M Lavanya hailed from Vadugapalayam village in Ariyalur district. She was pursuing her 12th grade at Thirukattupalli Sacred Heart High School. The child's friends and relatives said she was a bright student and focused on her studies.
The school, a Christian institution, forced Lavanya to convert to Christianity. However, she refused to do the same. Angered by Lavanya's resistance to convert, the administration refused to send her home during the Pongal holidays. Instead, she was forced to stay at the school and do chores such as cleaning the school's toilets, washing dishes, and cooking.
A disheartened Lavanya attempted suicide by consuming pesticides used in gardens. She first vomited on January 9 night and was taken to a nearby clinic. As the vomiting continued, the warden of the hostel called her parents and asked them to take her home. When she returned home, Lavanya had not disclosed that she drank pesticides.
She was admitted to the Tanjore Government Medical college hospital. The child had almost 85% of her lungs affected and was treated in the Intensive Care Unit.
A tweet shows the child's last few words, where she describes the tortures she was put through in the school.
"My names is Lavanya. They (school) had asked my parents in my presence if they can convert me to Christianity and help her for further studies. Since I didn't accept, they kept scolding me.", she says in the video. She also named one Rachael Mary, who had tortured her.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Munnani and other Hindu organizations have come in support of the child. On speaking to VHP State Spokesperson Arumuga Kani, he said, "The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will not rest until justice given to the student Lavanya. As a first step, VHP is to hold a hunger strike today (January 19) under the leadership of Thanjvur district secretary Muthuvel. We need to ensure that such incidents don't happen again. Until then, we will protest."
With Inputs from Mission Kaali
Courtesy: The Commune
