Kendrapara: He is physically challenged, but his determination has gained attention in the Rajnagar block here. His dexterous fingers create lively idols using mud, and they reflect his talent.
Meet Radhagobinda Khanda, 23, the son of Birendranath Khanda and Sandhyarani Khanda of Baghamari. He was a normal child. But at five, Radhagobinda’s right leg became disabled after a fall from a tree.
Hailing from a poor family, Radhagobinda failed to get proper medical treatment and his right leg became disabled, said Sandhyarani Khanda his mother.
His determination to prove that he can live on his own made him take up idol making at 16. After matriculation, he made up his mind to become an idol maker. For this he went with a relative to Kolkata to learn how to make earthen idols.
After learning the ropes from senior idol makers in Kolkata he returned to his village and started making earthen idols.
Radhagobinda used to make the idols of Laxmi, Durga, Ganesh, Kali, Saraswati and others to install at puja pandals. Generally, Ganesh Puja to Durga Puja is the peak time for earning a quick buck as people come to his house for idols.
Radhagobinda’s idols differ from one another and are lively. “That’s why I generally go to Pattamundai, Dhamara, Chandabali and Basudevpur for making idols,” said Jagannth Das, a local resident.
As his fingers shape an idol Radhagobinda’s face brightens up. He generally takes food only after completing work.
As Durga Puja and Gajalaxmi Puja near he is busy making idols. He also goes to puja pandals to give final touches to idols.
“I do not want to live on charity or become dependent on my old parents. I want to live with dignity,” said Radhagobinda.
The physically challenged Radhagobinda has become a source of inspiration for many similarly disadvantaged people here.
PNN