Express News Service
KOCHI: Twenty years ago, an accident turned Unni Maxx into a paraplegic. Today, he is a singer, instrumentalist, graphic designer and a traveller. Not letting the unexpected event put him down, he was determined to live a life of his own.
“The accident occurred during my graduation. After that, I wanted to engage in a job that I can do from home and that is where graphic designing stuck in my mind,” said Unni, a native of Kuthattukulam, here. He bought a computer and started learning graphic designing all by himself. “Initially I got some local clients from nearby and later started receiving projects from companies on website, logo and banner designing,” he said. “Graphic designing is my main area of focus, though I am into various other fields.”
A leading vocalist at ‘Thanal - Freedom on Wheels’ troupe, Unni said his troupe has already done 60 plus programmes this year. “We formed this troupe a few years ago and have performed at many temple festivals,” he said. “We were part of Thanal, a musical organisation of differently-abled. A few of us from this troupe joined to form the current one.”
Unni said he was always interested in music and his troupe has seven members with two of them also doing mimicry. “I also try my hands in mridangam though I have not performed it publicly,” he said. His troupe has conducted various shows around the state and completed about 130 stages in about three years.
A hardcore travel bug, Unni drives himself to various places along with his family or friends. “I have made a few adjustments to my car so that I can drive with the help of my hands alone. For the past 15 years, I have driven to various parts of the state including the high ranges,” he said. He noted that getting a licence was a bit difficult. He uses a manual wheelchair. He moves the wheelchair on his own until there is a step or steep area where his travel partner would then help him. “Before we decide on a place, we take a note of the locations and the route to make sure it is possible for me to go,” he said.
Unni also pens down his travel stories and writes for various media as a freelance writer. His wife Sree Parvathy is also a freelance writer. He said his marriage was a great influence on him. “After my wedding, I got more interested in going out and she has been a great support,” he said.
Unni said though there is a progressive change happening in the society towards the differently-abled, many areas still deserves attention. Building a ramp in public places is one such thing, he added. “I am also doing my bits to make this change a reality and expect to be effective soon,” he said.
