Delhi policeman Than Singh of most loved 'Than Singh ki Pathshaala' believes that only police can change such segments of the society
New Delhi, March 5
The power of khakhi is not limited to law and order, investigations but aiding numerous people who are helpless and powerless. Than Singh of Delhi Police is an outstanding example of same mission where his heart beats only for underprivileged kids. What started as a small initiative of educating four poor kids has turned into the now famous ‘Than Singh ki Paathshala’- a boon for kids of ragpickers near Lal Quila of old Delhi.
Than Singh’s hardwork of last five years has turned into a beautiful opportunity for kids to now go to formal schools with Delhi Police north District DCP Sagar Kalsi’s help.
Than Singh is posted as a constable Kotwali police station of north district in Delhi Police.
Speaking to BW PoliceWorld Than Singh said, “These kids use to work with their parents as rag pickers. I thought I should start educating these kids for a better future where they can work and earn a good living for their families. I started with four kids, faced many challenges initially. The parents used to take the kids away and force them into rag picking. I had to convince the parents to let them allow me to educate them sometimes even by force. They are helpless and have no money to even feed their kids let alone educate them”.
He added, “I took up a small space at a Sai Mandir near the parking of Lal Quila. I began teaching them with basic amenities I had. The number of kids gradually increased and now I have 45 students who come to this paathshala. They begin studying since morning till evening 5:30 in various batches from nursery to Class 5th. The kids learn, play and enjoy their paathshala time”.
The popularity of the classes grew by manifolds and many kids decided to voluntarily join him. The kids happily call these classes, ‘Than Singh ki Pathshaala’
As the number of students grew in numbers, Than Singh gave opportunity to a homeless girl Ankita Sharma (19). Sharma stays in the same premises and teaches kids now. Than Singh pays Sharma Rs. 4000 from his pocket to help with basic logistics for the classes.
Than Singh expressed, “I believe that if I as a constable can change the lives of few underprivileged kids and promise them a bright future then many policemen can. In fact, it is the police who can go into such zones of the city and change the scenario. The kids from these families live an abusive life and often fall into bad influence which later coax them into crimes and drugs. If they are educated, they can fetch jobs in future and secure their families”.
The work of Than Singh got noticed by the high ups in Delhi Police and he received tremendous appreciation for his work.
Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana appreciated Than Singh’s efforts during an event ‘Dhara’ organized at Lal Quila recently during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Delhi Police Raising Day.
The multi-talented kids from Than Singh ki Pathshaala performed a dance programme in front of the CP and other senior officers present.
Than Singh said, “The kids performed so well that the CP personally appreciated them for their talent. Some of the kids in the classes are very intelligent and have high grasping power. The senior officers have started supporting them as well as the Police Families Welfare Society (PWFS) by providing us with stationary and even celebrate their kids’ birthdays with these kids as a token of encouragement”.
After years of running this paathshala, the kids have become Than Singh’s family. He also celebrates all festivals throughout the year with these kids alognwith his family members.
He said, “I have two kids of my own but these kids are my extended family. I celebrate all my festivals with them. My family especially my wife supported me thoroughly for this initiative. In fact she believed that if I could change a kid’s sorrowful today into a beautiful tomorrow, the family will support me till I do. This is my mission now to keep educating these kids all my life”.
Than Singh received tremendous support from DCP (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi. DCP Kalsi not only encouraged him but promised admission in formal schools.
DCP (North) Sagar Kalsi said, “The kids are receiving good education but they should go to formal school. The education in paathshala has moulded them into better kids and now they are ready to go to schools. We have contacted schools in the district to give them admission. They will receive all facilities and education till they complete their education”.
Nothing could have made Than Singh happier and content that his kids will now go to formal school and he believes that this is the true Guru Dakshina the kids have given to him.
