The Journey of Vishnu Raj
Every story begins long before the person themselves — it begins with family. Mine begins with my parents.
My father, Rajan Thannickal Madhavan, was a government employee from Pinnakkanadu in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. My mother, Sarasamma Kunjoonju, came from an agrarian family in Thannimoodu, nestled in the high ranges of Idukki. My father was a graduate in language and literature — a remarkable achievement in his time, when a degree carried immense respect and value. In our community, he stood among the most educated. Beyond his formal education, he was gifted: he sketched with ease, loved art, and even wrote songs. My mother, though only matriculated, was a pillar of strength and simplicity, deeply rooted in the soil and traditions of her land.
Though my father’s roots were in Kottayam, I was born in Nedumkandam, Idukki, at my mother’s home. In time, our family grew: I became the eldest sibling to my younger brother Vineeth Raj and my sister Veenamol Raj. Together, we made our home in Kottayam district, grounded in faith and community.
I belong to the Prathyaksha Reksha Daiva Sabha, a spiritual community that traces its lineage to the ancient Dravidian culture of South India. Growing up in this environment gave me a sense of heritage, belonging, and reverence for tradition.
From childhood, I carried a spark for art and creativity. I sketched pictures, listened to music endlessly, and found joy in creating. My father, recognizing these talents, became my first mentor. He not only supported but encouraged me to balance both academics and art. School years brought me awards, prizes, and small recognitions that felt monumental at the time. And though we weren’t financially strong, my father ensured I had the tools to learn, to imagine, and to express myself.
The early 2000s brought with them a quiet revolution in our village — computers. For many, it was a novelty. For me, it was a door opening into the future. My father sent me to learn computers, and I embraced it wholeheartedly. Already fascinated by electronics and crafting, I saw in computers a perfect blend of creativity and logic.
Despite being an introvert, I cherished the few friendships I built — deep, lasting bonds that added real value to my life. But my greatest influences remained within my family. My father was, and still is, my mentor and role model. His younger brother, Satheesh Kumar, was also a creative soul, further fueling my own passion for imagination and innovation.
This is where my story begins: in a household where tradition met learning, where creativity was nurtured despite limitations, and where the seeds of vision and passion were first sown.