Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 5: The Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy (BDSA) observed the 17th death anniversary of its Founder President, Babu Parmanand, at the academy’s headquarters in Roopnagar area here.
As per a statement, the event began with floral tribute to both Babu Parmanand and Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar.
A soulful musical tribute by noted artist B D Thappa paid homage to the struggles and leadership of the Dalit icons.
Speakers including Hemraj Phounsa, Desraj Bhardwaj, Balbir Ramrattan, Y P Kundal, and R L Bharati spoke about Babu Parmanand’s contributions towards uplifting marginalized communities.
They praised the current leadership of BDSA for continuing his mission and keeping alive the Ambedkarite ideals of equality and justice.
Balbir Ramrattan highlighted BDSA’s role as a strong voice for Dalit literature and rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ruplal Bharati emphasized the need to uphold the Constitution of India as the real tribute to Dr Ambedkar.
Former Minister Y P Kundal said that Babu Parmanand’s ideals had influenced his political path. He urged the community to support the leadership of BR Kundal (IAS, Retd.), the current Working President of the Akademy.
He also called for expanding the Akademy’s literary and intellectual reach.
General Secretary Vijay Bhagat conducted the event.
In his address, B R Kundal shared recent developments including the reactivation of the Akademy’s library and seminar hall.
He also spoke about outreach programs and measures for financial stability, such as member enrolment and community support.
The gathering also paid tributes to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, strongly condemning the violence.
Several prominent personalities and long-time supporters of the Akademy including Darshan Rana, Sewa Dass, Nagarmal, RL Bhagat, Mohan Lal Thappa, PL Bhushan, Pawan Kundal, Prof Samyal, TR Azad, Somnath Banal, Amit Chalotra, Arvind Manyal, Hansbans Lal, Vijay Kumar Kundal, Parshotam Lal, Bihari Lal and others attended the event.
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