In a state often eclipsed by its historical legacy and present economic challenges, Ruby Kumari is rewriting the script—one football match at a time. A Dalit girl from a small village in Bihar’s Siwan district, Ruby is emerging as a rare sports talent, breaking through poverty and social barriers to shine on the football field.
While Bihar continues to struggle with one of the highest unemployment rates in India, and its political leadership repeatedly demands special state status as a panacea, Ruby’s story stands out. Born to Surendra Ram, a laborer at a brick kiln, Ruby’s life has been anything but easy. Living with four siblings and minimal resources, her family survives on rented farmland, lacks access to LPG or piped water, and still relies on lanterns for lighting.
Yet, against all odds, Ruby chose football as her path to empowerment. Inspired by national player Amrita Kumari, she traveled 5 kilometers daily to train at the Rani Laxmibai Sports Academy in Laxmipur village. There, she met her first mentor, Sanjay Pathak—a social science teacher turned coach—who recognized her potential early on. “I saw her raw talent in 2017 and tested her in every position. She proved herself as both a solid defender and an agile attacker,” recalls Pathak.
Now a class 12 student at RK Girls High School in Mairwa, Ruby has already participated in four junior national championships and two under-17 events in Delhi and Bhubaneshwar. Her achievements have earned her the Bihar Government's Khel Samman in both 2021 and 2023.
Ruby’s voice carries the weight of real experience. Speaking with InsightfulTake, she shared, “I still study under a lantern. My mother cooks on firewood. We survive on hope, effort, and belief.” Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a powerful symbol of resistance against entrenched social inequalities.
In a state where less than 2% of the population is employed by the government, Ruby’s journey is a beacon for youth aspiring to break free from generational cycles of struggle. She calls for a future where girls move freely without fear, and equality isn’t a privilege but a norm. “There should be no wall between boys and girls. We need an environment of equal opportunity. That’s how a nation grows.”
Ruby Kumari is not just playing football—she’s playing for change. And that, in today’s India, makes her story one worth celebrating and amplifying.