Barefoot, in a saree, Jharkhand widow’s 1,600m sprint for a Home Guard job

On October 4, Kavita Kumari, a widow from Jharkhand, participated in a free trial run for a Home Guard job at the Sidhu Kanhu Stadium in Ramgarh district. Dressed in a saree and slippers, Kumari ran a 1,600-metre race barefoot and completed it in eight minutes, earning an 'Excellent' grade. The stadium where she ran is scheduled to host the physical test as part of the Home Guard recruitment, which began on October 24 and will continue until November 5.

Despite feeling uncomfortable walking into the stadium in traditional attire, Kumari completed the run with determination, focusing solely on securing a Home Guard position. The trial aimed to familiarize candidates with the stadium's terrain, which includes a slope, sandy, gravelly, and uneven ground. Around 1,900 candidates, including nearly 1,100 women, participated in the event, with many women wearing sarees.

Kumari, who lost her husband to Covid-19 and now struggles with debt after his death and the loss of his brother, relies on YouTube to prepare for the physical test. After the video of her run went viral, she received support from politicians and even received a tracksuit and running shoes from Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato.