A seven-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh who hops nearly 400 metres on one leg to reach school has received assistance from the Ballia district administration after a video showing her daily struggle went viral on social media.

Ragini, a Class 1 student from Ranipur village in the Manier area, was provided with two tricycles, books, a school bag, toys and chocolates on Wednesday. The administration also promised medical assistance and support to ensure her education continues without interruption.

Girl lost her leg after an accident

Ragini’s mother, Babita Devi, said her daughter’s leg was badly injured in an accident when she was just six months old. Despite treatment at several places, the leg could not be saved.

The family’s financial difficulties made it difficult to pursue further treatment. Ragini studies at Digheda primary school, located about 400 metres from her home.

Her mother said the child sometimes cries when she sees other children walking to school with their bags. At times, relatives accompany her, while on other days she makes the journey by hopping on one leg.

Ragini’s wish, according to her mother, is simple: she wants to study like other children.

Administration steps in after video goes viral

After the video highlighted Ragini’s difficulties, District Magistrate Mangla Prasad Singh sent the district empowerment officer for persons with disabilities and a doctor to assess her condition.

The following day, the district magistrate visited her home with officials and spoke with her family. He assured them that the administration would work to prevent her education from being disrupted and help her access eligible government schemes.

A medical examination has also been ordered, with efforts to identify appropriate treatment for her condition.

Village road to be repaired

The district magistrate also inspected the poor condition of the road leading to Ragini’s village and directed officials to initiate repairs at the earliest.

The administration informed the family that funds had also been sanctioned for constructing a toilet at their home.

The assistance has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by children with disabilities in accessing education, particularly when families have limited financial resources.

For Ragini, the support could make the journey to school easier while helping her continue pursuing the education she has been determined to receive.