Malkangiri ,Feb, 23: It is often said that for a differently-abled person, performing tasks like others can be extremely challenging. However, with strong determination and willpower, nothing is impossible — a fact proved by a differently-abled student from Malkangiri district.
Lakshmi Khemundu, daughter of Narayan Khemundu from Dhepaguda village near Bandhaguda under Sindhimal Gram Panchayat in Malkangiri block, is physically disabled since childhood. Both of her hands are completely non-functional. Despite this, she performs all her daily activities with her feet. She uses a wheelchair to move from one place to another.
From an early age, Lakshmi showed a keen interest in studies. Since she could not write with her hands, she began practicing writing with her feet. With continuous effort and practice, she successfully completed her studies up to Class IX at Sindhimal High School. This year, she is appearing for the Class X (Matric) examination — writing her answers with her feet instead of her hands.
With the support of her teachers and through relentless hard work, she has been preparing diligently to pass the Matric examination. Her parents, instead of considering her a burden, have always dreamed of educating her and have supported her at every step.
Her examination center has been fixed at Satiguda School in the panchayat area. She receives a disability pension from the government. With the full cooperation of her class teachers, she has continued her education and now dreams of passing the Matric exam and pursuing higher studies in college.
Earlier, she was deprived of certain government benefits because her Aadhaar card had not been updated. However, after the issue was highlighted in the media, the District Collector directed that her Aadhaar be updated. Following this, she began receiving her school stipend and other government assistance.
Now, all eyes are on this brave young girl to see how she overcomes challenges, passes her Matric examination, and moves forward toward higher education.
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