Harikrishnan hopes to earn a living through his unique pencil craft

MALA: While everyone writes letters and draws with a pencil, Harikrishnan crafts letters beautifully on the pencil graphite. For him, it's not just a hobby. He is trying to make a living by selling pencil crafts so he can support his poor family.

Harikrishnan, a third-year degree student in Fisheries Nautical Science at Cifnet Kochi, earns his living by taking tuition and working in a catering group.

He is the son of Murugan and Sujatha Meladoor Kadav in Mala. Murugan, who works in a food canteen in a private company, earns a meager income, upon which his family depends on.

Harikrishnan first crafted notes to combat the ongoing pandemic in pencil.

This micro art was recognized by the Asian Book of Records and the Indian Book of Records.

He also prepares gift notes in pencil that can be used for special occasions which will be put up for sale.

Harikrishnan has engraved messages such as wearing a mask, keeping a social distance and washing hands in Malayalam, English and Hindi. The is done with a pen knife with a sharp point. It takes hours to write each letter on graphite, which is only three millimeters wide which is slightly larger than the letters printed on a newspaper.

During the lockdown, he wanted to do something different at home. He had taste in carving. The idea for the record came to light after learning about its history on the Internet.