Joseph Fernandes
joseph@herald-goa.com
ALDONA: Tanish Kinalkar, an 18-year-old resident of Jaidev Vaddo, Nachinola, is visually impaired, but he has never let that dim his passion for music. Born on February 10, 2007, and currently a student in the XI Arts stream at
Purushottam High School in Khorlim, Mapusa, Tanish has been defying odds since a young age.
It all began when he was just seven years old, and his teacher noticed his talent for singing during a classroom activity. She was impressed by his voice and encouraged him to perform songs in front of his peers. “When I sang, my teacher said that I had a good voice and that one day I would be a great singer, performing all over,” Tanish recalls. This early encouragement became t
he foundation of his musical journey, and his teacher took it upon herself to train him, helping him improve his voice and learn the art of singing.
With continued support, Tanish began to develop his skills further and soon started performing at a national level. “I performed Hindi songs during national-level competitions,” he says proudly. While Tanish didn’t win the competition, the experience was invaluable. “The training I received there was excellent. I learned so much about voice modulation, pitch, and presentation. It boosted my confidence.”
Although he felt nervous initially, the training helped him refine his voice and pitch,
and he soon felt confident on stage. “When my song was recorded, I felt great, and hearing my own voice at that level made me proud.”
His family has been his pillar of support throughout this journey. “My mother and the rest of my family have always encouraged me in whatever I do. They have never made me feel like I am visually impaired or different in any way. At home, I do everything just like anyone else,” he shares. Tanish is an independent young man who refuses to let his disability define him. “I help around the house, whether it’s making tea or heating water, and I do it all with the support of my family.”
Tanish’s village community and school also recognised his achievements, congratulating him when he returned from the national competition. “Everyone appreciated that I reached the national level, and soon I started receiving more invitations to perform at school events and other functions,” he says. His love for singing also extends to his participation in the Ghumat Aarti, where he performs with a group of local youth. Tanish prepares for these performances using a special app on
his mobile phone that helps
him practice singing and develop his skills.
Tanish relies on a mobile app with a unique software called TalkBack, which allows him to navigate and use his phone effectively. “Even though I can’t see, I make the most of technology, and I’m able to practice and improve every day.” His determination to succeed in music drives him to work hard, and his family continues to support his dreams. “My family may not know much about music, but they’ve always taken me wherever I needed to go for training or competitions. They believe in me, and that’s what matters.”
Looking back, Tanish recalls the moment when he first realized he could not see, at the age of four or five. His family tried various treatments, hoping his sight could be restored, but nothing worked. “At that time,
I wondered if my parents would educate me like other children or if they would just leave me at home. But my family never gave up on me, and I never gave up on myself,” he says with gratitude.
In addition to his passion for music, Tanish also enjoys playing cricket and has participated in State-level competitions. When he joined a mainstream college for his studies, he found that his classmates were supportive. “It depends on the type of students you have in class, but most of my classmates are very helpful. My teachers have also been patient and encouraging, especially when it comes to my studies,” he says.
Tanish’s future goals are clear: he wants to dedicate himself to his music and continue honing his craft. “God has gifted me with this talent, and I want to show it to the world. When I perform, people don’t always know that I’m visually impaired. When they see me on stage, they’re often shocked. But my singing proves that being visually impaired doesn’t stop me from excelling in life.”