By IANS

Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has rewarded 15-year-old Farzana with free education for saving five persons from drowning in a flooded river two days back, officials sources said Saturday.

"Nitish Kumar ordered Purnea District Magistrate to arrange free education for her," official sources in his office said.

Farzana, a school dropout, rescued a woman, three children and a man Thursday, when a boat carrying nearly a dozen people and two motorcycles capsized in the flooded Panar river in Purnea district.

"Farzana jumped into the river without wasting time, after she heard them cry for help," said Jamil Ahmad, the proud father of Farzana.

Farzana, who is an expert swimmer, learnt swimming at a very young age,Ahmad said.

Farzana has become a household name here after the incident and the state government has decided to recommend her name for the National Bravery Awards for children