfare, while strengthening constructive engagement with government institutions and civil society.
Prominent members present at the meeting included B.R. Kundal (IAS, Retd.), Shri Hemraj Phounsa, Seva Dass Digra, Ram Lal Bhagat, P.L. Bhushan, Harbans Lal, Shri Nagarmal, Shri Mohan Lal Thappa, Vijay Bhagat, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Atri, Rajesh Angural, Kuldeep Raj, and several other distinguished members of the Akademi. |
