Dr. Maheshwar Datt Kandpal, former President of M. R,.Foundation (August 2014 – March 2021), distinguished himself as both an accomplished academic and a dedicated social advocate. His academic journey began at Zakir Hussain College, where he served as a faculty member in the Department of Political Science from 1995 to 2012. Dr. Kandpal’s scholarly contributions are extensive, with numerous publications to his name, including books such as “Gandhi ka Panchaayti Raj,” “Gandhi Ambedkar aur Dalit,” and “Uttarakhandmei Sansadhan evam Prabhandan ki Niti.” He authored over 400 articles across various platforms and supervised numerous MPhil and PhD dissertations at esteemed universities.

Inspired by his parents, the late Shri Moti Ram Kandpal and late Shrimati Parvati Devi, esteemed social activists in their own right, Dr. Kandpal’s commitment to social welfare began early. From his student days, he initiated educational initiatives for underprivileged children. In 1989, he co-founded the NGO, Akhil Bhartiya Manav Kalyan Sangathan, Delhi (An Autonomous Non– Governmental Organization) and organised various programmes for which support was received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India and Deptt. of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Ministry of Social Welfare, GOI. He also worked to address environmental and societal challenges in Uttarakhand, including outmigration and infrastructure development. In the year 2008 he established Krishna Samudayik Gosadan Samiti at Arari Rajwar, Turachoura, Almora (Uttarakhand) as its founder Secretary to serve street animal. His vision to have a connecting road from main Deghat road to his birth place, village Ganetiya Arari Rajwar, Turachoura, Almora (Uttarakhand) was fulfilled with the help of the then MLA Shri Surender Jeena in the yearxxxx

Even after retiring in 2012, Dr. Kandpal remained active in both publishing and social endeavours, leaving a lasting impact on academia and the community alike.

The distinguished legacy of late Dr. Kandpal will endure, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, both in academia and social activism. His unwavering dedication to scholarship and community welfare leaves an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on the world.