: Anjan Satheesh is on a roll these days.
The differently-abled artist, who is working as a computer teacher at Adarsh Special School in Tripunithura, has won this year’s national award for outstanding creative adult with disabilities instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
“He was selected based on his numerous creative works, including paintings and caricatures drawn over the last several years. The award, which carries a purse of Rs. 50,000 and citation, will be presented at a function to be held in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on December 3,” said N. Satheesh Kumar, Anjan’s father and a senior manager at Federal Bank here.
Anjan is hearing-impaired and spastic, but the physical constraints have never stopped him from unleashing his innate talents. A former student of the Adarsh Special School, he is now offering computer lessons to the special children on the campus.
The youth had hit headlines recently after ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised his creativity while recalling that he fought cerebral palsy and physical challenges. Anjan had drawn Sachin’s caricature when the cricketer came down to watch an ISL match of Kerala Blasters here recently. “He equally cherishes the day when the late former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam appreciated his work while visiting Adarsh in 2005. A photo featuring Dr. Kalam and Anjan was included in the book Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges ,” said Lathika K.P., Anjan’s mother. Kerala Cartoon Academy had selected Anjan as their brand icon in recognition of his works. He had also won Amrita Keerthy award at the age of eight; Rotary International Special Talent Award (2001) and Medal in Art at the National Abilympics, Chennai (2005).
