He picked up rags after bomb blast to become a star

Dubai - He was caught in a war between two rival political factions.

As an eight-year-old ragpicker, his name was Amavasi (no moon) 20 years ago. Now, he is a professional singer and an employee with the state government of Kerala, India, and his name also has been changed into Poornachandran (full moon). A crude bomb concealed in a steel container had left Amavasi without one hand and loss of sight of an eye.
He was caught in a war between two rival political factions in Kannur, where the decades-long rivalry between the right-wing Hindu political organisations and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has resulted in fabricating crude bombs that have caused the loss of hundreds of lives. Furthermore, the terrible injuries have also torn families apart.
During his work with his brother in 1998, eight-year-old Amavasi picked up a shiny metal tin, assuming that he would get a reasonable price for it. But while attempting to break it open, the crude bomb exploded. He lost his left arm and an eye in the accident. But with what he calls a 'God-gifted' angelic voice and the good graces of a few leaders, he was able to overcome his disabilities.
The singer spoke to Khaleej Times ahead of his performance in Dubai for the launch ceremony of the Satya Sai Free Hospital for Women and Children, which took place on Friday. Poornachandran said that if it were not for a few benevolent people, like the former chief minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy, he would've had no other choice but go back to collecting garbage from the streets. Poornachandran has found his solace in music and is a lower division clerk at the Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the same college where he completed his graduation in vocal music 
Born in Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu, he moved to Thalassery town in Kannur as his family found a profitable enterprise in collecting garbage from the roadside and residential areas. He was only eight when Amavasi and his older brother made a move. The family usually always slept on the streets, and never owned a house.
"I don't remember exactly where I found the box containing the bomb from, but the only thing I remember distinctly is the pain, humiliation and self-pity that came after," he told Khaleej Times. "Children my age were running around playing. But I was pushed aside like a cripple," he said.
After the explosion, he was admitted to a hospital for six months, and once he was discharged, he was forced to move back into the streets. At the request of the former collector of Kannur, KR Jyothilal, and media pressure, he was adopted by the Sri Sathya Sai Foundation. He moved to Sai Gram in Kollam district and began pursuing his school education in 2000. 
"The teachers at Sai Gram found that I could sing when the legendary Indian singer KJ Yesudas visited the foundation. He heard my voice and told the management that I should be given formal training," he added. At the advice of KN Anandakumar, founder and executive director of Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust, Kerala, they sent him to train under the acclaimed Indian music director Perumbaavoor G Ravindranath in 2005-06.
From that point on, there was no looking back for Poornachandran. He graduated from school and went to study at the Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music. He also participated in the reality TV show Asianet Idea Star Singer. "No child deserves to undergo what I went through. I work now in the hope that this would never happen again," he said.
It is the people belonging to the lower rungs of society that have suffered. In Kerala's Kannur, "The politicians have thrived. But party workers, flag bearers, roadside protestors and the general public have suffered the brunt of this rivalry," said Poornachandran.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE