In an inspiring display of talent, perseverance, and grace, Kumari Pooja Ramesh from Thrissur, Kerala, has etched her name in history by achieving a National Record as the first female with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to perform a Carnatic vocal concert. On 11th August 2018, she performed a 60-minute Carnatic classical concert in the traditional format, complete with melodic and percussion accompaniments, mesmerizing audiences with her soulful rendition.

As the proverb goes, “Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind, and gives it rest.” For Pooja, music became not just an art form but a bridge to the world—a voice that transcended the barriers of communication and social interaction that her diagnosis once imposed. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the tender age of two, Pooja’s journey was anything but easy. Yet, with immense courage and the guidance of her guru, Sri Desamangalam Narayanan Namboothiripad, she embraced rigorous training and pursued her passion with unwavering devotion.

Her remarkable achievement, crowned by a B.A. in Music from Madras University, stands as a symbol of what determination and love for art can achieve. Pooja’s journey embodies the saying, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” Her performance not only celebrated her mastery of Carnatic music but also sent a powerful message to the world—that limitations are not defined by conditions, but by one’s spirit to rise above them.

Through her historic concert, Pooja Ramesh has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging countless individuals and families touched by autism to believe in their potential. As another proverb beautifully states, “The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.” Her melody now resonates as an anthem of courage, proving that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, every heart can create its own symphony of success.

Kumari Pooja Ramesh’s name will forever shine in the Talent Record Book, not merely as a record-holder, but as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of music.