Barefoot race becomes symbol of India's stubborn education chase

Ramabai Ranveer, a 47-year-old widow from Maharashtra, ran barefoot to win a 3km community race in hopes of funding her daughters' books, highlighting how families sacrifice for education in India amid costly coaching, fierce exam competition, and inconsistent government support. The story sparked national debate on whether education schemes reach the poor, even as authorities consider aid for Ramabai and others like her.