A Life Devoted to the Poor
Shimla, November 10 — Kotkhai’s apple belt lost one of its finest human beings with the passing of 97-year-old Shri Mangat Ram Chauhan of Domehar village.
He died peacefully among family members following a heart attack.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to science and humanity, his body was donated to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla — a decision he had made in 2014.
IGMC’s Deh Daan Samiti confirmed this is the 10th body they have received under the voluntary donation programme.
Former Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan, who also hails from Kotkhai, said the region has lost “a rare son of the soil.”
“Mangat Ram ji was a true visionary and a man far ahead of his times. From strengthening panchayat institutions to educating poor children, he dedicated every breath to public good. Kotkhai will always remember his kindness and courage,” he said.
Chauhan’s legacy runs deep. A matriculate from pre-Independence India and a rationalist to the core, he transformed Kairi panchayat during his 10-year tenure as its head.
He built durable public assets, distributed substantial land to the poor, and developed a 60-bigha panchayat orchard that today earns nearly ₹30 lakh annually. Under him, Kairi won the Best Panchayat in Asia award.
At 50, he handed over most of his property to his children and devoted himself fully to social service. He founded the Giri Gyan Vidya Jyoti Trust, which provided residential care, education up to college, and entrance exam coaching to poor and orphaned children.
Over 50 children benefited, many now serving in government and professional jobs. The trust ran entirely through family contributions and donors.
He was known to many eminent personalities — Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, former Himachal CMs Y.S. Parmar, Thakur Ramlal, Virbhadra Singh, and former DGP Rati Ram Verma. For his social work, the state government honoured him with the Himachal Ratna, presented by then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.
Before his death, he instructed his family not to perform any rituals. His message to IGMC was simple: every part of his body should serve human life and science.
His lifelong message continues to guide Kotkhai: help the poor, remain humble, and be kind.
He is survived by his Sons:
Rajpal chauhan,
Jai Pal Chauhan
Yashpal Chauhan
Grand Sons:
Chetan Chauhan journalist,
Chandan Chauhan, college Prof.
Ajay Pal Chauhan
Ashish Pal Chauhan
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