Want to read this magazine in your preferred language? You can translate the entire document using any modern AI tool (such as Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude). Just follow these simple steps:
An ASD youth's resilience. She can't talk, but secured a master's in Carnatic Music and staged hours of Carnatic Recitals. This unbelievable story reveals a family's dedication. A story that leads to 'neurologic music therapy' and a lifestyle and routine as per the AGASTYA Protocol of ancient Bharathiya formulas.
Pooja receives an award from the famous playback singer K S Chitra and Pooja's mother Sujata on her left.
Thrissur, Kerala: Kumari Pooja Ramesh, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of two, faced severe challenges in speech, learning, and social interaction. However, despite the limitations typically associated with her condition, she demonstrated an extraordinary affinity for music from a very young age. Music became both a therapeutic medium and a lifelong pursuit that transformed her life trajectory. Her story is the testimony of understanding the inherent skill of a child and nourishing it, rather than dragging the child to societal expectations.
Every child born into this universe is born with a purpose. Understanding that purpose is the key to success, and in the case of Autistic and Neurodiverse children, once the purpose is identified and nourished, the child's associated anxiety, behavioral traits, and tantrums will be reduced or disappear.
Since ASD is a neurobiological disorder and a state of co-morbidity exists in individuals with ASD, no diagnosis and remedial medications are available for their behavioral, sensory, social needs, and other functional issues.
To contain the gravity of the issues, her parents, father Remesan V S and mother Sujata A R adopted a totality approach focused basically on holistic diet, exercises, and music.
Pooja's parents changed their very home into an indoor training centre and called it RDC- the Residential Development Centre.
Pooja completed her schooling in a regular government school for girls in Thrissur, Kerala. Recognizing her inclination toward music, her family and teachers encouraged her to pursue formal training in music. She joined Chetana Sangeet Natya Academy, Thrissur and studied Carnatic music under the guidance of eminent gurus, including Sri Desamangalam Narayanan Namboothiripad. Her rigorous training culminated in her earning a B.A. in Music from Madras University in 2018.
A landmark moment in her journey was her 60-minute Carnatic concert performed on August 11, 2018, as part of her graduation ceremony. With melodic and percussion accompaniment, she delivered a traditional classical performanceâa feat never before accomplished in India by a person with 70% autism.
This historic performance earned widespread recognition in the music community and media and marked a turning point in the representation of differently-abled artists in classical music.
Her musical pursuits did not stop there. Hard work and perseverance made her a postgraduate in Carnatic Music from Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu in 2022.
She continued performing on various public platforms, proving her talent across genres, including light music and devotional songs. Her musical aspirations are not confined to the vocal performances alone; she plays the stringed instrument 'Veena' also pretty well.
Her family's discipline is the mark of her consistency, and her passion for a well-disciplined music career has turned her into a symbol of hope and capability for countless others living with autism and different abilities.
Pooja receives an honour from IEEE Kerala Chair Er. Manoj B S. Pooja's father V S Remesan in the middle
A day consists of 10 sessions, from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, in the following sequence. Remember, she enjoys music and singing. Then why not bring a professional musician's regimen to her life, coupled with wellness to soothe her gut?
| No | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Each day starts with an outdoor walking session of one hour | 6.45 am to 7.45 am |
| 2.0 | Breathing exercise. This contains the anuloma-viloma pranayama, Brahmari pranayama, belly breathing, 'no-no, no-mo and mo-mo' breathing techniques and vocology exercises. Breakfast | 8.15 am to 9.30 am |
| 3.0 | Vagus nerve stimulation: 15 to 20 minutes massaging with soft therapeutic brush aimed at Vagus nerve stimulation. It carries both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) signals, regulating mood, immune responses, blood pressure, and gut function, with stimulation. | 10.45 am to 11 am |
| 4.0 | With the support of key board singing six vowels ranging from lower to middle to higher octaves (2.5 octaves). | 11 am to 12 noon + |
| 5.0 | Fifth session is intended to translate the capacities achieved through sessions 1 to 4 into music production. ie, Carnatic music practice. Lunch Break | 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm |
| 6.0 | Life skill enhancement | 3 pm to 4pm |
| 7.0 | Breathing exercises for 30 minutes | 4pm to 4.30 pm |
| 8.0 | Light music (film songs) practice using minus tracks. | 5pm to 6 pm |
| 9.0 | Yoga Asana. (Selected asanas to specifically address digestive issues and gut strength). | 6.30pm to 7.30pm |
| 10 | Prayer and pranayama for 15 minutes. Dinner | 7.30pm to 7.45pm 8pm |
Parenting a child with autism is a journey often more demanding than climbing Everest. Much like mountaineering, it requires a rigorous regime of discipline, resilience, and strategic goal-setting to ensure the child's success. True dedication in this context requires a multifaceted level of sacrificeâa depth of commitment that is becoming increasingly rare in modern parenting.
The primary "conditioning" must begin within the home. In many cases, tantrums are not merely behavioral issues; they are often a reaction from children who are intellectually bright and mentally active. For these children, being treated with pity or excessive sympathy can be deeply frustrating, frequently manifesting as emotional outbursts.
If you view autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through the lens of sympathy, it is vital to understand that these children are not asking for pity. They are individuals capable of achieving their own desires and goals. Success is not found in "fixing" the child, but in remodeling their ecosystemâaligning their environment and support systems to harness their full potential for the best possible outcome.
Her pallet includes millet dishes include millet bread, Kitchadi, curries, and coconut milk - Salad, garnished with herbs etc.
The family strictly follows the diet, as advised by Dr. K.S. Dinesh, under the 'Agastya Protocol' of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Malappuram, which is basically a vegetarian diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and millets.
Pooja's work is in the genres of performing artsâCarnatic music, light music, and devotional singingâwith a focus on social inclusion and different ability empowerment. Since her Arangettam (first stage) in 2018, she has performed 24 Carnatic concerts, many at events promoting the rights and visibility of the differently-abled. She is also proficient in light music and devotional music, with over 400 stage performances and several song recordings shared through her YouTube channel. Pooja's performances have been featured on all major TV channels.
The regime and daily schedule take care of the physical, psychological, emotional, educational, and social needs. Pooja has had a transformative impactâboth personally and socially. Her consistent engagement with music significantly improved her communication and learning skills, reducing her certified medical condition in ASD from 70% to 60%, as per the Kerala Government Medical Board.
Pooja receives the State of Kerala Award for Excellence in the field of Arts 2025 from Dr. R Bindu, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice.