Padam Sundas

Padam Sundas (born 15 July 1945) is a Nepalese social worker and activist for Dalit communities in Nepal. Known as the "Guardian of the Dalits", Sundas has published a number of short stories, poems, and articles related to social justice and political reform. He has published two books of his own and over 25 books written by writers from Dalit and non-Dalit communities with the help of Ratna Maya Dalit Sahitya Samrakshan Samiti, of which he is a trustee. After completing his SLC from Vidyodaya High School, Bhojpur, he moved to Kathmandu for higher education. He completed his engineering course from the Engineering School located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, and obtained his diploma in 1963.

Personal life Sundas married Amina Mohtey on 19 August 1964 at the yard of the Siddhakali Temple situated in Bhojpur. After her death on 7 May 1999, Sundas married Amrita Trikhatri on 19 August 2001. He fathered a son and two daughters.

Career Sundas started his career as an overseer at Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur. Fifteen years later, he left his government job to work as an independent contractor. Sundas worked in construction as the chair of Sundas Construction Pvt. Ltd. and the deputy chair of Amrit Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. until 2007. He left his job as a construction worker in the late 2000s to become a full-time social worker.

The success of united struggles has stressed on the significance and the inevitability of Dalit unity. Struggle is possible in unity; so are positive outcomes. — Padam Sundas

Affiliated organizations SN Organizations Post Year

Nepal Rashtriya Dalit Jana Vikas Parishad Vice chair 1982–1992 Rotary Club of Dharan PresidentMember 2011–20122012–present Center| From 2010 to 2014, he worked as the member of the national level council formed to promote equality and judicial reform within the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. According to a press statement published by the President's Office, the head of state made the decision in accordance with Article 282.1 of the Constitution of Nepal.

Works Choriyeka Raat (Short story collection, 1969) Bhojpur ko Chinari (1969) Padam Sundas ka Purana Katha tatha Kavita (to be published) Parampara, Purpuro ra Punki: Dalit Jatiya Sangharsha ko Vivechana (to be published) Farkera Herda; Jeevan ka Aafna Anubhavharu (to be published)

Awards and honours Bhagat Sarbajit Manab Maryada Rastriya Puraskar (2016) Certificate of appreciation from the Utpidit, Upekshit tatha Dalit Varga Utthan Vikas Samiti (2009) Public felicitation from Buddha Bihar, Dharan (2001) Jana Utthan Rashtriya Puraskar (2000) Certificate of appreciation from the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy (1997) Engineering School Sanskritik Padak (1962)