School dropout's magazine a big hit with pupils

Thiruvananthapuram: Eighteen-year-old Vince Chappara, a high school dropout, is a hero among youngsters in his hometown of Kodungallur in Kerala's Thrissur district. At the start of every month, they wait for his magazine Vidhyakeli (game of knowledge) which now sells around 3,000 copies in and around Kodungallur.

While studying in grade eight, Chappara's father, a construction worker, was seriously injured in an accident and was rendered bed-ridden. The young boy was forced to give up his studies and, after his annual examination, took up the responsibility of looking after his father, mother and younger brother. He took up his father's job but kept up his interest in literature.

Big support base

In 2008, he began publishing Kuttipatharam (mini newspaper), a publication featuring local news that came out every weekend. Two years down the line, he obtained necessary clearances for his magazine Vidhyakeli, which focuses on literature and articles by students. "In the beginning I sold my magazine at shops and nearby houses. But today, school students are my major subscribers. And school authorities help me in selling the copies. Every month I deliver copies in bulk to schools. Teachers sell it for me, collect the amount and pay me the next month along with the stories and poems written by their students," he says.

The success of his magazine inspired him to publish a collection of his stories, Kuttichangathi (Little Friend), last year. A couple of months ago, the book went into a second edition.

Chapara is currently nearing completion of another book. He also started a rosary-making business that employs around 30 women. Ask him whether he has regrets, pat comes the reply, "I am happy that my brother's doing well in his studies.''

Asked about his own plans, he says: "I want to complete my secondary-level education."