Kannur: A welder from Kerala who studied only up to SSLC has achieved a remarkable milestone after one of his writings was included in a CBSE Class 3 Malayalam textbook, inspiring students and aspiring writers alike.

A remarkable story of determination and passion has emerged from Kerala, where 41-year-old welder Subhash Payyavoor has become a published textbook author despite having studied only up to the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC).

Subhash's work has been included in 'Madhuram Malayalam', the CBSE Class 3 Malayalam textbook introduced for the current academic year. His lesson, titled 'Nammal Nalla Koottukar' (We Are Good Friends), has been selected as the third chapter in the textbook.

The lesson teaches young children the importance of unity, love, cooperation and mutual understanding. It presents these values through an imaginative conversation among different parts of the human body—including the tongue, teeth, eyes and stomach—showing how success in life depends on working together.

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A resident of Kattikkandam in Payyavoor near Sreekandapuram, Subhash balanced his passion for literature with his daily work as a welder. His love for reading began in childhood and grew stronger through the Pooparambu Library, where he developed an interest in writing. He initially contributed stories to online magazines, but without a published book, his literary work remained largely unknown even in his hometown.

His breakthrough came in 2024 when his short story 'Nakshathrangal Poliyumbol' (When the Stars Fade) won first prize in the Ashitha Memorial Writing Competition. The same year, he also won the SK Pottekkatt Memorial Writing Competition, bringing wider recognition to his work. Following these achievements, several Malayalam magazines began publishing his stories.

His growing reputation caught the attention of Unni Ammayambalam, coordinator of the CBSE textbook committee, who invited him to write a conversational lesson for children. The result was Nammal Nalla Koottukar, which now forms part of the CBSE curriculum.

Speaking about the achievement, Subhash said it was both a matter of pride and disbelief that children across schools would now study a lesson written by someone who could only complete education up to SSLC. He added that he is currently preparing to publish his first collection of short stories.

Subhash is the son of Uperiyil Balan and Padmini. He lives with his wife, Chinju, and their children, Aadi Subhash and Adav Subhash.

His journey from a welding workshop to the pages of a national school textbook stands as an inspiring reminder that passion, perseverance and talent can overcome educational and professional barriers.