Malkangiri: Calling 15-year-old Lakshmi Khemudu from the Bhumiya community an embodiment of indomitable willpower would be no exaggeration. Born with severe physical disabilities that prevent her from standing upright, Lakshmi is writing her Matric examination by holding a pen with her foot — turning what could have been a limitation into a powerful symbol of courage.
For Lakshmi, this examination is not merely an academic milestone; it is a battle for dignity, dreams, and self-respect.
Lakshmi is the eldest daughter of Narayan Khemudu, a daily wage labourer and mason, from Dhepaguda village under Sindhimal Gram Panchayat in Malkangiri Sadar Block. Despite facing financial hardships and raising three younger children, her parents never saw Lakshmi as a burden.
Though Narayan studied only up to Class 5 and her mother Subhadra Khemudu is illiterate, they recognized their daughter’s burning desire for education early on.
“No matter the circumstances, we will educate our daughter to a high level,” her parents resolved.
Lakshmi, who moves with the help of a wheelchair, has been studying at Sindhimal Higher Secondary School with the unwavering support of her family.
For the Matric examination, Satiguda Government (MMD) Girls’ High School has been designated as her examination centre. On Thursday morning, family members carried her to the centre on a motorcycle — a sight that drew admiration and respect from onlookers.
After completing her first Mother Tongue paper, Lakshmi smiled confidently.
“The first day’s exam went well. I hope to score 70 out of 100. In the future, I will study hard and become a teacher,” she said.
Her dream of becoming a teacher reflects her desire not just to succeed personally, but to inspire others through education.
Her father Narayan spoke with quiet pride: “Lakshmi has been physically challenged since birth. But seeing her desire to study, we decided to educate her.”
Her mother Subhadra’s determination was equally strong: “We have made all preparations to fulfill our daughter’s dreams. Whatever the circumstances in the coming days, we will make every effort to make her highly educated.”
Their words reflect a powerful truth — that courage is often nurtured at home.
Sindhimal school teacher Basanti Patra described Lakshmi as exceptionally resilient. “She never gives up easily. She keeps trying until the task is completely finished.”
Examination centre superintendent Sujata Nayak also lauded Lakshmi’s perseverance: “She is an example for others. Where there is strong willpower, the impossible becomes possible — that is what Lakshmi has proven.”
District Education Officer Chittaranjan Panigrahi informed that 9,300 students are appearing for the Matric examination across 43 centres in the district. Special arrangements have been made for differently-abled students. For Lakshmi, facilities such as a wheelchair and a separate room have been provided to ensure a smooth examination experience.
Lakshmi Khemudu’s story goes far beyond an examination hall. In a remote village of Malkangiri, a teenage girl is redefining ability, proving that physical limitations cannot restrain a determined mind.
As she writes her answers with her foot, she is also writing a powerful message for society: Where there is unwavering will, no barrier is insurmountable.
