by Zakir Malik Bhallesi
In Bhallesa’s Chensar village, the Kotwal family’s century-old legacy of education, service, and reform, lit by Chandu Lal and carried forward by Charanjit Lal, continues to inspire generations across Doda
In Bhallesa, an area in the Chenab belt of Jammu and Kashmir’s District Doda, there was a time when the rays of education had not yet reached these mountains. In those days, amidst dense forests, on a hilltop in the village of Chensar, a lamp was lit a century ago, a lamp whose light continues to illuminate hearts across generations.
This light emanated from the knowledge and determination of Chandu Lal Kotwal, who passed his matriculation from Lahore University in 1933 and, in 1942, established a pathshala (school) in his area, Inharrah. That modest school was not merely an institution of learning; it was the first flame of hope, awareness, and enlightenment in the region.
Under the glow of that same family’s wisdom, another star rose in 1940, Charanjit Lal Kotwal. He was born into a family where education was a form of worship, service to humanity was faith, and truthfulness was a way of life. Charanjit Lal Kotwal emerged as an educationist, reformer, and staunch opponent of superstitions.
Following his path, his family members also achieved remarkable distinctions. His son, Arun Kumar, presently serves as a judge, while Anil Kumar Thakur holds the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner of District Doda. His daughter-in-law, Swarn Rekha alias Shama Bhallesi, is a distinguished name in the world of poetry. Another member of the same family, Arvind Manhas, also serves as a judge.
Charanjit Lal Kotwal was born in 1940 in Chensar village, Tehsil Gandoh, District Doda. Since childhood, he shared a close friendship with my father, Ghulam Hussain Malik, Dard Pyami. They were not only classmates but later colleagues as lecturers. Even in their later years, my father would often speak to him over the phone, and the two would fondly recall their childhood and youth, finding immense joy in those memories. Now, both those radiant lamps have been extinguished, but the light of their knowledge continues to shine across generations.
Charanjit Lal Kotwal belonged to a family that considered education, service to humanity, and integrity as the core principles of life. His father, Chandu Lal, who served in the Cooperative Department during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh, had established the pathshala in village Inharrah in 1942.
After completing his education, Charanjit Lal Kotwal began his teaching career in 1962 at a remote school in Jamlaan, District Reasi. Thus began his lifelong journey as an educator, which spanned several decades. He rendered his services in various schools, High School Bhallia, High School Jhakyas, High School Sinoo, High School Bharti, High School Gowari, and Higher Secondary School Kilhotran. Ultimately, he retired in 1998 as a Lecturer in Political Science, marking 38 years of distinguished service.
Alongside teaching, he was also a reformer, guide, and social activist. He did not confine himself to books but worked tirelessly to change the hearts and minds of the people in his community. He always stood firmly against superstitions and drug abuse.
His married life was also an extension of his educational mission. He married Vidya Devi, the first woman teacher of the Neeli area of Bhallesa. She made history by opening the doors of education for girls. Together, the couple became a symbol of education and moral values in the region.
Later, Kotwal settled in Bharti village, where he worked for peace, brotherhood, and communal harmony. His personality served as a bridge between different faiths. Through his educational excellence, he inspired and uplifted countless students, among them was former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. In 1980, he was honoured by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir with the Best Teacher Award.
The lamp lit by his family in Chensar continues to brighten the world. From the same village, illustrious son Chain Singh brought global recognition to his homeland by winning over fifty medals for India. This, too, is a continuation of the same legacy of education and guidance laid down by Chandu Lal Kotwal and later strengthened by Charanjit Lal Kotwal and his colleagues.
Even after retirement, Kotwal continued his mission of service. Under the Watershed Development Projects, he contributed to the development and progress of his village. Under his leadership, several initiatives were undertaken, including the construction of school buildings, water tanks, pathways, animal shelters, and the conservation of natural resources. He was also among the founding members of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kalgoni, and during the 1990s, when the region faced communal tensions, he upheld the banner of peace, tolerance, and unity.
On January 12, 2025, Charanjit Lal Kotwal passed away, marking the end of an era, a time when knowledge, simplicity, humanity, and service walked hand in hand. Today, as we remember him, our hearts pray that the light he kindled continues to shine forever in our souls.
(The author is a Bhallesa-based author and writer. Ideas are personal.)
