Thursday, June 18, 2026
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.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath (27th Sep.1918 to- 1st june1970).
(Martyr For Reservation in J&K State for SCs, whose Anniversary falls on1st June 2026)
Compiler: Er. Hem Raj Phonsa, Jammu Contact +91 9419134060
This is the story of struggle and finally martyrdom of a marginalised say a Scheduled Caste (SC) child born at village Champa near Batote Tehsil Ramban Distt Udhampur (Now Ramban) The son of the soil, Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath was born on Friday the 27th Sep.1918.The child was in a Bhagat or Megh family now one of the 14 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. She continued to live at Champa with her children and led a Samajic life, while her husband Bhagat Amarnath Ji lived even at Jammu to work for upliftment of his Dalit Samaj. Sadly, Shrimati Shanti Devi also has passed away on 15th March,2025, at a ripe age. Bhagat Amarnath family lived at Champa, Batote.
Bhagat Ji first faced from child hood humanity’s worst treatment due to his low caste, the caste hates vagaries including hateful treatment under untouchability Davil. The Bhagat (Megh), even Kabirpanthi, fell in the category of Ati-Shudra as per classification of Hindu religion Law Book Manusmriti. However , Manusmriti classified Aryas, later Hindus into four Vernas and per projected, the division into Vernas was on the basis of the division of work, to get effective services to the society. The Vernas and their work division in nut shell were as:
a)Brahman—To get educated, spread education and conduct all systems in Vedic Vidhi’s -- वैदिक विधि (Vedic defined ways through Mantras)
b) Kshatriyas: Warrior and rulers to rule and defend the national territories, keep arms and take/give martial training, give award for Gallant -rial jobs and ward punishments for faults committed by individual.
C) Vaishya: To conduct business, arrange supply (Import and export) of things for public utility and necessity, agriculture etc.
d) Shudras: Unskilled, skilled workers to perform service to all the four Verna persons in all possible ways. They had no rights to keep property.
As Verna was not birth based, say the verna of parents, so persons from a, b, c Vernas could fall down even up to Shudras and reverse of it was also possible.
Vamik a Shudra, said to be a robber in his early life, when refined himself became writer of Ramayana Epic, which normally a Brahmin should have done, as per their duty charter.
Supach Rishi from Shudra Verana, gained spiritual powers by his Bhagti, Supach is a caste lowest of low of all castes. when took meals in Ashvamedha Yajna (अश्वमेध यज्ञ) of Pandvaa conducted by them after Maha-Bhart Epic war, the Conch sound was heard. The presence and taking meals in Ashvamedha Yajna by 88 thousand sages, 33 crore deities, 9 Nathas, 84 perfected beings, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, all the invited guests had food. Shri Krishna also ate at the feast, but the conch was not blown.
( Ref Gita Chapter 3:13 and https://www.jagatgururampalji.org/hi/great-devotees/supach-sudarshan/
Ved Vyasa was son of Satyavati, a fisher woman and Rishi Parashara became author of THE Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita and many Hindu religious books (Wikipedia).
The pleasure of being in Verna (a, b, c) and curse of serving as Shudra made the division lives permanent and Verna at birth of a person. So, the heart burning started. Clean job -related Verna by and by became power points and permanent slavery of Shudra called Verna persons. The rules, rituals and dogmas related to division of jobs became hard, at times impossible to carry by poor persons, so they were declared as out castes, so Vernas changed in Castes, and Untouchability bases hate born to supress Shudra Caste persons for all times to come. Resistance to such unfortunate situation was bound to come, it came and with it came unrest in the society of Aryans, who were said to have reached this continent as raiders over 2500 years ago.
This unrest is continuing. Although the reservation in services and Elected Houses for the S/C’s, S/T ’s on the basis of population percentage of these castes, is inked in 1932 Poona Pact but affected in services from 1944 as per Act of 1935.It was duly reinforced with the enactment of the Indian Constitution 1950. But it remained elusive in J&K state till 1970, putting all blames on Article 370. But unfortunately, even with revoking of Art.370 from 5 August 2019 from J&K, nothing better has been achieved in the reservation sector for the reserved category people.
In the J&K state like other states and UT’s, protests against atrocities against SCs, STs, OBCs along with the caste hate acts of individuals and collective have been raised at different times by these caste leaders and associations. A public meeting was organized in village Rattian Miran Sahib, Tehsil R.S Pura, Jammu, where over 1,00,000 public representatives are reported to have participated. Religious leaders of Sikhs, Muslim, Christians and Hindus were invited to explain them, agony of hate, suffering from untouchability practice with Harijans by the upper caste Hindus. On getting very favourable response from all other religious leaders, for the suffering Harijans, if the Harijans join their religions. But the Hindu representative attending conference, asked for 90 days’ time in replying Harijan’s demands. On this the conference proceedings came to halt, with request to all delegates, that they will be again called after 90 days, if reply of the Hindu leaders was not favourable. But the Hindu leaders asked for 90 days’ time to respond on demands of Harijans.
A deputation of Megh Samaj met the Galaxy Commission in 1931 to explain their poverty ridden conditions with request for redressal of their miseries. The Commission was formed by Maharaja Hari Singh to study the reasons of unrest prevailing in the state and also to give suitable recommendation for the needed rectification including formation of Praja Sabha, for greater public participations in the government administration. In line with the recommendations Jagat Ram Aryan was nominated to Praja Sabha in 1932. He put forth demands of welfare of his people, which were supported by some good-hearted Hindu leaders also. These efforts succeeded in getting some relief under Maharaj’s Hari Singh’s orders for Harijans viz. opening of entry to temples, water well and tanks, public places, 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 and they got only small jobs.
Babu Milkhi Ram and many others Harijans also joined the team of Dalit leaders. For the first time the Dalits in J&K organized fast unto death thrice, first at Chhan Arorian, Tehsil Hira Nagar in 1955, later 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. The main demands were to stop dispossession of SC farmers from their allotted agriculture land , provision for reservation in services, scholarships to students pursuing education courses and provisions for free education up to post graduation. On their own strength they won 1957 on their own party “Harijan Mandle” .
Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath blew the bugle for the finishing struggle in May 1970 which created a strong wave in J&K forcing the J&K State to issue circular instructions to provide Reservation in services 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 struggle continues to get promotions as per roster approved by the government through protests, court cases for denied promotions etc.
Bhagat ji 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. To full fill 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 work to secure justice for Dalit Samaj of J&K in particular.
He worked in Bhartiya Depressed Classes league, an all-India Origination founded in 1935 by Babu Jagjivan Ram, union minister and later Deputy Prime Minister. The organization was as unit of INC and 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&K. Its HQ was established in two Municipal Corporation shops on Jogi gate Road, Shahidi Chowk Jammu. Its General Secretary was Choudhary 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 members. A Weekly Urdu News Paper named “PASMANDGI” was started from Jammu to raise a forcefully voice against denial of the just rights of depressed Classes peoples in J&K State. The write ups in the “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 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. By this time Bhagat Ji had developed close contacts with Jammu’s Harijan leaders and also government officer in government departments.
Till 1969 the J&K State SCs, with other deserving castes had no reservation in services for 37years from Poona Pact, and 19 years from adoption of Indian Constitution. However in 1969 under pressure of Dalit leaders and masses issue of circular order vide 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. But despite this Government agencies showed lack lust interests to implement the reservation rules in services in letter and spirit.
Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath, then aged 50 years took it very seriously and a comprehensive note containing detailed demands, pointing out lapses and ill-conceived intention of the state Govt. officials and officers with caste rigid politician, was submitted to the State government. 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 gate. 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 of his apprehensions that masses were yet 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, but Bhagat Ji brushed aside my apprehensions and followed his under taken pledge.
Bhagat ji submitted a charter of 17 demands to the government, basis of his resentment to undertake extreme step. He also made it clear to his flowers that in case of his death, there should be no “Violent Protests”. For protests non- violent methods, be adopted. He made it clear that no member of his family shall demand any favour, compensation for his death.
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. Unfortunately committed 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.
Martyrdom of Bhagat Amar Nath in 1970 proved final blow to hurdles in providing Reservation in Services in J&K State. Rules (ACT) to give the Reservation on sound legal footing is services for SCs, STc, OBCs was issued vide Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 Dated19/23 March, 2004 for which contributions of Dalit masses and leaders was force to convince the State government to heed to the just demands of the depressed classes people. Our peoples made concerted efforts both in side Assemblies and outside including life sacrifice by Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath Ji.
The sacrifices of Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath Ji shall remain fresh in the minds of coming generation, who shall enjoy the benefits of his Martyrdom. Long Live Memories of Bhagat Amar Nath JI. Every year June 1st.is celebrated as a memory day of Shaheed and tributes are given with tears.
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