All the 100 children in her school get free education and uniforms - the money coming from Ms Bharti's savings and her pension.
Raj Bharti, 75, begins her day doing the rounds of slums in Jammu. Her mission is to convince people to send their children to school.
A government servant who retired more than 10 years ago, she runs a school for the children from economically backward families. The funds come from her own pocket.
But that government pension has served to build the four rooms in Nagrota, 20 kilometres from Jammu. The school ran from under a tree for 11 years.
"We haven't received any help from the government, we want the government to at least give the registration for running the primary school and extend the mid-day meal scheme here as well," said Raj Bharti.
If it were not for Ms Bharti, the children would have faced a bleak future as beggars or rag pickers. Some could even turn to drugs.
All the 100 children in her school get free education and uniforms - the money coming from Ms Bharti's savings and her pension.
Ms Bharati's family is supportive about the school. The children say they consider the school a godsend.
"My family's financial condition is very bad, but I feel I can study now. I want to become a doctor and I think my dream will come true now", said Sanjana, a ten-year-old class 4 student.
The school has already made a huge difference in the lives of many of its students, the teachers say.
'Many students from the students have taken board exams and done graduation and post graduation and many have established successful businesses, said Veena, a school teacher.