Mangaluru: “We exist through day wage labour. I dream of my daughter studying and getting recognized on a high post. Someone said that children get stolen in Bengaluru, so I did not send them to school. Now, this teacher has come as light into the life of mu daughter!”

This is the opinion of Jayamma, a day wage worker from Kavanuru village in Kolar on the lecturer who has come forward to carry the responsibility of her daughter’s education. She has adopted 5 children from two more families in poverty to provide free education. This uplifting work is by Dr. Laxmi G. Prasad, who is originally from Kolyar in Kasargod and currently a lecturer at a college at Nelamangala in Bengaluru.

During the college holidays two months back, 6 day wage workers from a family in Kavanuru had come along with their children for building work at the college were Dr. Laxmi worked. Even though the holidays had culminated, the children did not go back to school. Dr. Laxmi observed this and enquired about it with their caregivers.

“Since we have come from a village, we are scared of the city. We do not have money with us. Additionally, our villagers have told us that children get stolen here. Therefore, we have not sent anyone to school,” they replied painfully.

Hearing this Dr. Laxmi’s heart melted and she took the responsibility of educating the children. She has admitted 5 children of the day wage workers family to a school nearby.

Now, all the children are going to school. The two 12-year-old daughters Durgamma and Durgamba of Shekharappa-Gowramma day wage working couple are currently admitted to 6th std at a school in Nelmangala. Devakka, the 8-year-old daughter of Jayamma has been admitted to 2nd std. Two toddlers have been admitted to an Anganwadi close by.

“I do not have daughters. Durgamma, Durgamba and Devakka are sharp in studies. They have general knowledge on the changes happening in the society. I’ll look after the expense of their future education. Even after they finished their work here and return back to their village, I’ll look after their future education,” informed Dr. Laxmi G. Prasad.

“Feeling happy about the new school. The teacher is teaching very well. I have got many friends. After becoming an adult, I’ll join a good job and look after my father and mother. On the very day the teacher teaches the lesson, I study it,” expressed the student Durgamma gleefully.