 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 17: A meeting of the newly constituted Advisory Committee of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy (BDSA) - Jammu & Kashmir was convened on September 16, 2024, at the BDSA premises in Roopnagar presided over by Sh. B.R. Kundal, IAS (Retd.), the working president of the Akademy. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Atri, Secretary of BDSA-J&K, formally welcomed the members and set the tone for the gathering by emphasizing the pivotal role played by the Akademy in addressing the pressing issues faced by marginalized communities, particularly the Dalit community, and in promoting Dalit literature and culture.
Following a formal introduction of the committee members, the meeting progressed to address the various challenges facing the Dalit community. Sh. B.R. Kundal said that the Advisory Committee is composed of eminent civil society members who have made significant contributions to societal progress and the upliftment of marginalized groups. He elaborated on the core aims and objectives of the BDSA, emphasizing its mission to empower the Dalit community through education, literature, and advocacy. Kundal spoke in detail about the role of the Advisory Committee, as outlined in the BDSA constitution, which aims to guide and support the Akademy in achieving these objectives. He highlighted how the BDSA serves as a platform to bring the struggles, aspirations, and literary contributions of the Dalit community to the forefront. His remarks underscored the importance of continuing efforts to promote inclusivity and social justice through the lens of literature and intellectual discourse. During the deliberations, several key issues affecting the Dalit community were discussed. Sh. Kundal stressed the need to establish specialized committees within the BDSA, each dedicated to addressing specific areas of concern. These committees will focus on critical topics such as Education and Skill Development, Land Reforms, Legal Issues, Atrocities against scheduled castes and crimes against women, and Medical Facilities. He emphasized that by focusing on these areas, the BDSA could more effectively address the needs of the Dalit community and advocate for meaningful change.
The committee members unanimously agreed to have such subgroups constituted by the working president and endorsed emphatically the idea of women participation within BDSA. This commitment reflects the Akademy's broader goal of ensuring gender inclusivity and empowering women within the marginalized sections of society. The members also discussed the importance of expanding the Akademy's membership base, recognizing that increased public participation is essential for amplifying the voices of the community. This, in turn, would strengthen the financial health of the Akademy, enabling it to better serve its mission. Most of the members spoke during the proceedings, which included Sh. H.R. Phonsa, Laj Ram, Ramesh Chander, Sewa Ram, Dr. K.C. Dogra, Dr. Vijar Shivgotra, Adv. Inderjeet Shavotra, among others.
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