On this Teachers’ Day, we celebrate more than just educators in classrooms. We honour those who rise above their roles to become beacons of hope for the less fortunate. Among them stands Constable Than Singh of the Delhi Police—a man who, despite the pressures of his demanding job, has dedicated himself to transforming the lives of slum children through education.
His initiative, Than Singh Ki Pathshala, is not just a school but a lifeline for over 100 children, pulling them out of poverty and guiding them toward a future filled with possibilities.
Ajay Ahirwal, once a 10-year-old boy helping his labourer parents at tourist spots in Delhi, had never set foot in a classroom. His days were spent doing odd jobs, with no access to education. But three years ago, everything changed. Now, Ajay confidently tells Patriot, “I study in Class 5 now. I’m learning Social Science, Hindi, Maths, and English. Social Science is my favourite subject, and I want to become a police officer like my uncle and teach other children just like he does.”
Ajay’s transformation is just one example of the impact Constable Than Singh’s selfless work has had. Born in the slums of Delhi, Singh himself faced many hardships growing up, but education was something he never compromised on.
“I used to sell corn on the streets while studying. My father wanted to be a police officer, but he couldn’t. I promised myself I would fulfill his dream,” Singh recalls. After years of determination, he joined the Delhi Police in 2010.
Also read: Celebrate Teachers Day with These 7 Heartfelt Gift Ideas
Singh’s initiative, Than Singh Ki Pathshala, began in 2015 when he saw children near the Red Fort collecting plastic bottles and picking rags, much like he once did.
“These kids were being photographed by tourists, and it broke my heart. I knew they needed a way out of their circumstances,” he explains. Singh realised these children had no chance of enrolling in school without a basic education, so he decided to start teaching them himself.
What started with just four children now educates over 100 from various slum areas across Delhi. “I saw these children drifting toward negative influences, and I wanted to stop that. Education is their way out of crime and poverty,” Singh says.
Although many of the children are now enrolled in formal schools, Singh emphasises the need for continued after-school support. “Even though these children attend school, they come to us to strengthen their basics so that they can perform better in class and not feel inferior to their peers. Ten of my students topped their classes in 2021, and now many of them are doing exceptionally well. I’ve even received calls from schools asking us to send more kids,” he says with pride.
Singh also stresses the importance of providing a safe environment for these children while their parents are at work. “I want to give these children a good atmosphere because their parents are out working, and they could easily end up back on the streets. This is why we continue to teach them after school. Also, once other children found out they could get admitted to schools after studying with us, more and more started coming,” he adds.
Naboli, a volunteer and political science graduate from Delhi University, was deeply moved by Singh’s dedication. “When I first joined, I was amazed at how much love and care Singh sir has for these children. He treats them like his own. Whenever their families face challenges—whether it’s job loss, illness, or anything else—he’s always there to help,” Naboli shares.
Neelu Ahirwal, a sixth grader, also credits Singh for her education. “Because of Than Singh uncle, I’m able to go to school. We get everything we need from him—books, food, uniforms. He always supports us,” she says.
Through Singh’s initiative, daily meals for the children come from Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, and rickshaw drivers volunteer to ensure the children are safely picked up and dropped off for classes. The school operates daily, even on Sundays, from 3 to 5:30 pm at the Sai Baba Temple near the Red Fort.
Also read: Teachers day: Seven must watch films that you shouldn’t miss
“Beyond education, we also organise events for festivals. We recently celebrated Janmashtami and make sure the children are involved in everything. Earlier, these children were stuck in the slums near Lal Qila, but now we take them on picnics to places like Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar,” Singh shares.
In 2021, with the support of DCP Sagar Khalsi Singh successfully enrolled 70 of his students in government schools. “I’m so proud that 10 of my students have topped their classes,” Singh beams. “We don’t just prepare them for school but ensure their basics are strong so they don’t feel left behind.”
Despite the demands of his job, Singh manages to balance his duties as a constable with teaching. “There are no fixed working hours for a constable. We work 24/7. But if you have to do something, you find a way. Since my posting and pathshala are in the same area, I’m able to manage both,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Singh dreams of starting a trust to help more children and provide them with resources beyond the 12th grade. “I hope that one day these children will set up their own pathshalas and pay it forward. My goal is to make them good human beings first and then help them do something meaningful with their lives,” Singh says.
For Singh, his work with these children brings him peace and fulfillment. “There’s no greater satisfaction than helping these children change their lives through education,” he says. “Each one of them has their own story of struggle, and I want to be the one who brings the light of learning into their lives.”
