Narayan Dinanath Velkar

Raobahadur Narayan Dinanath Velkar (also known as N. D. Velkar) (1798–1870) was a 19th-century social reformer and civic leader from Bombay. He is known for his contributions to the city's intellectual and civic life and he was instrumental in establishing key institutions such as the Central Library at Town Hall and the Framji Cowasjee Institute. As one of the owners of the Bombay Times, which later became The Times of India. He was the first Indian Municipal Commissioner for Bombay's welfare in 1840. Early life He belonged to the first graduating class of the Elphinstone Institution, a prestigious educational institution established by the British. His contemporaries included notable figures such as Bhau Daji Lad, Dadabhoy Naoroji, Nowroj Fardoonji, Nana Moroji Trilokekar, Dadoba Pandurang Turkhud and Ramchandra Balkrishna Jayakar. Work In 1840, Velkar became the chief translator and interpreter at the Bombay High Court. He participated in the city's social and intellectual life, founding several influential societies and institutions. Velkar was instrumental in founding the Central Library at Town Hall, which later became the Asiatic Library, and the Framji Cowasjee Institute at Dhobitalao. He also established the Dnyanprasarak Mandali and led its Marathi wing. He founded the Students Literary Society and the Scientific Society, which operated the Kamalabai School in Girgaon. His involvement in journalism impacted public opinion and the dissemination of information in Bombay.

Before the Bombay Municipal Corporation was established, the city was managed by the Bombay Conservancy, with two British Commissioners and one Native Commissioner. Narayan Dinanath Velkar was the first Native (Indian) Commissioner, who used to be called the Black Commissioner.