KC Bhagat, social reformer and writer, passed away yesterday at the age of 97 in Jammu. RK Kalsotra, State President All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations, highlighted his contributions to the society. He was not only an active social reformer but also a visionary aspiring for an egalitarian society.
He came from a humble background and Kalsotra remembered how he used to say that he would travel all the way from RS Pura to Ranbir Hr Sec school in Jammu for his formal education. He also stayed at Ravidas Gurudwara Gummat with a companion Lal Man and would collect the woods from Tawi river banks to cook meals. During his student life, he would encourage other students to join the social justice movement and agitate for the rights of downtrodden.
He later shared the company of other visionaries like Late Bhagat Chajju Ram, Mangat Ram, Babu Parmand, Sher Singh, among others. He also joined hands with All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC and Kalsotra remembered how he was a visionary for the social work in J&K and worked as well as inspired people like OP Bhagat, Hem Raj Phonsa.
While he was Tehsildar Samba, he addressed the public issues on a wide scale and attended to the issues of land. He was later appointed as Assistant Commissioner Employment where he gave impetus to entrepreneurship and fast loans. He also served as Director Social Welfare, Land Records, Member Service Selection Board. He was also the secretary to Dalit Sahitya Academy.
He was also a renowned writer and scholar. He wrote over 36 books. Reservation Rules, Kabir Bejak, Reality, Guldasta, The Truth, Expose of Fundamentalism in India, Voice of the Self, Mere Log, are just few among them.
Kalsotra also highlighted that he also believed that in order to unite the Dalit, there should be one book to pray. He stood by this philosophy and often would advocate for the same.
When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kashmir to speak on the Constitution, he offered BR Ambedkar the opportunity to speak on it. This event was also attended by KC Bhagat. KC Bhagat not only aspired for social justice for all but also lead the way by being an apt example. He also motivated his family members to aspire high and his children reached greater heights.
His service to the society is a testament of how much he cared for his people and today his loss is deeply being felt.