KOZHIKODE: Among the 14 winners of 'Ujjwala Balyam' award initiated by the state women and child development (WCD) department for the first time, Fathima Anshi, 11, the winner in Malappuram district, stands apart. The visually challenged girl defeated 18 other participants who included 16 normal children to bag the award. Daughter of Abdul Bari and Shamla of Melatoor near Perinthalmanna, she is adept in singing, music composing and a keyboard player. Anshi has entered the final of the 'Kutti Patturumaal', a Mappilapaattu music reality show on Kairali TV. "I want to become a diplomat and work in western countries," she says in English with a European accent.
The 7th class girl at Kerala School for the Blind near Mankada has primary knowledge of Spanish, Russian and Chinese languages which she acquired though internet. "She used to hear western music and recorded speeches on internet and rehearses in it. Likewise, she can draft a letter on desktop using normal keyboard," says her mom, Shamla. The music composed by Anshi to the lyrics of noted Mappilapattu singer O.M. Karuvarakundu has won the appreciation of many. Shamla says that her daughter is quick to catch the nuances of music, be it notes or ragas. Anshi's favourite singer is Mariah Carey, the US singer and actress.
"Anshi's talent and attitude towards life have made us all spellbound," says Malappuram district child protection officer Samir Machingal. She is the single kid of the Bari-Shamla couple. A jury headed by Malappuram assistant collector Arun. K. Vijayan selected her. The award to the 14 children selected from each district will be conferred in Thiruvananthapuram on January 22.
