Indian Council of Social Science Research Ministry of EducationAruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067

Dr. J K Bajaj (Former Chairman ICSSR - April 2022 to August 2023)

Padam Shree Dr. J.K. Bajaj is a renowned physicist evolved as an established social scientist having worked extensively in areas like: Scientific and Technological Tradition of India; Indian Society, Economy and Polity; Indian ideas and institutions; Religious Demography, Natural Resources and Geography, etc. He has spent quite a lot of time in highly effective direct interaction with the tribes of Madhya Pradesh, and Eastern India. This is apart from having contributed significantly to the discipline of theoretical particle physics in his doctorate and post-doctorate research work during the very start of his professional career, carried out at some of the premier institutes of the country. He has also worked as Assistant Editor and Resident Editor (1986–89) at the daily newspaper the JANSATTA, New Delhi.

Some of his other current major high-impact responsibilities include Member, ‘Backward Classes Commission to Examine Sub-categorization of OBCs’ (since 2017) and Director, Centre for Policy Studies, Chennai and New Delhi (since 1990). Concurrently, Dr. Bajaj also holds several very prestigious Advisory Positions of: Member, Indian Council of Social Science Research (2018- onwards); Member, Research Council, National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies, CSIR, (2020- onwards); Member, Governing Body and Standing Committee, National Council of Rural Institutes (2017- onwards). Prior to these, he held a large number of similar positions at national and international level forums / statuary bodies.

Presently, Dr. J.K. Bajaj also holds the prestigious Honorary Positions of Member, National Committee to Commemorate 75 Years of Indian Independence; Member, National Committee for Commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi; and Joint Secretary, Swami Vivekananda Sardhashati Samaroh Samiti.

A hardcore researcher and prolific writer, Dr. Bajaj has published 11 books, the most recent one is entitled “Making of a Hindu Patriot: Background of Mahatma Gandhiji’s Hind Swaraj”, Centre for Policy Studies and Har-Anand Publications, 2021.

Some of his seminal works are: Madhya Pradesh Resource Atlases, (a set of 9 volumes) published jointly by Centre for Policy Studies and Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology with Dr. Bajaj as the Editor-in-Chief.

In recognition of his dedication, high quality contributions & accomplishments, and long drawn and timeless services in education, Dr. J.K. Bajaj has been awarded the coveted Padam Shree by the Government of India in 2022.

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