Tirthan Valley Community Leader Mahender Singh Chauhan Opens Doors to Education After Landslide Destroys GSSS Gushaini in Kullu.
Shimla:
In a remarkable act of community service, Mahender Singh Chauhan, the Vice Pradhan of Kandidhar Gram Panchayat and a respected social worker, has stepped forward to ensure uninterrupted education for students affected by a devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Tirthan Valley of Kullu district. Chauhan has offered his private two-storey building in Badidropa, located just 1.5 kilometers from the damaged school, free of cost to serve as a temporary educational facility for over 550 displaced students of Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) Gushaini.
The original school building was severely damaged during heavy monsoon rains and subsequent landslides between June and September this year. One of the main structures completely collapsed, while another building on the campus has been declared unsafe, disrupting the academic year for hundreds of students from Classes 6 to 12.
Quick Decision, Swift Action
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the School Management Committee (SMC) had earlier resolved to seek an alternate space for running classes until a permanent solution could be found. Acting on this decision, Banjar SDM Pankaj Sharma visited the damaged site and later inspected Chauhan’s private building in Badidropa. Following the inspection, he recommended the space as a suitable temporary alternative to resume academic activities.
Subsequently, the Directorate of Education, Shimla, granted formal permission to conduct regular school operations in Chauhan’s building for the remainder of the academic session, until March 31, 2026. Orders have been issued to the District Education Officer (DEO) Kullu, allowing the use of the eight-room facility, which also has ample outdoor space for recreational activities.
Education Back on Track
Starting tomorrow, students of GSSS Gushaini will attend classes at the new temporary campus in Badidropa. Senior students will occupy the classrooms on the ground floor, while arrangements have been made to manage different grades efficiently in the available rooms.
Speaking about the development, GSSS Gushaini Principal, Karm Lal Sharma, expressed gratitude towards Mahender Singh Chauhan for his selfless gesture. He confirmed that the Education Directorate’s permission is valid till March 31, 2026, and a formal affidavit will be obtained from the building owner in compliance with the directive. Additionally, the Education Department has been instructed to continue searching for a permanent government or cost-free facility from the 2026–27 session onwards.
A Symbol of Hope and Community Spirit
Mahender Singh Chauhan’s noble initiative has been widely praised by local residents, school staff, and parents alike. His timely intervention has not only restored access to education but also demonstrated a powerful example of civic responsibility and compassion. By offering his private property for educational use without any financial demand, Chauhan has reignited the flame of learning for hundreds of children affected by the natural disaster.
SDM Banjar Pankaj Sharma also received appreciation from the local community for his swift action and support in coordinating the approval and relocation process, ensuring minimal academic disruption.
Call for Long-Term Solutions
The landslide has brought to light the vulnerability of educational infrastructure in remote and disaster-prone areas like Tirthan Valley. While the temporary relocation provides much-needed relief, there is a growing consensus on the need for constructing a new, resilient school building in a safer location to prevent such disruptions in the future.
For now, thanks to the collective efforts of the community, school authorities, and district administration, the students of GSSS Gushaini can once again return to their studies with renewed hope and stability.
