211. Hira Singh Khalsa School Munde, district Chakwal.

When we talk about the spread of modern education in this region, which is now Pakistani Punjab, we cannot ignore the efforts of the Sikh community. While visiting several schools, I realized that the role of the Sikhs was very important, especially in the private sector. Although all three religious communities were involved in the movement for modern education—such as Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam, Arya Samaj, and Singh Sabha—I have so far felt a stronger Sikh footprint in rural Punjab. They established many schools for children of all communities, regardless of caste or creed.

For further details, readers may visit the “Schools” category and read about a few more institutions set up by private individuals for the sole purpose of the welfare of their communities. One such shining example of philanthropy was a school called Hira Singh Khalsa School, now known as Government High School.

Location:

Hira Singh Khalsa School was established in a village known as Munday (also called Munde). It is located about 17 kilometres northwest of Chakwal city and nearly 9 kilometres from the Balkasar Interchange on the M-2 Islamabad–Lahore Motorway. The area now forms part of Chakwal District; however, at the time of the school’s establishment, Chakwal tehsil was administratively part of Jhelum District. The geographical coordinates of the school are 32°59′35.83″ N, 72°40′43.56″ E.

History:

The history of the school is well preserved in the form of marble plaques fixed at different places in the school. These provide clear and authentic information about the history of the construction of the school and also tell us about the people who built it with love and devotion. According to the first plaque fixed on the deorhi, the school was started on 18 June 1918. However, the deorhi itself was built in 1925, as indicated by another plaque. The main hall and the adjoining four rooms were constructed in 1923. It appears that either the work on the school was stalled between 1918 and 1923, or the classes were conducted in a makeshift structure and were later shifted to the new building once it was completed.

The school was named Sardar Hira Singh and was built by Sardar Chet Singh in the loving memory of his late father. Besides Sardar Chet Singh, many other individuals also contributed towards the construction of the school; their names can be seen on the plaques, which will be mentioned below.

Layout of the building:

The school complex covers an area of a little over half an acre. The nucleus of the school is its main hall, which was built in 1923. On both sides of the hall, four rooms—two on each side—were constructed. Later, in 1925, a deorhi was built in front of the hall. This deorhi is the most prominent feature of the school building. There are rooms on both sides of the deorhi, with a verandah. Two more rows of rooms are located on the front and right sides of the deorhi (if one is facing the deorhi). These were later additions, possibly added in the 1950s. I have also added a map for directions to reach the school and to illustrate the different sections of the school.

Originally, only four rooms were constructed to start a primary school. In those days, the primary level was up to Class Four. These rooms are located on the right and left sides of the hall, with two on each side facing each other. These rooms were repaired in recent times. It is remarkable that the plaques were not removed and were fixed in the same places after the repair work was completed.

Sardar Chet Singh

Sardar Chet Singh was the driving spirit behind this wonderful legacy. He was a prominent businessman of the area and a well-travelled man. He also had business interests in Iran. Being aware of the importance of education for the development and betterment of his community, he played a key role in promoting modern education. He also played an important role in the establishment of Khalsa High School, Chakwal, in 1910.

It is also worth noting that his two brothers, Sardar Ram Singh and Sardar Eshar Singh, contributed towards the construction of two rooms, one each. In addition, Sardar Ram Singh bore the cost of constructing two more rooms. These four rooms, as noted above, were the first four rooms of the school.

Historical Background of the Government High School Munday

Establishment: Sardar Chet Singh established it in 1918. At that time, it had the status of a primary school. It consisted of one hall and four rooms.
Status of a Middle School: It was given the status of a middle school in 1927 and four additional rooms were constructed.
Status of a High School: This school in the northwestern area of Chakwal was granted the status of a high school in 1931. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, its two branches were established temporarily.
Expansion: With the cooperation of the local teachers and the public, four rooms, includingan office and a staff room, were added in 1956 – 58.
Special Repairs: Under the supervision of a local committee, the old rooms were repaired with a grant of Rs 280,000 in 1987-88.
1995: The school was provided with electricity.
1998: New furniture was bought for the children, in August 1998, the hall was fitted with ceiling fans. The southern section was constructed.
1999: A handpump was installed in the courtyard, and pathways were constructed.
2001: With a special grant, the courtyard of the school was paved, and the roofs of the rooms adjacent to the hall were changed. A room was constructed on the roof of the deorhi as a mosque.
2013: The possession of the school ground was gained, which had been under a legal dispute for fifty years.
2014: With the special cooperation of the POL Balkasar, a donation of a hundred chairs and an electric water cooler was received.
2015: Three toilets were constructed for the children.
2015: To overcome the shortage of water, a 400-foot bore was dug with the cooperation of the teachers and local people, and an electric motor was installed.

The most remarkable thing about my visit was that the school has very carefully preserved its history and the memories of the people who laid its foundation over a century ago. The plaques have been preserved, and even after repair and renovation work, they have not been removed or damaged. In 2018, its centenary was celebrated, and Sardar Ratan Deep Singh, the grandson of Sardar Chet Singh, attended the celebrations. He must have felt very proud and content to see the institution, started by his grandfather, still flourishing and spreading the light of knowledge and wisdom.

I am very thankful to Mr Masood Al Rauf, the headmaster of the school, for his kind permission to visit and explore the school. He was busy at the time, taking his classes, but on my request, he joined me for a few minutes after completing his class. His pleasant and confident personality made the meeting memorable.

Another staff member, Mr Imran Haider, the office assistant, was also very cooperative and helpful. He gave me a tour of the school, pointed out many details of the building, and informed me about the history of the school.

Tariq Amir

December 30, 2025.
Islamabad