Qaiser N.K. Jani with Saba at her residence in Hindpiri, Ranchi. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, June 17: Fifteen-year-old betel seller, Saba Firdous, who hogged headlines after topping the matric exams this year despite her financial problems, has help at hand.

A well-known real estate management consultant from Delhi, Qaiser N.K. Jani, met Saba at her small residence in Hindpiri this evening and assured her that all her education expenses would be borne by him till she fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor.

“From today, Saba would be my adopted daughter. I have pledged that money would not be a stumbling block in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She is a confident girl and my blessings are with her,” he said.

Jani gave Saba his telephone number and address and told her to get in touch with him after she plans out how to prepare for medical exams. Jani also advised her to start taking private coaching from a good institute next year so that she can appear for the examination well in time.

Saba returned the favour with a solemn promise. “I have promised him that I would double my efforts so that I do not let him down,” she said.

But Saba is not the only person to benefit. Even as Jani met Saba, a large number of Hindpiri residents stood near Saba’s house, curious to find out what was going on.

“This act would have a positive impact on the studies of the local children. They would be encouraged to do well in studies,” said Umar Bhai, an elderly resident.

The Telegraph had recently highlighted Saba’s achievement in the board exams though she has to manage her father’s betel shop long hours. Her economic position could be gauged from the fact that she could not even pay Rs 40 as school fees and the school management waived it since she was a good student. Though she wanted to seek admission to St Xavier’s College, she could not do so because of financial constraints.

Jani was at Jamshedpur at the time when the news item caught his eye. If the case was genuine, Jani said, he would not mind helping her.

Saba was at the betel shop when Jani came over and gave her a packet of sweets. “If the haves start thinking of the have-nots and encourage talent, there would be a perceptible change in the society. There would be no bigger happiness for me if Saba is able to become a doctor,” he added.