Lakshmi S, an award-winning educator, actor from Bhadravathi, and Kuchipudi dancer, represents devotion, creativity, and influence.
- Deepak Jain
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
Lakshmi S, a great teacher, artist, and performer, has been recognized as a national-level women achiever. Lakshmi's incredible journey, which finished with her receipt of the awaited SIWAA (South India Women Achievers Award) on December 22, 2024, in the category of Art & Culture demonstrates her commitment to the arts, education, and women's empowerment.
Lakshmi, a Kannada teacher at the Urdu Primary School in Sirigere, Shimoga district, developed an interest in cultural arts as a child. Growing up in Bhadravati as the daughter of Shivanna and Sundaramma, she was heavily involved in sports, dancing, and drama. She began contributing to theater at a young age, even penning dialogue for plays performed by her father. Her interest in acting was kindled when she mounted the stage for the first time in class 9, playing the character of a drunk.
Lakshmi, a Kuchipudi dance specialist and amateur theater artist, has acted in productions such as Chammavuge, Keladi Chennamma, Uduthadi, and Mathe Mandodari, in which she played the renowned Mandodari. Her remarkable acting abilities earned her the state's best actress prize for Mathe Mandodari. In addition, she has developed various dances and demonstrated her talent in state-level dance competitions, gaining first place and qualifying for the national level.
Lakshmi is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor to her students, encouraging creativity and artistic expression. She has introduced youngsters to singing, dancing, and acting at her school, instilling in them a passion for the arts. Lakshmi is dedicated about offering free cultural arts education to poor children, with the goal of inspiring and uplifting them via creative expression.
Her desire to inspire women confronting societal issues, particularly those suffering from depression, has inspired her to focus on female-driven plays, empowering women in lead positions. Lakshmi dedicates two hours every day to stage training in addition to her teaching obligations, ensuring that the next generation of artists can reach their full potential.
Lakshmi received the Karnataka Jnana Vigyan Parishad's Best Teacher Award in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to education and the arts. Famous writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa lauded her accomplishments and her enthusiasm for both teaching and performing. Lakshmi's passion to the arts, teaching, and community involvement has gained her state and national recognition.
Lakshmi's narrative is about determination, talent, and selfless service. Her latest SIWAA award is a source of pride for all Kannadigas because she is the only woman from South India to get such an accolade. Her success is due to the encouragement of her mother, who motivated her to pursue her ambitions, and her son Chirag, who shares her love of the stage.
Lakshmi credits her success to mentors like as Dr. Ganesh Kenchanal, president of 'Malenadu Kalatanda,' who cast her in significant roles and trusted in her abilities. As she continues to inspire others, Lakshmi's path exemplifies what can be accomplished through devotion, enthusiasm, and a commitment to making a difference in the community.Her life story demonstrates that when passion meets purpose, it has the potential to create long-term change, and Lakshmi serves as a light of hope and empowerment for others to follow.
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