Music from the soul

Born with a birth condition called retinal degeneration, Godson Rudolph lost his vision at a very young age. But this did not deter him or hamper his spirits in any way to achieve his desires in life. When mastering a single musical instrument takes a lot of skill and dedication, Godson went on to conquer mastery over 5 instruments at a young age itself — piano, recorder, drums, tabla and guitar. He is now an independent music artiste.

“My favourite instrument is piano”, smiles Godson. He presently preparing for his 8th grade for the Trinity College London grade exams. It wasn't an easy journey for Godson. Though he started learning music on his own at age of 3, it wasn't until the age of 11 that he found a tutor who was willing to teach a blind child. “Rajesh sir has helped me learn the piano. He was the only one who believed in me”. Godson started composing tunes of his own and also released his 1st album at the age of 17.

An English literature student at MCC, Godson has won the Best Musician Award at his college culturals for 3 consecutive years. He also started a Music Band named “CheckMate” and has received recognition and awards.

Soon he started posting his videos on social media like Youtube and Facebook and recently took up a challenge of posting popular music covers every day for 100 days non-stop. “This challenge was to prove that nothing is impossible and to motivate young artistes who are facing challenges.

Well versed in technology, Godson himself mixes and arranges his tracks for audio recording. He has started aural teaching in which the students can learn music through hearing directions. “I am still undecided about my future as I see less scope for a musician like me in our country. Technology fascinates me and I would like to explore sound engineering”, he says.

Godson has never felt lesser than anyone else. "I am as blessed so as you are. If you lose one sense, the others become stronger”, he says.

“Never give up has been the motto of my son”, says his mother Nandini Nadakumar. “He is not one to take no for an answer and will persevere till he reaches his goal”. The parents have made sure to give him the best they can in making him develop his skill and talents.

“If you fall down, then get back up and try again. It doesn't matter if it is the first time, or the millionth time. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, you have to keep pushing forward. It is always important to set goals for yourself”, says Godson.

Of course without failure there would be no story of success. “I may not have vision in my eyes but I have no limits to my vision of success”, says Godson with his infectious optimism.