Bihar's Darbhanga girl refuses cycling trial offer

PATNA/DARBHANGA: Jyoti Kumari, the 15-year-old girl, who cycled all the way from Delhi to Darbhanga carrying her injured father, has refused an offer from Cycling Federation of India (CFI) chairman Onkar Singh to come for a trial next month, saying she wants to continue her studies.
“I am very happy and honoured that the CFI has given me the opportunity to undergo a trial for trainee cyclist at their top institute. But I don’t think I would be able to make it for the trial next month,” Jyoti told TOI.
She added, “I don’t think I am physically fit at present owing to the extremely strenuous journey from Delhi and secondly, I want to get enrolled in my school first.” Jyoti’s name was removed from the government middle school register around eight months ago as she could not attend classes due to family compulsions.She was a student of Class VIII.
She said she wants to continue her study and take up cycling along with her education. “I could not go to the school due to family issues as I was occupied with domestic works. But now I want to study and be an educated person first,” she added.
Jyoti’s courageous journey carrying her father has moved many people from across the country. Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav on Friday announced to give Rs1 lakh to Jyoti. Darbhanga district administration has also assured help for her education. Darbhanga Sadar SDO Rakesh Kumar Gupta met Jyoti at her house on Tuesday and assured all necessary help to her and her family.
Jyoti’s father, who used to drive an e-rickshaw in Delhi, is now in their Darbhanga village quarantine centre, while she is under home quarantine. Jyoti is being kept in isolation at their home she shares with her two sisters, two brothers and mother.