A song of hope

Twelve-year-old Sukesh Kuttan has been invited by Radio Asia to sing for a cassette they are releasing. He has given solo performances in Carnatic music as well as enthralled audiences not only in Dubai, but also in his native country. He can play the mridangam, the tabla and the keyboard, although he has not received training in any of the three. But what renders him so special in his accomplishments is the fact that he is a physically challenged lad.

A student of Al Noor Training Centre For Children With Special Needs and Shruthi School of Music, Sukesh is a prodigy whose talent is commendable. Said his father: "Till the age of four he hardly used to speak, but what amazed us was his humming tunes. Any form of music attracted his ears." After rigorous training at Vellore in India, Sukesh could just utter words of everyday need, but his fondness for music increased and he had this extraordinary ability to grasp whatever music he heard.

Nurturing his talent has been particularly difficult for his parents as Sukesh is autistic and who refuses to communicate with others, remaining mute most of the time with a serious language problem. Under such circumstances, teaching him music has taken perseverance from his teachers as well as his parents. Said Kamalini Jassem, the speech therapist at Al Noor: "He has a very good vocal voice, but when it comes to spontaneous speech, he has difficulty but lately he has improved a lot. He loves to work on the computer, but gets upset very soon if disturbed while at work."

Sukesh's parents have not left any of his desires for instruments unfulfilled. It has been difficult monetarily, but they have pursued his talent thoroughly and tirelessly. Says Kuttan, his father: "I am not aware of any grants or scholarships that help children with special talents. But Dubai provides immense scope for such children and I am thankful to the benevolent rulers of this country."

It is the positive attitude from both, parents and teachers that has helped Sukesh to pursue his talent. Though it has been an uphill task, his parents have left no scope for complaint. Adds Kuttan: "It took a lot of courage to expose Sukesh, and it is only now that we are able to adjust with our fears and phobias."