Alathur (Palakkad): As her friends get ready to go to school in new pairs of dresses and with a new set of books, young Akshara remains confined to her home with a broken heart. Though she was promoted to Class 3 this year, she is still not sure if she will be able to go to school anytime soon.

Akshara, daughter of the Ramesh-Manju couple from Thonippadam in Anjangadi, was among the six people who suffered burn injuries during an accident that took place at her school on November 1, last year. The mishap happened while they were igniting a huge model of a cigarette during an anti-drug awareness campaign at her school, Kavassery Kalamani PCALP School. The fire spread beyond control and caused burn injuries to those who stood close to the model.

Among the six injured, school headmistress Jessymol Mathew and Akshara sustained the most grievous injuries. Though the duo recovered after treatment lasting several months, Akshara now requires follow-up treatment. It will take another six months before she can undergo plastic surgery.

The doctors have recommended plastic surgery for the young girl to completely cure the wounds that she sustained on her hands and legs, chest, stomach, and chin. Akshara is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi, and the state government has borne the entire cost of her medical care till now.

The family of Akshara, however, will have to spend more towards completing the remaining treatment procedures, including the surgery.

Meanwhile, school headmistress Jessymol Mathew will not be able to reach the school on the reopening day. She is awaiting the regeneration of the skin tissues from the burn injuries on her hands and face.