Not one to put on airs after her courageous effort, 27-year-old Lavanya Reddy Janga, the software engineer, who survived an attack by robbers on Chennai’s Thazhambur - Perumbakkam Road on February 12, says it was just another case of robbery. Tamil channel News 7 honoured her with Thanga Thaaragai (Brave Woman) award. With confidence writ large on her face, the braveheart said the robbers could take away her valuables, not her courage to fight back such incidents.
In a casual talk with Phanindra Papasani (TNIE), Lavanya recounted the ordeal she had gone through after the incident, her concerns and the lessons she learned from the biggest shock in her life.
Excerpts from the interview:
Could you explain what happened on the fateful day?
I work for a software firm Newt Global Technology. Being a senior quality analyst, I was assigned to client services. On February 12, I attended a meeting with the client at Olympia Tech Park in Guindy. After the meeting, I was returning to my flat at Siruseri on my two-wheeler around 11:30 pm.
As I slowed down at a curve on the Thalambur-Perumbakkam Road, a man suddenly struck me on the face with a sharp object. As I fell on the road, he dragged me to a nearby vacant land where he took all my valuables, including my gold chain, cell phone and the vehicle.
However, I managed to muster some courage and walked up to the main road where a lorry driver saw me and alerted the police.
It’s been more than three weeks since the incident happened. How do you feel now?
(Thinks) Nothing happened. It was just a case of robbery. Though it was the most shocking incident in my life, I’m not depressed and am not thinking much about it. Drawing more inspiration from people who had showered their love and support following the incident, I am more resolute to fight back such criminals.
How did you reach reach the hospital?
A lorry driver informed the police when he noticed me bleeding profusely. Shockingly, many educated and software employees, who were passing through that way, did not bother to stop by to know why I was lying there. From this incident, I have come to understand that kindness doesn’t come with education. Later, I thanked the lorry driver and Pallikaranai station inspector.
You were honoured with Thanga Thaaragai (Brave Woman) award. How does it feel to be called a brave woman?
(Smiles) I was in ICU for three days and was later shifted to the common room in the hospital. Then on, I started recollecting the sequence of events. On February 24, News 7 channel presented me with the ‘Brave Woman’ award for my effort to survive. I felt very happy being called a brave woman.
How many people were involved in the incident?
(Thinks) The only thing I remember is I fought with one person after he attacked me on my face and head. Later, I came to know that there were two more, hidden in the bushes. The police arrested them.
What’s your message to youth?
Women should be bold enough to fight such assaults. The only thing they (assaulters) can take from anyone is money or valuables. But they cannot rob them of their courage and inspiration.
What next?
I am recovering fast. It will be business as usual when I go back to work in Chennai in a week.