She sings Bhojpuri folk songs in Akashvani, Jamshedpur. Her efforts to bring poor children to the social mainstream have won kudos from several quarters. She also teaches.

Meet 54-year-old Jyotsna Asthana, a teacher of Jhanda Singh Middle School (JSMS) in Mango, who will be felicitated at a function in New Delhi on September 5 for her contribution to education.

Asthana, who is currently on deputation at Sakchi sub-divisional jail for teaching undertrials and convicts, received the award confirmation letter today. “I am really glad. I thank those who encouraged me in the field of education,” Asthana told The Telegraph.

Asthana is satisfied with what she’s doing at the jail. “I started teaching in jail in 2003. Initially, the inmates wondered how a middle school teacher would prepare them for school finals. But my patience has paid off. Now, they take their studies seriously.”

Asthana came to Jamshedpur from Bihar after marrying S.K. Asthana, now a retired government officer. Asthana said she was indebted to her father, N.B. Verma, an advocate, who inspired her to become a social worker.