Nalanda: The Upgraded Middle School Bahadurpur in Asthawan block of Nalanda district, Bihar, has completely transformed the negative perception surrounding government schools. Dr. Saurabh Kumar, a teacher and former acting headmaster at the school, chose this institution as his workplace, rejecting a promising career as a professor. He dedicated his earnings and efforts to shaping the future of the children there.

On September 5th, Teachers' Day, Dr. Saurabh was honored with the State Teacher's Award by the Bihar Education Minister for his outstanding work. During his tenure as acting headmaster from 2018 to 2024, Dr. Saurabh completely revamped the school. A significant feature of this school is that many students who previously attended private schools are now enrolling here. Priya Kumari, a seventh-grade student whose father is a farmer, aspires to be a doctor and states that the education here is far superior to private schools.

The school's discipline level rivals any reputable private institution, with student attendance consistently above 90 percent. All students wear ties, belts, and ID cards. The school also excels in sports, having won 27 block-level awards in the Khel Tarang and Daksh programs in Asthawan block. They have also secured several district-level awards in essay and painting competitions under the National Talent Search Examination and Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Suggestions from monthly parent meetings are taken seriously and implemented, fostering active community participation in the school's success. Villager Lalan Yadav, whose five children attend this school, notes that after Dr. Saurabh's arrival in 2012-13, the dilapidated school building was completely transformed. He even funded the construction of a smart classroom from his own pocket.

Dr. Saurabh Kumar attributes his success to the entire team, fellow teachers, and the hard work of the children. His father was a retired Block Education Officer, providing him with a legacy of educational commitment from home. On World Teachers' Day, Dr. Saurabh states that his next goal is to break the societal misconception that government schools lack quality education. He believes that rural parents can now confidently send their children to government schools, as the students here are no less capable than those in large private schools.