post news network
Bhubaneswar, August 13: No handicap can stand in the way of the iron-willed. Angela Tirkey of Badgaon in Sundargarh is living proof of this. Angela lost a leg to an affliction in her childhood which has forced her to depend on a crutch to move about.
But the handicap did not deter her from taking up training in art from a local institute ‘Jana Sikhya Sansthana’ in sector 14, Rourkela. She did a three-month course during which she met a group of like-minded friends who inspired her.
“I create jewellery, incense sticks, glass paintings, gift articles out of ice cream spoons, designer candles, appliqué work, embroidery, and flower vases from metallic wires, colour paper and sticks,” she said.
She is also a seamstress and makes dresses. But for that, too, she needs some support from technology. “I can’t run the sewing machine manually and use the motor operated machines at government ITI in Bhubaneswar,” she says.
According to Angela, she gets some of the material she requires for her work such as water colour, beads, and stone cutting boards from the local market. For the rest, she depends on businesses in Kolkata.
The enterprising youngster is also studying for competitive exams held by the government and hopes to open a boutique or gift shop of her own one day.
