The first prize in Bharathanatyam won by Vineeth Krishnan, a Plus Two student of Kadachira Higher Secondary School, on the first day of the revenue district school arts festival on Thursday was one that was achieved against many odds.
Showing exemplary fighting spirit, this young man has risen from the dark days in flying colours. Vineeth is a survivor of the Chala gas tanker tragedy on August 27 last, which claimed 20 lives, including that of his mother.
After the tragedy, Vineeth resumed his dance practice barely a month ago, just two days before the sub-district youth festival, said his father Kunhikrishnan, another survivor of the tragedy, who accompanied him to the festival.
Two events
More than a month of hospitalisation and days of recovery to normal life at home, Vineeth carries the scars of the tragedy on his neck and arms but nothing could douse the spirit of this three time A-grade winner in the State level arts fete. He is competing in two more events, Kuchipudi and folk dance, to be staged on Saturday and Sunday. Vineeth is a disciple of Kalamandalam Kalavathi.
Vineeth Krishnan, first prize winner in Bharathanatyam, is a survivor of Chala gas tanker tragedy
