Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, some police officers are not just ending crime in the dark alleys, they are also lighting the lamp of learning. Their noble deeds are not only saving children from underprivileged backgrounds from losing their way but also steering them towards leading a meaningful life. Meet the khaki teachers of UP on this Teacher’s Day.

Ushering in change from streets

Senior sub-inspector Apoorva Mishra found some ragpicker kids loitering near Unnao railway station in 1997. He gathered them under a tree and soon turned a policeman’s khaki into a teacher’s guiding hand. Mishra named it Street Classes and over the years, this Khaki Ki Pathshala has touched more than two lakh children—imparting them lessons in academics, discipline, and resilience against crime and despair.

Mishra, currently the incharge of UP 112 in Unnao, says, “I named it Street Classes because I taught them by the roadside with slates and notebooks. What started with 10–15 children gradually grew into a movement, with retired teachers, journalists and local volunteers joining in.” Uniformed discipline, monthly tests, and prize distribution instilled confidence among the kids, many of whom were later admitted to govt and private schools.

“I had struggled for resources in my student life. I had promised myself that when I stand on my feet, I’ll ensure that no child loses his/her way due to poverty,” Mishra says. Today, volunteers of Street Classes also hold motivational sessions in schools and colleges, teaching them not just academics but also lessons in cyber safety, crime prevention, and resilience against suicidal tendencies.

Samarpan: Giving wings to dreams

Additional director general, traffic directorate, K Satya Narayan, an IPS officer, is another khaki-clad teacher. His coaching centre for underprivileged aspirants, Samarpan, has helped many crack competitive exams—from CRPF to banking to teaching. “Thirty eight of my students are now schoolteachers,” he proudly shares, adding that 17 were recruited as CRPF constables and eight as bank cashiers. “My father, a farmer, had the dream that I should crack UPSC. It seemed impossible then but I struggled hard to fulfil his dream. After becoming an IPS, I wanted to do something for the less privileged, so I opened Samarpan in 2014,” he says, adding, “I take classes and give tips for preparation while creating an ecosystem for children of lesser privilege free of cost in Narsipatnam,” he said.

A noble deed sans noise

Niharika Sharma, commandant in PAC 26th battalion Gorakhpur, has quietly sponsored the education of 24 children, ensuring they stay away from crime and exploitation. She says her parents are the source of inspiration. “During my previous posting in Kanpur, whenever my parents saw poor children in the colony, they used to bring them home and encourage them to go to school and learn,” says Sharma. Following in their footsteps, “I decided to fund the education of 24 children of the entire colony from Class 2 to 11,” she said.

Khaki Wale Guruji

Sub-inspector Ranjeet Singh Yadav is better known as ‘Khaki Wale Guruji’ in Ayodhya where he teaches underprivileged children at the ghats. Some also call him ‘Ranjeet of Ayodhya’. Yadav began teaching children of beggar families on the banks of the Saryu under a tree in his spare time. Today, nearly 70 children attend his open-air class daily. Apart from this initiative, he is also known for blood donation drives, plantation campaigns, road safety, and anti-drug awareness. Hailing from a small village in Azamgarh, Yadav says social service gives him immense satisfaction. Locals fondly call him “Khaki Guruji,” a title that reflects his blend of discipline and compassion. He was honoured with the Kalam Youth Leadership Award 2023 for his service spirit alongside his policing duties.

For these officers, policing goes beyond catching criminals; it is about breaking the cycle that breeds them. By lighting lamps of knowledge in the dark alleys of poverty, these cops are proving that they are not just protectors of law, but also teachers of life.