Mangaluru: A class V student of Zilla Panchayat Higher Primary School, Narikombu in Bantwal has earned praise for his presence of mind after his swift action helped prevent a potentially serious accident involving a midday meal worker.The incident occurred around 9am on Monday when Manvith was returning to his classroom after using the washroom. Hearing a woman cry for help from the school’s storeroom, he rushed inside and found midday meal worker Poornima in distress after her fingers were caught in an electric coconut grater.Physical education teacher Shobha said that she was near the washroom and initially assumed the commotion had been caused by children chasing a dog. Manvith, however, sensed something was wrong and entered the cramped storeroom, which he had not visited before.“Manvith heard her screams and immediately looked for the switches. He switched off the power and alerted us. We rushed to help her,” Shobha said .The storeroom is separated from the kitchen by a staircase, making it difficult for those outside to see what is happening inside.Poornima was taken to a hospital for treatment. She sustained injuries but is recovering well.Following the incident, senior officials from the Akshara Dasoha programme and the block education office visited the school and inspected the facility. Education department officials and headmistress Jyothi K appreciated Manvith for his quick thinking, saying his alertness and timely action prevented the situation from becoming serious.The school has around 403 students and five midday meal workers. Although a new building has been constructed, it is yet to be inaugurated.Chief minister DK Shivakumar appreciated the boy’s presence of mind on X and posted, “The presence of mind and courage displayed by Manvith, are truly heart-warming and commendable. Heartfelt congratulations to Manvith for saving a kitchen staff member from danger.”