Brave Lakshmi Risks Life to Save Friend; Family Seeks Help

Courage is not measured by age but by the willingness to stand up for others during moments of danger.

Fifteen-year-old Sake Lakshmi, a Class X student from Raptadu in Anantapur district, has demonstrated extraordinary bravery by risking her life to save her friend during a terrifying classroom attack.

The incident occurred at Zilla Parishad High School when an assailant broke open the classroom door using an electric chainsaw and attacked M Gopika.

As terrified students rushed out, Lakshmi chose to stay back and pull her friend away from the attacker.

However, the assailant turned towards Lakshmi and inflicted serious injuries to both her legs and right big toe.

Despite her injuries, she managed to reach the teachers and explain what had happened. She is currently recovering at the Government General Hospital in Anantapur, where doctors are providing medical care.

Her selfless act has earned widespread appreciation. Bisathi Bharath, a President of India Awardee and Union Government Ambassador, praised her courage and presence of mind.

He said her actions deserved national recognition and made her an inspiration to young girls.

However, behind the appreciation lies a family struggling with severe financial difficulties.

Lakshmi is the eldest of four children. Her father, Sake Nagaraju, previously worked as a construction labourer but currently has no regular employment.

Her mother, Ramadevi, works as a sweeper at a private college and earns just ₹8,000 per month.

The family also cares for Lakshmi’s differently abled sister Varshini, who cannot hear or speak, and their 70-year-old bedridden grandmother.

Their deteriorating house has cracked walls, a damaged roof and no toilet facilities.

Ramadevi said managing household expenses, medical needs and children’s education with her limited income was extremely difficult.

She appealed to the government, private organisations and philanthropists for financial assistance.

The family hopes to secure support for a permanent house and their children’s education. Ramadevi also wishes to start a small home-based business to improve their financial situation.

Lakshmi’s bravery has touched many hearts. Now, the responsibility lies with society to ensure that the young girl who stood up for her friend receives the support needed to rebuild her own future.

Image Credit: Adityamadhav83, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Revenue_divisions_map_of_Anantapur_district.png