Specially abled youth secures place in India Book of Records 2026

Mangaluru: A specially abled student Kaushik Acharya of Alva's College, Moodubidire has earned a place in the India Book of Records 2026 after creating an upside-down portrait of Swami Vivekananda using only his feet.

Kaushik, who has locomotor disability and deformed arms since birth, completed the artwork with glue and turmeric powder in just three minutes and 40 seconds. A resident of Kanchikarapete Bastipadpu, Kaushik spent years training himself to carry out daily activities with his feet. Refusing to let his physical condition limit his ambitions, he built a life marked by self-reliance and perseverance.

Speaking to TOI, Kaushik said he never wanted to become dependent on others and worked hard to overcome challenges from an early age. He credited his mother as his greatest source of inspiration, while also acknowledging the support of his father and family members throughout his journey.

Kaushik completed his SSLC at a govt high school in Bantwal before joining Alva's Education Foundation under an adoption scheme. After completing his BCom, he is now pursuing a masters in social work at the same institution.

He said his cousin played an important role in teaching him drawing, which eventually helped him achieve the record. Kaushik is a man of many talents including swimming, dancing and acting. He has participated in state-level folklore dance competitions as well.