Nuapada: A visually challenged person has been drawing the attention of music lovers by singing Sambalpuri songs in Nuapara district. He sings Sambalpuri with the accompaniment of ‘madal’ (a percussion instrument) beats, enchanting music enthusiasts.
The visually challenged but talented artiste is Sukhiram, a resident of Nuagaon under Komna block of Nuapada district. Sukhiram has three siblings and his father is Kabi Tandi. While Sukhiram is blind by birth, his brother Bedabar lost one of his legs due to unknown disease.
Although he was keen to attend school, Sukhiram could not pursue studies due to his family’s poor financial condition. However, he was not ready to accept defeat in his life.
“My childhood pastime has stood me in good stead,” claims Sukhiram, adding, “I can clearly remember my childhood. In those days, I would like to sing Sambalpuri and dance to its beats. Later on, I added rhythm to it by beating tin boxes or canes. Subsequently, I was addicted to it. People complimented me for my performance for its perfect sync with rhythm. This is how the talent in me grew.”
People have noticed Sukhiram’s talent and appreciated him. “His songs and the way he plays the instrument is pleasant to hear. Often people ask him to play for them,” said some residents.
He is fondly called the ‘badshah of Sambalpuri’ songs. From morning to evening, he walks through the villages singing Sambalpuri numbers.
Sometimes Sukhiram can be spotted performing at bus stops and railway station. His favourites include Sambalpuri songs like ‘Rasarkelire,..’, ‘Surunani laeban..’, ‘Radha main…’ and ‘Danda nrutya…’.
He claims that music lovers never pay him out of sympathy but it is his art that prompts them to pay something in return.
“At the end of the day whatever I get, I run my family happily. If I could get some assistance either from the government or from some private organisations to hone my skills, I can grow to perfection,” he hopes.
Several residents have pointed out that if artistes like Sukhiram are given proper encouragement and assistance, they can lead a better life and bring laurels to the district or the state.
Sukhiram’s family has no landed property. Despite attempts he could not get a pucca house under any government welfare schemes. Residents have also urged the authorities to take steps to sanction a pucca house to his family.
PNN