On the evening of March 4, 2000, the then-eight-year-old K. Janarthanan Kesavan was playing with friends on the terrace of his parents’ home and, amongst other things, brandished an iron bar in jest. While doing so, he touched a high-voltage cable, and got such a severe electric shock that 90 % of his body was injured. As a consequence, Jana (his nickname) lost his upper limbs, as his right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder, his left arm at the elbow, and his left leg at the knee.

The doctors encouraged him to learn to write and paint with his mouth. Supported by his parents, he participated in drawing contests, and, much to everyone’s surprise and delight, won prizes several times. To date he has received more than 80 prizes in events at district, state and federal levels. He is also the only physically disabled boy who, in 2004, received two national awards from the Indian president, his Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: the Best Creative Child Award in December 2004, and the Balshree Award in April 2005.