Bihar’s ‘Cycle Girl’ Jyoti Kumari: From Hero of Lockdown to Struggle for Survival | Ground Report

Five years ago, Jyoti Kumari became a national symbol of courage when she cycled from Delhi to Darbhanga carrying her injured father during the COVID-19 lockdown. But in 2025, Jyoti’s life tells a different story — one of struggle and broken promises. Her father has passed away, she had to drop out of school, and the government’s assurances of support never materialized. Today, in Sirulli village, her mother works at an anganwadi, sustaining a five-member family on just ₹4,500 a month. This ground report by The Quint reveals how little has changed for the girl once hailed as India’s “cycle girl.”

#Bihar #JyotiKumari #TheQuint #BiharGroundReport #JanabAiseKaise

पांच साल पहले कोरोना लॉकडाउन के दौरान अपने घायल पिता को साइकिल पर बैठाकर दिल्ली से दरभंगा लाने वाली ज्योति कुमारी देशभर में हिम्मत और उम्मीद की मिसाल बनी थीं. लेकिन 2025 में वही ज्योति आज गरीबी और बेरोजगारी से जूझ रही हैं. पढ़ाई बीच में छूट गई, पिता का निधन हो गया और सरकार व नेताओं के किए वादे अधूरे रह गए. सिरुल्ली गांव में अब ज्योति की मां आंगनबाड़ी में काम करती हैं और परिवार के पांच सदस्यों का खर्च ₹4500 महीने में चलता है. यह द क्विंट की ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट दिखाती है कि कैसे वादों के बाद भी ज़मीनी हकीकत नहीं बदली.


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Video: The Quint