A Delhi police officer, who managed to overcome his humble beginnings in the city slums during his childhood, is now dedicated to giving back to underprivileged children who are trapped in the cycle of skipping school and taking on odd jobs.
Through his initiative of a tuition-free school, operating within the premises of the renowned Red Fort during school hours, Than Singh is actively assisting children who have fallen behind in their education to catch up to their appropriate grade level, ensuring they are on par with their peers.
Hailing from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, Singh’s early life was marked by growing up alongside his two siblings on the streets of New Delhi. He used to vend corn while his father worked as a clothes ironer. Despite their daily struggles, Singh held onto the significance of education.
While his father aspired to become a police officer, the burden of providing for the family prevented him from pursuing his dream fully. Nevertheless, Singh followed in his father’s footsteps, remained committed to his studies, and successfully cleared the Delhi Police examination.
Upon returning to the very streets where he was raised, Singh recognized the urgency to support children like himself who were constrained to work instead of attending school. This realization led him to establish a unique educational institution named “Than Singh Ki Pathshala.”
“I volunteered to teach these kids so that they are able to come a little par to their peers. For this, I started meeting the parents. Police are the only segment that go to people irrespective of their socio-economic status and get to understand their problems,” Constable Singh said when he spoke to The Better India. “After meeting their parents, I convinced them to not worry about kids and send them to our pathshala.”
He provides instruction to a group of 80 children ranging from 3 to 15 years of age. These children come from various neighborhoods such as Raj Ghat, Vijay Ghat, and Shantivan, gathering outside the Red Fort. The local battery-rickshaw drivers generously offer their time to transport the children safely back home from the school premises on a daily basis.
He acquires all his necessities, such as books, lunches, uniforms, and other supplies, through generous donations.
“I want to give these children a good atmosphere because their parents go to work and there is a chance that they could wander on streets. This is why we continue to teach them after school. Also, when other children got to know that they can get admission after studying with us, more and more kids started coming,” Singh said.
During the previous year, a total of 70 students belonging to Singh successfully secured admission in official government schools, with 10 among them attaining the top positions in their class examinations.
“There is no other peace than working for these children. I could be the reason towards bringing a change in their lives with just a little support. What could have been better than this for me?” Singh added.
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