Kartar Singh’s vision realised as KV sanctioned for Rihri Kuthera

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, Updated At : 06:17 AM Dec 09, 2024 IST

Philanthropist Kartar Singh who had donated 53 kanals of land for the purpose.

Rihri Kuthera, a small village in Himachal Pradesh’s Jaswan-Pragpur constituency, has gained prominence with the announcement of a new Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV). The school, part of the Central Government’s initiative to open Kendriya Vidyalayas in every Assembly constituency, was sanctioned after philanthropist Kartar Singh donated 53 kanals of land for the purpose. Estimated at a cost of Rs 70 crore, the project promises to transform the region’s educational landscape.

The announcement, which aligns with the government’s 2019 directive to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas at least 35 km from existing ones, favoured Rihri Kuthera due to its strategic location. Jaswan-Pragpur MLA Bikram Thakur played a pivotal role in securing the land. “We remember Kartar Singhji for his invaluable contribution and thank the Prime Minister and Anurag Thakur for this treasured gift to our constituency,” he said.

Kartar Singh, a revered figure in the region, passed away in 2021 but is remembered for his selfless vision. His sons, Rajinder Singh and Narinder Singh, expressed pride in seeing their father’s dream materialise. “Our father wanted the children of this area to access quality education close to home,” they shared.

Local leaders, including Panchayat Pradhan Asha Devi, Jol Pradhan Sukhwinder Kaur, and Zila Parishad member Anuradha, have hailed the development as historic. They believe the school’s establishment will catalyze progress in the region, improving infrastructure and opportunities.

Rihri Kuthera’s selection followed an extensive search for suitable land that adhered to the Central Government’s criteria. Despite several proposed locations, the generous land donation by Kartar Singh made the village stand out.

The school’s construction is anticipated to bring significant changes, benefiting the community while serving as a tribute to Kartar Singh’s legacy. The initiative underscores the transformative impact of philanthropy and visionary governance on rural development.