Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, May 19
A 12-year-old Bihar boy became an overnight cult figure after his video went viral in which he daringly asked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to make provisions for his education.
“Sir Suniyena…Pranam,” Sonu Kumar drew the attention of Nitish Kumar while he was meeting people after attending a programme. With full confidence and boldness, Sonu said: “Sir humko parhne ke liye himmat dijiye. Humko guardian nahi parhne dete hai.”
Nitish Kumar could not understand and he asked the officer what the boy was telling. When they briefed, the Bihar Chief Minister deputed an officer to look into the issue of Sonu Kumar, a resident of the Kalyan Bigha village in Nalanda district.
Sonu revealed the bitter truth of government schools in Bihar. He said he did not want anything apart from quality education but he was not getting one in government school. “I demand that I should be provided with an education. There’s no proper education in government schools… My father drinks alcohol, the entire money goes for his alcohol,” Sonu told reporters.
He also claimed that he gives tuitions to students upto class 5 to earn an income. However, his father takes away his income too. Sonu is studying in class 6 but this year, he claimed, his name has been deleted.
After the video went viral, leaders from across political parties lined up at Sonu’s house.
Former deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Rajya Sabha Member Sushil Kumar Modi met Sonu and assured him admission in Navodya school. He also promised stipend of Rs 2000 per month till Sonu passes his matriculation.
Sonu, however, is also being hailed for his self-esteem. RJD leader and former health minister of Bihar Tej Pratap Yadav called the boy to wish him luck. As Sonu wished to become an officer, Tej Pratap insisted him to work under him when he formed the government in Bihar.
The 12-year-old found this discourteous and bluntly conveyed that he will not work under anyone.
