Aradi: Prashant Sahu, a youth of Chandbali block in Bhadrak, has been physically challenged since childhood. But his handicap has not deterred him from shouldering the responsibility of a family of 12.
He has got a 50 per cent disability certificate from the health authorities.”But it is of no use for me,” lamented Prashant.
Moving in villages, he peddles a variety of items, particularly for women, like ‘alata’, vermilion, bangles, sarees, petticoats and blouses. His family comprises his wife Bharati, daughter Subhadra, father Sanyasi, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and their four children.
Prashant leaves home in wee hours carrying on his shoulders his bag of merchandise to sell the items in villages. Since all villages and small towns have shops and lady’s corners finding buyers for these items is a tall order for Prashant.
Nevertheless, good demeanour has endeared him to his customers in the area. “I have no problem in selling my items,” he says. He has been doing his business within 20 km radius of his village. People in over 30 villages – Uparadumuka, Taladumuka under Tihidi block; Raipur, Kantika, Bankasahi under Dhamnagar block; Paradia, Champasahi, Kuleipada, Olaga, Sathibankuda, Bodak, Khatuapatana under Dhamnagar block; Kaian, Ichhapur, Balarampur and Narayanpur in Jajpur district are among his customers. He spends his entire day moving from one village to another and takes lunch at known people’s houses.
The family has a shop in the village. After returning from his village rounds, he sells in his shop till 9 pm and returns home at 10 pm for dinner and takes rest. Local people seek his support for various social activities like plantation.
PNN