Everyone has dreams — for themselves, for their families, for a better future. But sometimes, circumstances beyond our control interrupt those dreams. Twenty-year-old Dipmala Kumari knows all too well how quickly difficult situations can place those dreams on hold.

Hailing from a humble family in Bihar, India, with two sisters and two brothers, where financial challenges often overshadowed dreams, Dipmala was forced to drop out of further studies because her family simply could not afford it and in the eyes of the community, educating a girl was seen as a burden with little return. Her future seemed uncertain.

Her life took a turn when PWS&D supported the Karuna Project, which recognized Dipmala’s potential. The team encouraged her to restart her education and helped her enroll in a Bachelor of Arts course. With their support, she also received coaching for competitive exams and underwent computer training, gaining the skills and confidence she had once thought were out of reach. She had always dreamed of joining the Bihar Police, and when recruitment was announced, the project guided her through the application process and ensured she was well prepared for the exam.

Dipmala wrote the exam with determination. Her hard work and the support she received paid off extraordinarily — she secured the 14th highest rank in the entire state. 

Today, she is attending police training and will soon serve as a Security In-Charge during local elections, responsible for guarding elected leaders. It is a moment of immense pride, not just for her but for her entire family.

Dipmala’s mother and father are extremely proud of her accomplishments. They remark, “If Karuna had not come into our lives, what Dipmala is today would never have been achieved.” 

Her father, now proudly shares, “She is a treasure. Today, she is the one supporting our family.”

Dipmala herself stands boldly in her new identity, filled with purpose. “Now that I am a police officer, I will do my best to fight corruption. Karuna supported the education of girls like me, which helped me reach this position. I will now support the education of two girls on my own, so that I can give back what I have received.”