Title - They put art on track at railways

Kochi: He’s a deaf mute, reason enough to have continued as a lower grade employee in the railways without any promotion for the last 28 years.But that did  not stop  K. B. Unnikrishnan (45) from  letting his art works go unnoticed. In fact, they now adorn the entrance wall of the South railway station, opposite  the Area Manager's office. “He is a born talent. His   disabilities and  poor financial condition of the  family didn't stop the artist in him. He can sketch anyone's face within five minutes…such is his talent,” said a top railway official.Jayakrishnan, who had studied in the Cochin School of Arts, drew various types of engines from steam engine to electrical one in his work depicted at the northern entrance of the Ernakulam Junction.“Besides he is a sculptor  too. His handiwork of the statue of an elephant using clay is displayed at the centre of the officers’ holiday home,” the official said. In fact, when it comes to artists in  railway uniforms, Unnikrishnan is not alone. Deputy Station Master P.K. Rajendran, Station Master Roy Thomas and D. Sudeep - all are fine artists though they find little time for the passion after  duty hours.“I’ve specialized in leaf painting which requires high concentration. Besides I’m also into making of  nettipatam  (elephant caparison),” Rajendran said. The exhibition of their works will be held  at the Ernakulam Main railway station on September 13 as part of the Onam celebrations.