“Am I worthy enough for an interview?” This is the expression of uncertainty he provides upon introduction. Publicity and the limelight hold no charm for this music teacher at Raksha Special School. Yet, 31-year-old Dixon P. Xavier, with severe muscular dystrophy that confines him to a wheel chair, wears around him a halo of courage, perseverance and dignity.
Dixon first came to Raksha when he was two years old. One among twin boys born to Kunjappan, a carpenter, Dixon’s disease, which started when he was 10 months old, left his family devastated.
Muscular dystrophy is a broad term used for a group of diseases that weaken the musculo-skeletal system. It impairs physical movements as it prevents the body from creating proteins to build, nurture and maintain muscles.
His mother Kunjumol says, “When I knew the nature of my son’s disease I thought all doors were shut. But it was sheer providence that we found a special school.” Kunjumol, who is now a member of the staff at Raksha is proud of her son, for he is now Dixon Sir at the school that nurtured and rejuvenated him.
Early intervention
“Raksha is my life, my everything. The Headmistress Shirley Johnson Ma’am is my second mother. For without them I would not have learnt to speak, read, write, think, pass my high school, and become aware of my love and passion for music that enabled me to become a qualified music teacher, ” says Dixon.
Muscular dystrophy has taken its toll on Dixon. His lower body is hardly visible due to muscle emaciation. Yet the sheer power in the voice that emerges from his frail form catches you off guard. Its rich, harmonious timbre and range reverberates and enlivens the atmosphere. The deficiencies in the body then cease to matter.
The subject of music brings about a sparkle in his eyes .Dixon first became aware of his passion for music at the age of nine during singing sessions at school. He is grateful to his gurus Ramankutty Bhagavathar and Unnikrishnan Bhagavathar who tapped his skills and helped him pass the lower grade examinations in Carnatic music.
About his teaching methods he says, “I love all types of music. Music is universal. It knows no language, boundaries and barriers. I teach classical music to those students who have a taste for it. To others I teach light music. I conduct separate classes for girls, boys and pre-primary students. As music is therapeutic and has healing qualities, I also invite listeners, for the presence of the audience boosts the morale of the students.”
Mysterious are the ways of the human mind. Disabilty can shatter, but sometimes it can also be a strength and stimulus to excel. For Dixon feels that had he not been impaired perhaps he would not have struggled to qualify as a music teacher. It was his disability that was the motivation for him to struggle and be what he is today. But if he had a choice would he opt for the same life? It’s a tough choice, he says with a smile. But he affirms with a sense of peace and calm, that music would always remain in his life.
Dixon, who is now planning to enrol for the Higher Grade Examination in Carnatic music, adds that he doesn’t feel disabled. “Disability is in the mind. During weekends my friends take me out and we have fun. I am also invited often by friends and relatives to sing for weddings and other functions,” he adds.
To Dixon the world appears beautiful. It is evident from the glow on his face. Everybody is helpful and giving. He has no complaints, no qualms. He sees the positive side of everything — surely a quality for others to emulate.
