As she greeted people who came to express their appreciation, Rekha Sasikumar’s face reflected the pride she felt on seeing her daughter shine in the State School Arts Festival on Friday.
S. Kanmani, the third prize winner in the Sanskrit song rendering competition, said the State-level prize was hers only because of the efforts of her mother.
Whenever she expressed her wish to participate in art and cultural events, it was Ms. Sasikumar who took her to various venues, tiding over all crises and fuelling her confidence to overcome severe physical disabilities. Kanmani’s father works abroad. “I have always been by her side to boost her talent and confidence to compete with anyone in the field of art,” Ms. Sasikumar said. She said the family was not worried about Kanmani’s future as her daughter had already found the rhythm of life in music and painting.
Kanmani, a class 8 student of Thamarakkulam VVHSS, took part in the State-level festival after proving her talent at the district revenue arts festival in Alappuzha. She won prizes in five events, including painting and classical music.
“She is very interested in classical music, and the family is extending her all possible support,” Ms. Sasikumar said.
Kanmani reached the festival venue in Kozhikode after leading a concert at Pandalam. She will attend another concert in Thrissur on Saturday.
“Kozhikode has given me a great platform which will surely make my way brighter in the days ahead,” an excited Kanmani said.
