| Shiji, Koyikkal House, Keerelimala, Athani, Thrissur 9746848816 |
His shaking hands have crafted some deft pieces of toys. Shiji, a 33-year-old youth from Koyikkal House, Keerelimala, Athani, Thrissur has been handicapped from childhood with shivering and lack of motor coordination of limbs that came as an after effect of fever. But that does not prevent him from making exquisite pieces of toys from cardboard.
Though his life is confined to a small room, in that space he creates miniature working models of vehicles and mansions, Taj Mahal and ancient Kerala Illams etc. for the sheer fun of it.
The parts of vehicles like tyre, doors, bonnet etc. are functional and are all made from cardboard. He gets raw material for his work from the packing materials of new home appliances purchased by his neighbours.
Though his formal education did not extend beyond 7th class, the engineering accuracy of his creations never fail to impress the onlooker.
He has gifted some toys to the Mar Athanesius School, Kakkanad, Ernakulam. He keeps a small dream in his heart to work in a toy manufacturing company.
At the moment, he is working on a model of Kochi Metro train and the new model autorickshaw.
His wife is Dhanya.
Courtesy: P.B.Shefeek (text), Mathrubhumi, January 3, 2016
