Mangalore, Nov 15 (Deccan Herald): Akshay Raj is over the moon. ''I feel like a celebrity all of a sudden,'' says this IX standard student of St Aloysius High School.
He has every right to feel so because he has won fame with his winning doodle out of 1.08 lakh doodles submitted by students across the country in Google’s 'Technically and Naturally Growing India' contest.
“My hands were numb and my heart was racing when the toy helicopter landed with the winning doodle. I was euphoric when the organisers announced the winning doodle was mine,” recalls Akshay who adds that seeing the doodle on Google home page has been one of the happiest moments of his life.
Explaining his work, Akshay says that he has portrayed education with a graduation cap on alphabet 'G' of Google and steps leading to it. Technological advancement is creatively pictured with a rocket going from alphabet 'O' which is portrayed as earth to another alphabet 'O' which is portrayed as moon with a rainbow on the background.
I have shown a developed highway from alphabet 'G' which is portrayed like a tunnel, says Akshay and hopes his vision will come true, as he is fed up with the Mangalore roads filled with potholes.
The tall buildings by alphabet 'L' show development and the alphabet 'E' portrays the advancement of internet, Akshay adds. "I have also portrayed peace and harmony between India and Pakistan and I hope the situation settles in the future." Akshay is aware that the glasses he wears could be an impdiment to his desire to join the Army.
Till standard 7, Akshay’s father was his mentor, encouraging his interest in art. My primary school art teacher Deviprasad and High School Art teacher John Chandran also gave him encouragement. He attends special art classes in BGM School of Arts under artist Sameer Ali.
"My teacher John informed me about the competition and guided me. After one week of hard work, I posted the painting," says Akshay who was surprised to be selected among the top 15 finalists of his age group.
"I have received a laptop and my little brother Advit is already eyeing it," smiles Akshay. He is very happy that his school has received a Rs two lakh technology grant because of his effort.