Keonjhar: Physical challenge has not deterred Gananath Mohant of Keri village in Keonjhar district from becoming a teacher and showcasing his varied talent.
A teacher by profession, Mohant is a multi-talented person: He writes poems, bhajans and album songs. By dint of his determination and steely willpower, he has been an inspiration for the differently-abled in the town.
Mohant started his career in 2013 and has been teaching at Ketang Ashram School run under the SC&ST development, minorities & backward classes welfare department.
“I lay importance to my profession. But in leisure, I follow my creative pursuits, writing songs and bhajans. I also love singing and even acting if I get the opportunity,” Mohant said with élan.
Born in 1993, Mohant said he had developed a penchant for writing and singing in childhood. “I have written over 300 songs for Jhumar dance, over 100 bhajans on Goddess Tarini and Lord Jagannath, over 100 modern songs, 50 short stories, five plays and 10 screenplays,” he added.
His screenplays for Beti Padhao, Beti Agey Badhao (awareness short film under the banner of Kichakeswari Films) and short documentaries like Stop Child Labour have been popular. His Jhumar songs have earned him accolades from AIR and FM radio channels.
Mohant said while studying, he had won various competitions. “Due to 75 per cent disability, I was unable to take part in sports or any physical activities, rather used the leisure for creative pursuits,” he added.
He also involves himself in various social works like cleanliness campaigns and plantation drives. In recognition of his multiple talents, Mohant was awarded and felicitated by Kalakar Cine Production (Balasore) in 2017.
Mohant nurses an ambition to produce art films and establish himself as a state-level artiste. He says he needs support from the government.
PNN