Born in the village of Waila near Nausori in 1900, he was educated in Fiji before travelling to India in 1927 to attend university. He graduated from Banaras Hindu University with a BA degree. While in India, he took part in the independence struggle with Mahatma Gandhi and was jailed for four months. When Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi later visited Fiji, she presented a copper plate to Lakshman's family to honour his contribution. On his return to Fiji he established a high school in Gurukul on behalf of the Arya Samaj. In 1939, after some differences with the school committee he left the school and moved into Lautoka town and opened a night school, Gandhi Memorial College.