Kanmani, the girl who makes 'Nettipattam' with her toes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kanmani was determined to do something when the musical performances and studies got affected due to the Covid-induced lockdown. As she inserted a brush between her toes and drew a mural painting on the canvas, a new thought came to her mind- to make 'Nettipattam', an ornament used to decorate elephants during temple festivals. She soon learnt the art from George, a craftsman. Kanmani now makes and sells small nettipattam that adorn homes.

Kanmani, who was born without hands, is the daughter of Mavelikkara native Sasikumar and Rekha. Upon realising her talent in singing, her parents sent her to study music. From Class 5 to Class 12, she went on to win continuous first prizes in the school youth festival. She has won several prizes in classical music, Ashtapadi and Kathakali music. She has performed in various parts of the country and abroad. President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the listeners when she performed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2019.

Kanmani is also a winner of numerous awards from the central and state governments. She, along with other painters, has been inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for painting. She wants to become a music teacher. Kanmani, a third-year vocal student at Swathi Thirunal Music College, receives constant support from her parents and brother Manikandan. The family lives in a rented house in Poojappura to facilitate her studies.

The gold-colored velvet cloth is spread on the ground and cut to the required size using scissor that is attached to one leg. She then takes the pearls and sticks them on the velvet cloth using glue. It takes hours of effort. She made her first nettipattam with the help of her mother and brother. She is now able to make them in various sizes.