Bant: Panchanana Jena, a resident of Purusandh under Bant block of Bhadrak, is determination and hard work personified. His disability has not deterred him from living his life and earning a livelihood. He has rather been averse to being a burden on others.
The 59-year-old Jena moves on his tricycle from village to village selling fish. In childhood, he had struggled to survive by doing odd jobs and later worked as ‘palia’ (pala artiste)
When he was 30, fate dealt him a blow. He recalled the mishap which left him disabled. He was going to Chhabatia village in Balasore district on his bicycle along with his friends to perform pala. The night was pitch dark. He fell from his bicycle on the embankment road. His knees were badly injured and could not venture out of his house for work for two years.
“After frantic run from pillar to post, I managed to obtain a disability certificate and got a tricycle,” he rued. “I have a son, but I did not want to sit idle,” he said.
He started selling fish. He buys fish from traders in Agarpada bazaar and sells them in villages. “I sell nearly 20 kg of fish every alternate day and make a profit of anything between Rs 200 and Rs 300,” he added. He sells fish Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Locals say, he has set an example for others for his indomitable spirit and sustained efforts which helped him live a normal life.
PNN
