A Jharkhand widow ran 1,600 metres barefoot and in a saree during a Home Guard recruitment test, finishing within six minutes. The video has gone viral, with social media users praising her determination to secure a better future for her family.
For some, a running track is about speed. For Kavita Kumari, it was a chance to secure a better future for her family. The Jharkhand woman recently completed a 1,600-metre physical efficiency test barefoot and dressed in a saree while appearing for a Home Guard recruitment drive.
Kavita, a widow from Soso village in Dulmi block of Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, was among the candidates taking part in the recruitment process. A spectator recorded her run and later shared the video on social media, where it quickly drew attention.
According to a post on X, Kavita completed the 1,600-metre race in six minutes, comfortably within the prescribed 10-minute limit. She completed the run despite the scorching heat and having limited access to resources.
Kavita is the sole provider for her two young children and elderly in-laws. She works at a brick kiln to support her family and said she could not afford running shoes, a tracksuit or other equipment for the physical test.
Despite the financial constraints, she continued preparing for the recruitment test with whatever resources were available to her. She would wake up at 4 am every day to practise running and often trained while wearing a saree.
Her aim is to secure a Home Guard position and provide a more stable future for her children.
The recruitment exercise in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district is being held to fill 284 Home Guard vacancies. Candidates will undergo physical efficiency and written tests between October 24 and November 5. Of the total vacancies, 50 per cent have been earmarked for women, with another 5 per cent set aside specifically for widows and divorced women.
Barefoot. In a saree. Under the scorching sun. 🇮🇳
Kavita, a widowed mother from Ramgarh, Jharkhand, ran 1,600m for a Home Guard job — without shoes, spikes or a tracksuit.
And she cleared the physical test with top marks. ❤️
She wasn’t just running a race. She was running for a better future for her children. https://t.co/aWuPTKyhLP
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 7, 2026
The video has since received widespread attention on social media, with users praising Kavita for her determination and efforts to secure a stable livelihood for her family.
One user wrote, “Salute to such women! All the best wishes to her.”