Than Singh, a police officer in Delhi who once lived in the city slums as a child, is now giving back to underprivileged kids. He runs a free school, Than Singh Ki Pathshala, in the parking lot of the famous Red Fort, helping children who missed school catch up to their age bracket.
Born in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, Singh’s childhood involved selling corn on the streets while his father ironed clothes to support the family. Despite the challenges, Singh valued education and followed his father’s dream of becoming a police officer. He realized that many children faced a similar struggle and had to work instead of going to school.
Determined to make a difference, Singh started his unique school, teaching 80 children aged 3 to 15 from neighborhoods like Raj Ghat, Vijay Ghat, and Shantivan. He convinced parents to send their kids to the pathshala, and local battery-rickshaw drivers volunteered to transport the children daily.
Than Singh Ki Pathshala operates solely on donations, providing books, lunches, uniforms, and supplies for the children. Singh aims to create a safe and conducive learning environment for these children, ensuring they have opportunities beyond their challenging circumstances.
His efforts have already yielded positive results, with 70 students enrolling in proper government schools last year, and 10 of them achieving the highest exam scores in their classes.
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