Akshaya ran through pain to win gold; now, dream of home moves closer

MATTANCHERRY: Mukesh Jain, a Mattancherry-based philanthropist, has offered to buy 3.5 cents of land for G. Akshaya, a native of Palakkad who won gold at the State School Sports Meet despite running through an injury. He will also gift her a pair of spike shoes worth Rs. 20,000.

Jain came forward with the offer after reading a Kerala Kaumudi report highlighting Akshaya's need for a house after winning the gold medal.

Akshaya's family of five, comprising her parents and ailing siblings, lives in a thatched hut on a relative's property. After learning that the family does not own any land, Jain said he would purchase 3.5 cents near their home, close to the roadside, and give it to them.

Meanwhile, Minister N. Shamsuddin announced the previous day that businessman Bobby Chemmanur would build a house for Akshaya.