THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “ The new generation should emulate Nikhil. he is the pride of the country, You are free to visit Raj Bhavan anytime.” tears welled up in Nikhil’s eyes hearing Governor Arif Mohammad Khan speak.

Last Saturday, Kerala Kaumudi published news about Nikhil, a Plus 2 student of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, whose attachment towards his younger brother knows no bounds. Appu, Nikhil’s younger brother is autistic while their mother Sheeba suffers from Parkinson's disease.

Nikhil, who is just 18 looks after the house and is responsible for all activities including sleeping, feeding and bathing his younger brother and providing medicine for his mother. Even the kitchen comes under Nikhil’s control and interestingly, he loves boasting about his culinary knack.

After the news went viral, Nikhil received a call from the Governor's office. The family of three including Nikhil, Appu and Sheeba arrived at Raj Bhavan on Saturday afternoon. The Governor welcomed them heartily, served the family with tea and sweets and enquired about Appu’s health. Sheeba told the Governor that she considered it a blessing to have such a son like Nikhil. Although the allotted time was 15 minutes, the conversation went on for about three and a half hours.

“ How can you remain positive always ?”, This was the Governor’s final words to Nikhil when the family was about to leave Raj Bhavan.

A new Saree for Sheeba and brand new shirts for Nikhil and Appu were the Governors' parting gifts to the family.

Nikhil’s family went through the darkest phase back in 2015 when his father Vinod, a cheerful man died all of a sudden, putting the family in gloom. Nikhil became the family man and the charge to run the house came onto his shoulders. He had to look after his brother and also had to keep an eye on his studies. Nikhil would never appreciate anyone calling this a burden, rather, would remain jovial thinking of all this as his responsibility.

Nikhil wants to be a chef and considers it a dream to settle for a job he loves. Hearing the news, Veteran chef Pillai contacted Nikhil with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Chef Pillai promised to sponsor Nikhil’s higher studies at the Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru. Pillai also offered Nikhil a job at his franchise and assured him that Nikhil could easily handle both his studies and his job with ease.

“ I have nothing to say. It is a dream” After saying this, Nikhil fell into silence.