Bihar student's viral plea for education mobilizes government support

Khushbu Kumari, a student from Danapur, Bihar, has gained national attention after a video depicting her struggle against gender bias and financial barriers went viral. The video caught the eye of the Union government, reigniting her dream of becoming a doctor.

In a poignant clip released by News18, Kumari shared her frustration over being unable to pursue science due to a challenge set by her parents. "There's a significant disparity between my brother and me at home," she lamented. "Brothers enjoy complete freedom to study, while sisters do not. We're not even provided a phone for studying. My mother declared that I could only take science if I scored over 400 marks. I scored 399," she recounted, breaking down in tears.

Faced with financial difficulties, her parents, including her father Upendra Rai, had opted for an arts education for Kumari. "We enrolled her in the arts stream due to financial constraints. The science stream would have required more money," Rai explained to the IANS news agency.

The video, however, mobilized support from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who promised Kumari assistance for her enrollment in a reputable science college. Through a video call organized by the Patna District Magistrate, Pradhan assured Kumari, "Do not worry, my child. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will ensure your education. Study diligently, and harbor no resentment towards your parents as they did their best given their circumstances."

Kumari, hopeful once more, expressed her desire to gain quality education in a science discipline.

According to Chandrashekhar Singh, the Patna District Magistrate, steps are being taken to ensure Kumari's admission to a Class 11 science program specializing in biology for the 2025-27 academic session.

"Officials are dedicated to facilitating this process," Singh confirmed.