Bagalkot: Maverick Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has won hearts across the country after announcing that he will fund the college education of a tea-seller’s daughter from Karnataka. Thanks to the wicket-keeper batsman, Jyoti Kanabooramath will be able to study for a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree at a private college in Jamkhandi town.
Jyoti is a resident of the Rabakavi village in Bilagi taluk of Bagalkot district. She secured 83% marks in PU (Class-XII) and wanted to pursue a BCA degree. However, her family income could not afford the college fees. Her father, Tirthaiah, runs a small tea shop in the village.
The determined girl then went up to Anil Hunashikatti, a local contractor. A few of Hunashikatti’s relatives are part of the college’s administration and she sought help in getting the fees reduced for her.
“When she approached me, I first thought to seek help from the college authorities to give some fee concession. But I realised that the college authorities can give only a limited concession which may not be of much help to the poor girl,” the New Indian Express has quoted Hunashikatti as saying.
“I then recalled that one of my classmates works as Rishabh Pant’s manager. I knew that my friend, in the past, had got financial help for another student from cricketer K L Rahul. I sought his assistance,” he said.
Hunashikatti said that he shared the details about this with his friend who passed it on to Pant. Later, the cricketer’s office collected the account details of the college and directly credited Rs. 40,000 into the account on Jyoti’s behalf.
Pant’s gesture has been praised by many. They have appreciated his compassion and social responsibility. The support, offered without any publicity, has set a positive example for others.
“I am eternally grateful to Rishabh Pant for his timely help. It has helped me immensely,” Jyoti told the newspaper.