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On July 1, Pankhuri, who had dropped out of school due to unpaid fees, approached CM Yogi Adityanath at the Gorakhnath Temple, pleading for assistance to continue her studies.
During Janata Darshan on July 1, Pankhuri personally appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help with her school fees. (Image: PTI)
A 13-year-old girl named Pankhuri from Gorakhpur has captured political and public attention in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally intervened to help her resume her education. What began as a routine Janata Darbar transformed into a viral moment of empathy, sparking a broader discussion about access to education.
On July 1, Pankhuri, who had dropped out of school due to unpaid fees, approached CM Yogi Adityanath at the Gorakhnath Temple, pleading for assistance to continue her studies. Moved by her request, the CM assured her that her education would not be disrupted. He placed his hand on her head and instructed officials to either waive the fees or have the government pay them directly.
A photograph of the moment, showing Yogi with the bowed schoolgirl, his hand gently on her head, spread like wildfire on social media. Overnight, Pankhuri became a household name across UP.
However, the path back to school was not smooth.
A Principal’s Resistance and Public Outrage
Despite the CM’s public assurance, the school—Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Pakkibagh—did not immediately comply. On July 5, when Pankhuri and her parents visited the principal with a fee-waiver request, she faced resistance. According to her family, the principal questioned why they went to the Janata Darbar and refused to admit her, allegedly saying that such actions would encourage others to do the same.
The rejection devastated the family. Pankhuri returned home in tears. Her father Rajeev and mother Meenakshi, already grappling with years of economic hardship, were heartbroken. “We had such high hopes after meeting CM Sir,” said Rajeev.
The incident triggered a political storm. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted on X: “Those busy collecting donations can’t even waive a little girl’s school fee. This is the reality behind the BJP’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.’ We promise her education will not be stopped.”
His post garnered over 74,000 reactions, amplifying Pankhuri’s case and casting a spotlight on the delivery of welfare promises.
Turning Down the Opposition’s Offer
On July 6, the Samajwadi Party’s Lucknow office called Pankhuri’s home, offering to take responsibility for her education. But her mother politely declined. “CM Yogi gave us his word. We believe in that. We don’t need anyone else’s help,” she said firmly. However, later that day, DIOS Dr Amarkant Singh intervened and instructed the school to proceed with her admission. The school finally relented.
The Day Pankhuri Returned
On July 7, Pankhuri wore her school uniform after four long months. As she touched her parents’ feet to seek blessings, both Rajeev and Meenakshi had tears in their eyes. Her mother packed her favourite puri-sabzi in her tiffin, and her father walked her to school.
Initially, she was called to the principal’s office to complete the admission process for Class 7-B. But as she turned to leave, the principal surprised her by asking her to attend classes immediately.
Pankhuri’s return was met with cheers and tears. Friends like Anmol, Payal, and Sakshi ran to her and hugged her tightly. Some even asked for her autograph. “You’ve become a celebrity after meeting CM Sir!” they exclaimed. Teachers welcomed her back warmly and reinstated her as the school’s morning prayer leader—a role she once held due to her melodious voice.
Though she missed the first two periods, Pankhuri quickly joined classes in Science, Sanskrit, Social Studies, and English. “I only had a rough notebook today,” she said. “But Papa will buy the rest of the books tomorrow. I’ll finish the missed syllabus in a month.”
Cracks in the Home
Pankhuri’s family lives in a crumbling house in Purdilpur. Built in 1955, the house has cracked walls, broken doors, and leaking ceilings. “The walls are falling apart, just like we almost did,” Rajeev says.
Once a garment trader in Chandigarh, Rajeev lost his livelihood during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. On returning home, he slipped on algae-covered stairs and fractured his leg badly. He was bedridden for nearly four years. “Doctors put a rod in my leg. I couldn’t even step out to work.”
With no income, Meenakshi started working at a small shop. Rajeev now does minor repairs like fan rewiring and RO servicing from home. “Most days, we struggle to afford vegetables,” he says.
Both children, Pankhuri and her younger brother Vansh, studied at the same school. But mounting debt meant the family could only afford one child’s fees. Pankhuri’s education was sacrificed—until she decided to fight back.
A Promise Delivered
“I want to thank CM Sir. He made all this possible,” said Pankhuri. “He keeps his promises.” Her father said, “When she was younger, we called her ‘pari’—our fairy. When her studies stopped, it felt like her wings were clipped. But now, she’s flying again.” Thanks to UP Chief Minister Yogi ji.
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