A powerful mind can do that which even a strong body sometimes cannot: a statement so true in the case of K. Kumaran. Cerebral Palsy may have weakened his body but not his spirit and vigour to live life to the fullest. At 23, Kumaran is a Counselling Psychologist and an author of a Tamil book Anandha Thandavam which traces his life’s journey till present and reveals the workings and accomplishments of a beautiful mind.
Physical limitations forced Kumaran to end normal schooling at the age of 10, but his parents made sure he studied from home. He directly wrote his 10th borad exam the following year and went on to join Bsc. Psychology though correspondence in Madras University. Having completed MSc in the subject, Kumaran is now doing his PhD. Never has he seen his disability as a barrier. “The only obstruction was in terms of mobility, but I had the study-from-home option.”
He is like any other boy who loves cricket, movies, travel, food and a long chat with trusted friends. “While cricket is my passion, movie is my religion. My dream is to make my own film, but I need to finish my PhD before that,” says Kumaran, throwing references from by his favourite movies during the course of the interview. That his knowledge of cricket far exceeds that of many is clear from a dedicated chapter in his book about the game.
He also travels widely. “I have visited all South-East Asian countries. In my book I talk about the stately reception that I got everywhere I went, while in my own country people looked at me differently.” It vehemently call for an inclusive society where disabled people get their right, including that of accessibility.
As a counsellor, Kumaran is always willing to reach out to other. “I am like a policeman: ready for any problem at any time. At time I get calls from clients at mid of the night and I must attend to them.”
When not busy with work, he is on a big mission of making trustworthy friends.
“Over 90 per cent of my friend were made online. For people like me there is always a fear of betrayal, so I pick and choose and test my friends before accepting them completely. But ones I get a friend they remain for the lifetime. Some of my friends have disabilities, but I hate to use the term special for them. I call them super heroes and warriors for I believe those who can accept faults in them are true warriors. I am definitely one.”
The book is a dedication to his parents, who have been a pillar of support through the ups and downs. Anandha Thandavam was recently released in the presence of Director Dharani, Tamil scholar Solomon Pappaiah and AIKYA founder Parvathy Viswanathan.
It is an inspiration to many like Kumaran to overcome adversities. The young author is presently working on the English version of the book, C.P to C.P (Cerebral Palsy to Counselling Psychologist), which is expected to be released soon.
