“Purpose is not found in the things you gain — it is found in the lives you touch and the hope you leave behind.”
Introduction
The life of Dr. Laxmi Akula is a journey defined by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to creating spaces where learning is not a privilege, but a right for every child. Born and raised in Khammam, her roots are steeped in the values of hard work, humility, and service, instilled in her from an early age by her mother, Akula Bharathi. These values became the quiet compass that guided her through every challenge, every decision, and every milestone.
From her earliest years, Dr. Laxmi Akula exhibited a deep curiosity for science and a compassion for people that set her apart. Her academic journey led her to earn a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and M.Sc. in Biochemistry, before pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences at Lincoln University, Malaysia. Her research in oncology, particularly in human cancer cell lines, demanded not just technical skill but emotional resilience — qualities she cultivated under the mentorship of Dr. Balasundaram and Dr. Purnachandar Rao.
But while science sharpened her intellect, it was life outside the laboratory that shaped her mission. Dr. Laxmi Akula began to see the educational gaps for children with special needs — the lack of tailored programs, the shortage of understanding, and the stigma that too often isolated families. For her, these were not abstract issues; they were real, urgent, and deeply human. She decided to act.
Her role as Founder & Managing Director of Butterfly Special Wings and Founder & Correspondent of Rigvedam is not about titles, but about the daily dedication to ensure that each student’s individuality is honored. These institutions are more than buildings — they are living testaments to her belief that education should adapt to the child, not the other way around.
Along the way, Dr. Laxmi Akula has been supported by a strong network of family and colleagues. Her husband, Borra Bhanuprakash, has been her steadfast partner through every challenge, offering both practical support and emotional grounding. Her in-laws, Borra Venkat Prasad and Borra Nirmala, provided her with a familial foundation of respect and care. Her sister, Akula Latha, remains her trusted confidante and cheerleader. In her professional world, allies like Narasimha Rao (Academic Dean), Shaik Naseema (Principal of Rigvedam School of Excellence), Sukruti (Butterfly Special Wings Branch 1 partner), and Vijaya Sree (Branch 2 partner), along with all the staff members of her institutions, have been integral to translating her vision into reality.
The story you are about to read will take you through the phases of Dr. Laxmi Akula’s life — from her childhood in Khammam to her academic achievements, her research years, her journey as an educator, and her leadership in inclusive education. It will reveal not only her triumphs but also the struggles that shaped her resilience: the bureaucratic challenges of setting up educational institutions, the skepticism she faced as a woman leader, and the moments of self-doubt that she overcame through sheer persistence.
“A child’s first lessons are not taught in classrooms — they are whispered in the quiet moments of home, through the lives of those we love most.”
Phase 1: Roots of Resilience: Childhood and Early Influences
Long before she became Dr. Laxmi Akula, before the classrooms, research labs, and educational institutions, there was a little girl in Khammam whose world was shaped by the simple yet profound values of discipline, compassion, and determination. Born into a family that valued hard work and integrity, Laxmi’s earliest memories are steeped in the everyday rhythms of a home that balanced tradition with a quiet ambition for a better future.
Her mother, Akula Bharathi, was the cornerstone of her upbringing. A woman of quiet strength, Bharathi did not teach resilience through speeches or lectures — she lived it. Whether it was managing household responsibilities in the face of challenges or ensuring her children received an education that would open doors to the world, she modeled the kind of determination that would later become Laxmi’s own guiding force. For young Laxmi, watching her mother face life with grace and resolve was the first lesson in unwavering commitment.
Khammam in those days was a place where community ties were strong, and neighbors often played the role of extended family. Festivals, local gatherings, and temple visits weren’t just cultural events — they were moments that taught her about belonging, respect, and shared responsibility. These values were deeply ingrained in her personality and would later influence how she approached her professional life, especially her belief that an institution should feel like a community rather than a system.
From an early age, Laxmi displayed a curiosity that reached beyond the average school syllabus. While other children might have been content to memorize facts, she wanted to understand — to know the “why” behind the “what.” Whether it was the principles of plant growth in her science textbooks or the patterns of the stars in the night sky, she sought meaning in everything she encountered. Her teachers noticed this difference and often remarked on her ability to connect ideas across subjects — a skill that would later prove invaluable in her multidisciplinary career.
“Education is not just about acquiring knowledge — it is about transforming the way you see yourself and the world around you.”
Phase 2: Higher Education, Research, and the Seeds of a Calling
After completing her schooling in Khammam with an impressive academic record, Dr. Laxmi Akula stood at the threshold of a new chapter. The young girl who had grown up surrounded by family values, community ties, and a thirst for learning was now ready to step into a world where her curiosity for science could be tested, challenged, and refined. This was not just a continuation of her education — it was the beginning of a journey that would ultimately shape her life’s mission.
Her decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry was a natural extension of her school years. From her first year in college, she found herself deeply immersed in understanding the chemical processes that governed life. It was here that she learned the discipline of laboratory work — precise measurements, careful observation, and patience in waiting for results. Unlike the casual experiments of school labs, these were structured studies where a small oversight could affect the entire outcome. For Dr. Laxmi Akula, this level of detail was not intimidating; it was invigorating.
During her undergraduate years, she also discovered a second, equally important skill — the ability to connect with people across different backgrounds. In the diverse environment of college, she met students who came from urban centers, rural villages, and different states. Conversations about culture, traditions, and life goals broadened her perspective, reminding her that education was as much about understanding people as it was about mastering textbooks. This human element would later become a cornerstone of her career in both education and therapy.
Upon completing her B.Sc., Dr. Laxmi Akula advanced to a Master of Science in Biochemistry. Here, her work became more specialized, delving into molecular biology, enzymology, and advanced analytical techniques. It was also during this time that she began to recognize the gaps in applied research — how scientific findings often remained confined to laboratories rather than translating into direct societal benefit. She started to imagine a career where her research could address real-world challenges, a vision that would later crystallize in her oncology work.
“Great institutions are not built with brick and mortar alone — they are built with conviction, compassion, and the courage to dream beyond limitations.”
Phase 3: Building Foundations: The Birth of Butterfly Special Wings and Rigvedam School of Excellence
By the time Dr. Laxmi Akula had firmly established herself as a respected educator and researcher, she carried within her the weight of countless observations — moments in classrooms where children flourished and moments where others were left behind. She had seen students with extraordinary potential quietly fade into the background because their learning styles did not fit the rigid moulds of traditional education. She had listened to parents recount heartbreaking stories of schools that misunderstood their children, communities that failed to embrace them, and systems that lacked the flexibility to nurture their unique strengths. These stories were not mere passing encounters for her; they stayed with her, weaving themselves into a quiet but relentless determination to do something meaningful.
It became clear to her that waiting for the larger system to adapt would take far too long, and every year lost was another year in a child’s life that could never be reclaimed. If she wanted to see change, she would have to build it herself from the ground up. This decision was not taken lightly — it meant stepping away from the comfort of established roles into the uncertainty of creating institutions from scratch. It meant taking on the responsibility not only for her own vision but for the families who would trust her with their children’s futures.
This vision took shape as two intertwined but distinct endeavors — Butterfly Special Wings and Rigvedam School of Excellence. For Dr. Laxmi Akula, the name “Butterfly” represented transformation. She saw children with special needs as individuals capable of incredible growth, given the right environment, just like a caterpillar develops wings. The term “Special Wings” was not meant as a limitation but as a declaration of capability — a reminder that every child could fly in their own way. Rigvedam, on the other hand, was designed to offer a balanced, progressive education that served both mainstream learners and those needing adaptive support, bridging the gap between academic excellence and emotional well-being.
Note of Thanks
As I look back over the many seasons of my life — from my earliest memories in Khammam to the lecture halls of Malaysia, from the first hesitant steps of building Butterfly Special Wings and Rigvedam School of Excellence to the moments where they stand as thriving communities — I see not just my own footprints, but the footprints of so many who have walked with me. None of what has been achieved could have been possible without them.
I begin with my mother, Akula Bharathi, whose quiet strength has been the root of my own resilience. She taught me by example that determination is not loud; it is steady. She showed me that compassion and discipline can live side by side, and that if you hold on to your values, they will guide you through every storm.
To my husband, Borra Bhanuprakash, you have been my anchor in the most turbulent seas. Your trust in me has never wavered, even when my vision demanded sacrifices from us both. You have given me the freedom to dream without limits, and the comfort of knowing there is always a safe harbor to return to.
To my in-laws, Borra Venkat Prasad and Borra Nirmala, your acceptance and encouragement have been a constant reassurance. You have supported my work not just in words, but in ways that have made a real difference to my ability to give it my all.
To my sister, Akula Latha, you have been my confidante, my mirror, and my friend. You have reminded me to laugh when the weight felt too heavy, and to see myself with kindness when I was my own harshest critic.
I hold deep gratitude for my mentors, Dr. Balasundaram and Dr. Purnachandar Rao, whose belief in my academic abilities gave me the confidence to pursue research and later to apply that discipline to education. The lessons you gave me were not just about science or research — they were about thinking clearly, acting decisively, and never giving up on the pursuit of excellence.
To Narasimha Rao, Shaik Naseema, Sukruti, Vijaya Sree, and every single staff member at Butterfly Special Wings and Rigvedam School of Excellence — you are the living force of these institutions. Without your dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in our mission, the vision would have remained just words on paper. You have transformed it into a reality that touches lives every day.
To the parents who entrusted us with their children — thank you for your faith, especially in the early days when trust was still being built. Your courage to try something new, your willingness to work with us as partners, and your openness to believe in the potential of your children have been the true foundation of our success.
To the students — past, present, and those yet to come — you are the heart of this journey. You have taught me lessons no textbook could hold: patience, joy, resilience, and the simple truth that progress is made of small, consistent steps. Each of you carries a unique light, and it has been my greatest privilege to see it shine.
Finally, to all those who, in ways both big and small, have stood by me — colleagues, friends, well-wishers, and even those whose doubts pushed me to work harder — thank you. Every challenge, every moment of encouragement, every shared goal has shaped the path we have walked together.
This journey has never been about me alone. It has been about us — about what we can build when we believe in each other, when we dare to see beyond limitations, and when we refuse to let go of the dream that every child deserves a place where they can be seen, understood, and celebrated. For every hand that has held mine along the way, for every heart that has believed in this mission, I am — and will always be — deeply grateful.
Thanks
Dr. Laxmi Akula