This is a story of strength that has happy ending. Not the fairy tale variety where the damsel is saved by a handsome prince but the kind that asserts that Daughters are the strength of the nation. Stree Shakthi at its finest.
When 15-year old Jyoti and her father were faced with eviction from their Gurugram tenement due to the Covid-19 lockdown, they were left with no choice but to go back home to Bihar. They had no means of transport and Jyoti’s father had an injured leg which made it difficult to walk. Jyoti did not hesitate a bit and decided to cycle all the way home with her father sitting behind her. She began the arduous journey of 1200 kms to Darbhanga, Bihar in a matter of just 8 days. The distance, the heat, the weight of her father sitting behind her – none of this unfazed this tenacious teenager and she single-mindedly completed her journey.
This is when the story gets interesting. News about her achievement came on social media and this was noticed by Ms. Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Shri. Donald Trump. Ivanka tweeted about the young achiever and lauded her determination amidst the gloom of the Covid-19 pandemic. This made her story go viral. Jyoti’s rare talent was immediately noticed by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and they have offered to give her a trial to join the National Cycling team. CFI has even offered to bear all expenses related to Jyoti’s travel for appearing at the trial.
If this is not good news enough, several NGOs, Corporates and Banks have extended monetary help and rewards to appreciate her efforts. The family is very proud of her daughter and so are we. Jyoti’s story goes to prove that girl children are the wealth of this nation. Her story also stands testimony to the fact that one should perform one’s duty without expectations and rewards will find their way.
