Bihar street kids get a second chance

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Patna: Eight-year-old Simpu has never been to school, but he can solve complex math riders at amazing speed.

His gift was discovered by a group of IIT students who were on a mission to find talent among the street children of Bihar.

Earlier, he used to sing in trains to earn money and spent it all on drugs. "My father used to beat me, so I ran away from home. I sweep the platform and even sing in the train. I earn about Rs 90 per day of that, I spend almost Rs 70 on drugs," says Simpu.

"I do not do anything right now, but I want work. I live at the Patna Home," says Pramod Kumar, another street child.

The idea was conceived by Abyanand, an ex IIT-ian and now the additional DGP of Bihar. Abyanand selects and grooms 30 underprivileged children to clear the IIT entrance exams.

This time, about 300 street children and rag pickers went through rigorous screening tests and finally six were selected.

CNN-IBN had reported on street kids with drug addiction and this report caught Abyanand's attention.

"Even if we provide them primary education for six to seven years, they will not have to depend on others for help. They are so talented that they can clear any of the competitive exams," says Abyanand.

Even Bihar Chief Minster Nitish Kumar has taken note of this effort, and has promised to extend his full support.

"Even if the government has to spend large sums of money on the project, it does not matter. this is because such projects are beneficial both for the society and for Bihar," says Nitish Kumar.

The street children at the Patna home have a fresh chance at life and they have grabbed this opportunity with both hands.

With their hard work and determination, IIT may not be that far away. Now all they need is someone to sponsor their training.

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