"The Bible does not talk about the period of life of Jesus from 12 to 30 years. I made much effort to see if there is any painting of Jesus during this phase, but couldn't find any," says Gijo, who otherwise does business.

The freelance painter, who has not received any training from professional institutions, then sought to visualize Christ as an adolescent boy with radiating eyes reflecting teenage curiosity and shoulder - length brownish locks besides rudimentary growth of the moustache and the beard - all finally etched on the canvas with enough care that ensures an ethereal halo to the visage.

These days, Gijo cherishes as letter from the Vatican acknowledging receipt of a copy of the painting. The message from Pope John Paul II says that " His Holiness will remember you in his prayers and invokes God's abundant blessings upon you and your work."

Another mail from UN chief and Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan says " such a work cannot fail to inspire anyone working towards the goal of world peace."

The artist, who also received appreciative words from President K R Narayanan and British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles.

Gijo, who hails from Erayil Kadavu Village, now proposes to send the original painting to the Pope.

This matter is already released by International News Agencies like Associated press (AP), United News of India (UNI) Press Trust of India (PTI) and Indo Asian News Service (IANS).

Interviews telecast by leading Indian TV Channels like Kairali, Suriya, Asianet and Doordarsan.

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