MP village where every home has an officer:125-year-old school transformed villagers’ lives, with residents gathering annually to celebrate festivals together

Long before India gained independence, Padiyal, a tribal-dominated village located 120 km from Dhar district headquarters in Madhya Pradesh, had a school. “I studied here until the third class,” recalls 80-year-old Subhash Alawa, reminiscing about the early days.
Even at that time, the village was known for its passion for education. Many boys and girls, after completing their primary education in Padiyal, would move to nearby Kukshi and later to Indore for higher studies. Subhash, who retired as a headmaster two decades ago, returned to his ancestral village and settled there. Today, Padiyal is often referred to as the “village of officers and teachers,” as nearly every household has at least one member in government service. Haren Sharma, the village secretary, says, Currently, around 400 people from our village are employed in government services. They are not in minor positions; rather, they serve in key administrative, police, and technical roles at both the state and national levels. However, the new generation is increasingly drawn to private sector jobs. The current Sarpanch, retired DFO Bhupendra Alawa, adds, Government officers who retire often return and settle in the village. During festivals like Diwali, they all come together, making it a celebration of the village’s spirit. How did Padiyal finally become a village of officers? What was the reason for this? To find this out, the Bhaskar team reached Padiyal village. Here, they spoke to the village elders, including the Sarpanch. Read the report… In 1898, villagers collected donations and opened a school The roots of this legacy trace back to 1898, when the villagers decided to open a school. “Our ancestors migrated from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and settled here. Though resources were scarce, they were far-sighted and recognized the importance of education,” explains Sarpanch Bhupendra Alawa. “In 1898, at a time when education in the region was minimal, our village managed to open a school through community contributions. We even hired a teacher from outside the village.” After India’s independence, in 1956, a government primary school was established in Padiyal. Today, the village has a government higher secondary school offering education up to class 12, serving not only Padiyal children but also those from surrounding villages. The first generation of inspiration and the ‘Indore move’ Subhash Alawa fondly recalls the trend of students moving to Indore for further studies: Many of my contemporaries, after completing early education in Padiyal, went to Kukshi and then Indore. Studying in Indore became synonymous with guaranteed success. This trend of going to Indore played a pivotal role in shaping the village’s success. Students not only gained quality education but also built networks and support systems among peers from the village. Healthy competition fuels motivation “People in Padiyal have always inspired each other by example,” says Sarpanch Bhupendra Alawa. If a child from one family becomes a tehsildar or secures a government job, it motivates others in the village to aim higher. This healthy competition created an environment conducive to education and competitive exams. Ditu Singh, now serving as Joint Commissioner in Indore, recounts, “My education till class 8 was in Padiyal. The village environment encouraged every child to study. When retired government officers visited during holidays, we observed their lifestyles and achievements. Seeing someone arrive on a bike or bring new gadgets inspired us to aim higher.” Education triumphs over adversity Koushlya Chauhan, a police inspector (TI) currently serving in Indore, shares her inspiring journey. “I lost my father in childhood, and our family had no steady income. Circumstances were tough, but Padiyal’s educational environment was strong, and my mother encouraged me to study. After completing my schooling in Padiyal, I moved to Indore. Seniors from our village helped me financially and morally. I first became a teacher and later joined the police as a sub-inspector.” Her story illustrates how education, coupled with community support, helped individuals overcome personal hardships and achieve professional success. Returning to the roots: Post-retirement contribution A notable aspect of Padiyal’s culture is that villagers who achieve professional success often return to contribute to the village’s development. NP Singh, retired Chief Engineer from the Water Resources Department, exemplifies this spirit. “After retirement, I decided to dedicate most of my time to Padiyal,” Singh says. In 2019, he undertook the ambitious project of transforming a barren hill into a green space. Today, the hill boasts a small forest with over 3,000 trees. “This village gave us the environment to succeed. Now it’s our responsibility to give back,” he adds. During Diwali, when all villagers working outside return, the community gathers, creating a festive atmosphere. The presence of successful seniors inspires the younger generation to follow in their footsteps.
Political influence of Padiyal Padiyal has not only produced officers but also political leaders. The village has historically had a strong presence in local politics. In 1962, Babu Singh Alava won the Kukshi assembly seat on a Jana Sangh ticket. That same year, Ghatu Singh contested the Dhar-Jhabua Lok Sabha seat, though he lost. Between 1962 and 1995, villagers actively participated in both assembly and parliamentary elections, reflecting the political influence of Padiyal. Current success and future prospects Jabba Lal Mandloi, principal of the village higher secondary school, notes, I have been here for the past ten years, and I have never seen such enthusiasm for education among children and parents. Successful villagers stay in constant touch with the school and readily support any requirements. Today, children from neighboring villages also enroll here for better education. Village secretary Haren Sharma provides statistical insight, According to the 2011 census, every household had at least one member in government service. Even today, approximately 400 people from the village are employed in government jobs. However, the new generation is also moving towards lucrative private sector jobs, which is a positive shift. A model village of inspiration Padiyal stands as a remarkable example of how a community’s early focus on education can transform generations. From the first school established through local contributions in 1898 to today’s higher secondary school, the village has fostered a culture of learning, ambition, and public service. The combination of inspiration from peers, healthy competition, support for students pursuing higher education in urban centers like Indore, and a strong sense of giving back post-retirement has created a self-sustaining cycle of success. Padiyal not only produces government officers but also political leaders, social contributors, and community role models. As the younger generation balances aspirations in both government and private sectors, the village continues to exemplify how education, community support, and sustained inspiration can shape a society’s destiny.