Dr. A. Suriya : A VISIONARY ARTIST WHO TURNED PAPER CUPS INTO A SYMBOL OF NATIONAL UNITY AND GLOBAL INSPIRATION
Palani, Tamil Nadu — In a world where ordinary objects are often overlooked, Dr. A. Suriya, a visionary artist and educator from Valparai, transformed something as simple as paper cups into a powerful message of peace, unity, and harmony. Born on December 14, 1982, and raised with artistic curiosity, Dr. A. Suriya’s journey began humbly in 2001 in Coimbatore, where he stepped into the world of drawing and visual storytelling. Over the years, he has not only shaped young minds as an art teacher but also etched his name into multiple record books, creating ripples across the global art and social innovation landscape.
The Paper Cup Phenomenon: My Nation’s Unity (2013)
On December 31, 2013, at Palani, Dr. A. Suriya conceptualized and executed an unparalleled achievement that resonated with the heart of India’s diverse culture and religious harmony. Using exactly 2013 paper tea cups, he created a massive, color-filled artwork symbolizing the spirit of unity across India’s major religions:
- 0: A Mosque representing Muslims
- 1: A Cross symbolizing Christians
- 2: The Indian National Flag representing the pride of the nation
- 3: The sacred syllable “OM” for Hindus
The symbolic representation of the year “2013” celebrated India’s cultural integration and national harmony. The ambitious artwork took 5 hours, 140 litres of water, and a team’s unwavering dedication to complete. Each paper cup was meticulously filled with vibrant watercolors using ink fillers, turning the cups into a colorful narrative of unity.
This exceptional creation was recognized by the India Book of Records, Tamil Nadu Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and multiple other esteemed platforms. The event was not just a record; it was a statement.
A Career Beyond Canvas: Educator, Organizer, Innovator
After completing his Art Teacher Training Course in 2007, Dr. A. Suriya’s journey took a transformative turn. As an art teacher since 2012, he discovered latent talents in school children and used his position to encourage and inspire. In the same year, he ventured into filmmaking and directed “Aadathey”, a short film promoting organ donation, for which he wrote and composed an original song — showcasing his versatility as a creator.
His historic paper cup achievement earned him the honor of being invited by the World Achievement University, UK, which awarded him a Doctorate Honoris Causa in 2015 (only call letter)
The same year, he joined Tamil Nadu Book of Records as an organizer for Dindigul district, opening new doors for him to meet dignitaries, educational leaders, and social pioneers.
In 2015, he orchestrated 40 record-breaking attempts for Chennai Avadi World Records, with several showcased at Avadi and others at Palani, proving his ability to mobilize mass participation and creative innovation.
Foundation of DCBWR: A Legacy in the Making
On October 10, 2015, in Rameswaram — the birthplace of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — Dr. A. Suriya founded DCBWR (Dr. Kalam’s Dream Book of World Records). The date, aligning with Youth Elation Day, marked the beginning of a new mission: to discover, document, and promote achievements across India. DCBWR(DCB WORLD RECORDS)
Since its inception, DCBWR has:
- Conducted research on 5,000+ achievements
- Preserved a rich archive of newspaper cuttings and profiles of achievers
- Provided a platform for government school students, educators, and innovators
- Empowered underrepresented talents through media coverage, publications, and awards
He also took on the role of Chairperson of TAMIL JURY in 2016 and later, in 2017, became the Secretary of the Dindigul District of Worldwide Journal Multipress Association.
Media, Research, and Awareness
Suriya’s outreach extended into media through his work with AET News, and his writing was featured in the Tsunami Sudar Magazine. Despite a short tenure at the news outlet due to workload, his influence remained through the awareness campaign titled “Thadam”, aimed at educating youth on various social issues.
He also completed an RJ course, enhancing his ability to communicate and connect with a wider audience.
A Journey Without Funding, But With Boundless Passion
Despite his many accolades and the scale of his projects, Dr. A. Suriya humbly emphasizes that he has never received financial support from any institution or government agency. His achievements are entirely self-driven, powered by creativity, discipline, and encouragement from friends, parents, and social media followers.
“I walked alone, but they believed in me,” he says, acknowledging those who stood by his side.
The Road Ahead: A Global Platform for Achievers
With plans to expand into publishing, world record regulations, live events, and special shows, Dr. A. Suriya’s vision is clear: to transform DCBWR into a global archive of human excellence, where individuals from all walks of life find a place to shine.
His organization continues to support and highlight individuals with extraordinary talents, promoting their stories as inspiration for future generations.
2024 Nine years completed October
