City girl braves odds, takes exam despite four bone dislocations

Students taking their board exams can get inspiration from CBSE Class 10 student Rajlakshmi Saikia. Saikia, 16, who broke her back after a serious accident in January, cannot sit for more than a few minutes at a stretch. However, the spirited girl, who was offered a writer by the board, has insisted on writing her exams herself.

Students taking their board exams can get inspiration from CBSE Class 10 student Rajlakshmi Saikia. Saikia, 16, who broke her back after a serious accident in January, cannot sit for more than a few minutes at a stretch. However, the spirited girl, who was offered a writer by the board, has insisted on writing her exams herself.

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Saikia, a student of Ashok Academy, Andheri, was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the road near Oshiwara in January. She suffered four bone dislocations in her backbone, had to undergo major surgeries and was prescribed bed rest for a few months.

“I was emotionally broken after the accident and told my family I will miss the examinations this year and repeat Class 10. However, my father and brother motivated me to face my fears and appear for the exams. Writing the exam is painful, but the teachers are supportive and make me feel comfortable,” she said.

As Saikia is unable to sit for more than a few minutes at a stretch, special arrangements have been made for her at her exam centre at Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri (West). The centre has provided her with a bed to lie down every 30-40 minutes when her back starts hurting. The board has given her one hour of extra writing time.

Saikia, who wants to pursue a career in medicine, studies as much as she can by lying down on the bed. “It’s difficult to concentrate as the painkillers make me drowsy, but I want to study so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a doctor,” she said.