Pulwama, Oct 22: The villagers of Lajurah and neighbouring areas came together to mourn the passing of Pandith Bhushan Lal Gangoo, a revered mathematics teacher, who passed away on Monday evening.
His cremation, held Tuesday morning at his native village Lajurah, drew many of his former students, colleagues, and residents, who paid their last respects to a man who had dedicated 42 years of his life to education.
Gangoo began his teaching career at the young age of 18, with his first appointment as a teacher in Ratnipora. He later joined the Government High School Lajurah, where he served for 15 years, becoming a beloved figure in the community. His commitment to his students and his passion for teaching soon saw him promoted to Headmaster at the same school, where he continued to inspire and guide students.
After his tenure as Headmaster, Gangoo took on a broader role in educational administration, becoming the Zonal Education Planning Officer (ZEPO) at Pampore. His career culminated in his position as Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) at Shadimarg, Pulwama, from where he retired in 2007 after four decades of dedicated service.
Dr. Rauf ur Rafiq, one of Gangoo’s students, described him as more than just a teacher.
“He taught not only me but also my parents. He was a mentor, visiting students’ homes to teach them without asking for anything in return. My family and so many others are indebted to Pandith Bhushan Lal Gangoo for his selfless dedication,” Rauf said.
Even after his retirement, Gangoo continued his lifelong mission of teaching, influencing the lives of countless students. His efforts helped nurture a generation of successful individuals and touched many lives.
The list of his students include senior lecturer Rafiq Ahmad Dar, Professor Abdul Gani Dar, Senior lecturer Nazir Ahmad Wani, Senior Lecturer Nazir Ahmad Dar, Chairman Ellaqai Dehati Bank Arshid ul Islam, Former Director Tourism, Nisar Ahmad Wani, Noted Broadcaster, Hussain Zaffar and Professor Abdul Gani Kumar.
Another student spoke with reverence, saying, “Pandith Ji was not only an exceptional teacher but a beacon of wisdom and integrity in our community. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy will continue to guide us all.”
