Ghogha (Bhagalpur): Komal Kumari, 17, was disappointed when she secured third-division marks in the matriculation exam conducted by Bihar School Examination Board this year. But the girl who studied after toiling as a bricklayer and then cooking food for her family, is now a poster girl for the Mahadalit village, being the first student to clear the exam in its 150-year-history.

Besides, Komal, was not sure how to afford higher studies. But now, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ashish Bharti has said Bhagalpur police will fun her education. Bharti was particularly moved by the little girl's daily struggle after working as a part-time bricklayer. "The Sindhu Mandal Girls' High School student's struggle to learn and motivate other children is exemplary," Bharti said.

The girl even runs a free coaching school in the village for some 60 children. "Komal is from a poor background and it's not possible for her to finance her studies. Bhagalpur police will help her."

Her father, Dipak Rishi, is a daily wager and mother Buchia Devi a part-time bricklayer at nearby brick-kilns. They can hardly arrange two square meals for their five children. "Just before the matric examination, I fell ill and Komal started working at the brick-kilns," her mother Buchia said. "She worked from 7am to 5pm and had to prepare food on returning home in the evening. Only after that did she find time to study by a kerosene lamp. She could have done much better had it not been for so many responsibilities."

She remains grounded despite bringing fame to her village. "Initially, I was disappointed with my performance, but was delighted to see my parents' joy. I want to become a teacher and teach poor students in remote places," she said.

Pradip Vidrohi, a Kahalgaon-based social worker, has already started assisting Komal run her free classes more systematically. "I told her to insist that her students and their parents be enrolled into a government primary school." Vidrohi said. He said many want to help Komal continue her studies.

Kanchan Devi, mukhiya (village head) of Janidih panchayat, under which the village falls, has promised to extend Komal all possible help. "She really set an example. We all should come forward to boost her morale," Kanchan Devi said.

"Komal has made us proud. Our village is so cut off from civilisation. But we hope she will be a torchbearer for the next generation," claimed Vinod Kumar, a youth bricklayer in the village.

Komal has applied at some colleges, like Shanker Sha Vikramshila College at Kahalgaon, for admission into Intermediate classes but is not sure how to arrange admission fee and other expenditure. "I won't be able to arrange money for her studies," her father Dipak Rishi said.

Not surprisingly, the resident of Mahadalit village near Ghogha railway station on the Bhagalpur-Sahbeganj section, some 142km east of Patna, turned emotional on Friday when told that Bhagalpur police was ready to help finance her studies. "I am thankful to all of them. I hope they will help me make my dream come true," said Komal, as tears rolled down her cheeks.