Beneath the towering concrete structure of the Yamuna Bank Metro Bridge in New Delhi, a remarkable transformation occurs daily. Amid the noise of passing trains and the chaos of city life, a group of children sits cross-legged on the ground, their eyes fixed on a man who has dedicated his life to their education.

This is Rajesh Kumar Sharma, the founder and sole teacher of a unique free school for underprivileged children—a school that has no walls, no desks, and no formal funding, yet continues to change lives.

A Vision Born from Hardship

Rajesh Kumar Sharma was not always a teacher. He once dreamed of becoming an engineer, but financial hardships forced him to drop out of college. That experience, however, planted a seed—he knew the pain of being denied an education, and he vowed that if he ever had the chance, he would ensure that others did not suffer the same fate.

In 2006, while running a small grocery shop in Shakarpur, Sharma noticed a disturbing pattern. Every day, he saw children loitering in the streets, begging or working at roadside stalls instead of being in school. Curious, he spoke to their families and learned that most of them couldn’t afford school fees, uniforms, or books. Some parents, struggling to earn a basic livelihood, didn’t see education as a priority.

Sharma realized that if these children could not go to school, he would bring the school to them.

A Classroom Under the Sky

Armed with nothing but a piece of chalk and a heart full of determination, Sharma found an open space under the Yamuna Bank metro bridge and began teaching a small group of students.

• He painted blackboards on the bridge’s concrete pillars and used the walls as writing surfaces.
• He spread rugs and mats on the ground, where children could sit and learn.
• He started with just a handful of students, but as word spread, more children from nearby slums and labor camps joined.

Today, over 300 students have attended his classes, and many have gone on to join formal schools.

A School That Runs on Passion, Not Money

Unlike traditional schools, Sharma’s initiative does not charge any fees, nor does it receive government funding. The school runs entirely on Sharma’s earnings and donations from well-wishers.

The syllabus includes:

• Mathematics
• Science
• English
• Hindi
• General Knowledge

Classes are held in two shifts—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—to accommodate children who work part-time jobs or help their families. Volunteers from nearby colleges and NGOs occasionally assist, but Sharma remains the backbone of the school, dedicating long hours to his students.

Challenges: Teaching Against the Odds

Running a school in an open-air setting comes with its share of struggles:

1. Harsh Weather Conditions

• ● During scorching summers, temperatures soar above 45°C (113°F), making it difficult to sit outside.
• In monsoon season, rainwater floods the area, washing away books and study materials.
• In winter, students shiver in the cold, often attending class without warm clothes.

Yet, neither Sharma nor his students give up. They continue their lessons, demonstrating resilience that is nothing short of inspiring.

2. Lack of Resources

• Unlike government or private schools, Sharma’s school does not have a library, desks, chairs, or even proper stationery.
• Books, pencils, and notebooks come from donations, and sometimes, students have to share study materials.
• There are no microphones or projectors, so Sharma must teach loudly enough for everyone to hear.

3. No Formal Recognition

• Since the school operates unofficially, students do not receive government-recognized certificates.
• Sharma helps children enroll in formal schools once they are ready, but bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult.

Despite these struggles, the school continues to grow, proving that the hunger for education is stronger than any obstacle.

Impact: Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

Over the years, hundreds of students have transitioned from Sharma’s bridge school into formal education. Some have even gone on to higher studies, securing jobs that were once unimaginable for them.

Take the story of Ravi Kumar, a former rag picker who had never been to school. After attending Sharma’s classes for two years, he enrolled in a government school and later became the first person in his family to pass high school. Today, he dreams of becoming a teacher himself.

Consider Meena, a young girl who was once forced to do household chores instead of studying. After joining Sharma’s school, she convinced her parents to let her continue her education. She is now pursuing a college degree.

Recognition and Support

Though Sharma’s work has received media attention and the support of volunteers, he remains humble and focused. His dream is to one day build a proper school with classrooms, a library, and better facilities.

Many individuals and organizations have stepped forward to help by donating:

• Books and stationery
• Mats and carpets for seating
• Food and clothing for students

But more help is needed to keep the school running and expand its impact.

A Lesson for the World

Rajesh Kumar Sharma’s school is a living example of how one person’s determination can transform lives. In a world where millions of children are denied education due to poverty, his work is a reminder that change does not always require wealth or power—sometimes, it only takes a heart willing to make a difference.

As Sharma puts it:

"Every child deserves an education. If the government or the system fails them, we must step in and do what we can."

How You Can Help?

If Sharma’s story has inspired you, here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Donate books, stationery, or school supplies.
• Volunteer to teach or support the school.
• Spread awareness to encourage more support.

Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for these children.

Education is not just about learning facts—it is about empowerment, hope, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Rajesh Kumar Sharma’s school under the metro bridge is proof that one person, armed with nothing but a vision and a piece of chalk, can change the world.

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