Malick Asghar Hashmi/New Delhi

Jameel Akhtar, Deputy General Manager at the National Thermal Power Corporation, has dedicated his life to the education of underprivileged children in Bihar.

So profound is his commitment that he has chosen to remain unmarried, believing that marriage might hinder his mission.

“If I get married, managing the education and care of 550 children would become difficult,” Akhtar told Awaz-The Voice. While he holds a senior position at NTPC, his heart beats for a greater cause—uplifting the next generation through education.

Akhtar is more than a government officer; he is a quiet crusader whose selfless efforts have opened doors of opportunity for hundreds of marginalized children. He has been working for this cause for a decade now.

Jameel Akhtar (Third from left) with the staff of his school

“People often lose sight of their purpose while chasing recognition,” he says. Akhtar prefers working in silence, away from the spotlight, yet the ripples of his actions are felt deeply across his community.

Hailing from a modest background, Akhtar firmly believes that education has the power to transform lives. He balances his duties at the NTPC plant in Nabinagar while running a school for disadvantaged children in Dehri-on-Sone, a town where he spent his early years.

His Noble Public School has grown into a symbol of hope and communal harmony, where children from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian families study side by side, enjoying equal opportunities and respect.

A graduate in engineering from Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Akhtar joined NTPC in 2001, with his first posting in Delhi.

Jameel Akhtar at the morning assembly of his school

However, it was his 2014 transfer to Nabinagar that became a turning point. In 2015, he decided to act on a long-held dream—opening a school for underprivileged children in his hometown.

Without delay, he hired teachers and began classes from nursery to Class 7 in a rented building. The school offered completely free education, including books and learning materials, quickly attracting students. Today, more than 550 children are enrolled, all studying at no cost.

“I bear all the expenses from my pocket,” Akhtar says. “We have 14 teachers whose salaries I pay. I also cover all operational costs.”

Jameel Akhtar in a classroom

Does this put financial pressure on him? Akhtar responds with a gentle smile: “I’m unmarried, and my family is well-settled. I don’t lack anything.”

His late father, Mehboob Akhtar, was a junior engineer in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. His mother and four brothers support his mission fully. Though his brothers—each well-established—help occasionally, Jameel rarely asks for contributions. Instead, he finds practical ways to save, such as purchasing books directly from publishers to cut out middlemen.

Despite his demanding job, Akhtar is personally involved in every facet of the school. “We have qualified teachers,” he says, “But I monitor every child’s progress. I want no one left behind.” The school emphasizes holistic development, focusing not just on academics but also on character building.

Jameel Akhtar's staff readies dry ration kits for distribution

Akhtar takes immense pride in the communal unity fostered by his school. “Watching Hindu, Muslim, and Christian children learn together brings me deep satisfaction,” he says. “This is the true Ganga-Jamuni culture of our region.”

Locals praise his efforts. Former Ward 36 councillor Girija Devi calls the school “a blessing for poor children,” providing quality education without financial burden.

Teachers Arti Kumari and Tabassum highlight how the school not only imparts strong academics but also offers students direction and hope.

Local ladies club member felicitating Jameel Akhtar

Akhtar is deeply aware of the limitations in government-run schools. “The quality of education remains a concern,” he says. “Our school offers a ray of hope to parents who value good education but can’t afford private institutions.”

Through his tireless work, Jameel Akhtar has changed the lives of over 550 children, proving that one individual’s resolve can ignite transformation.

When asked again why he chose to remain single, his answer remains simple yet profound: “Had I married, I wouldn’t be able to take care of the education and well-being of 550 children.”

ALSO READ: Jabir Ansari: A rising martial arts star in global arena

Jameel Akhtar’s unwavering commitment and quiet sacrifice are truly unique.