Parthasarathi Nayak, 15, is just two feet in height. However, that has not deterred him from notching up achievements in dancing, singing and comedy acts. Born to Pushpanjali Nayak and Bhubana Nayak, Partha is popular in the Adeikhala slum of BJB Nagar in Bhubaneswar.
“Partha is our only son,” says Pushpanjali. “Even as a small child, he was interested in dancing. He would start dancing while watching TV. When we realised that he is a dwarf, his father became depressed. But as he grew up, we started seeing his many talents. He participated in school dramas and performed mono-acts and won wide appreciation and encouragement. He has performed on several stages in Bhubaneswar and outside. I feel proud when Partha performs on stage and the crowd applauds and asks for an encore. He wants to be a TV actor in future.”
Partha now in class IX at Harihara Vidyapitha, is good at studies. Besides acting, he loves to paint and sing. He has participated in many competitions organised by the state government and various NGOs.
Partha told Sunday POST how he was initially teased a lot for being very short but, gradually, people started liking his performances in school competitions and annual functions. “I always feel inferior due to my lack of height. But my parents and school teachers encouraged me to show my talents. I have performed in Jhoom Odisha, a reality show where I performed Jabra Fan and Jaggu Auto bala in the mega audition. I could not believe the praise I received from the audience. Unfortunately, I could not perform in the finals after I fractured my leg in an accident. I have also participated in many programmes organised by the State Disability Information and Resource Centre, Swabhiman. In a programme they organised titled ‘Prativa O Manthan,’ I bagged prizes for singing, dancing and painting. I also did a comedy item on the Swachh Bharat mission. Recently, I performed Guru Dakhina, a programme at the Rabindra Mandap. I bagged the first prize in IIT, Khurda for my performance of ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai.’ I owe thanks to my dance teacher Bijay Kumar Sahoo, who has often given me the chance to perform on stage,” says Partha.
Partha is just one of many kids who have not allowed disability to deter them from becoming achi
Kiran says, “I love Odissi, modern and Sambalpuri dances. I have participated in Raja Queen, a television
reality show for girls. I was happy and excited to take part in a group event at Soochana Bhawan where I presented a Sambalpuri dance ‘Dunguri pahad tale,’ which drew a lot of appreciation from the audience. I also performed at Miss Odisha, a competition for girls organised by KIIT, and got position there. I performed at IIT, Khurda on World Disabled Day and bagged prizes. I have also been a part of many other programmes like Indradhanu and Suravi. I was very happy when the Bhubaneswar mayor presented me with a bouquet after watching my performance.”
Born to Deepak and Snehalata Behera, Kiran stays with her grandfather and grandmother. The little girl has a list of dreams. She wants to be a singer and dancer. She also aims to study hard and get a good job in future.
Barsha Rani Behara, 13, from Salia Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar, is fond of dancing. Daughter of Rashmita and Pratap Behera, she is also keen on singing and art and participates in essay and debate competitions at school. The teenager, who has a defective leg, has participated in many state-level competitions and bagged prizes. She performed in a Lalit Kala Academy event, winning the first position. She has also participated in programmes like Jhoom Odisha, Suravi, and Indradhanu besides winning prizes in programmes organised by different government and non-government organisations.
“Barsha is my eldest child,” says Rashmita Behera. “I was depressed after I found she had a defective leg, especially because she is a girl. I wondered how she would cope. I know her keen interest in dance, but we don’t have the financial capacity to provide her training. Since Class 1, she has been a regular performer in school events. I feel happy when her teachers praise Barsha for participating in all the competitions in school. She has won many prizes. Even without any formal training, she is performing well.”
Ten year old Manisha Priyadarshini may be in a wheelchair but she is blessed with many talents. A dweller of Nilakanthanagar, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Manisha is interested in dancing, singing, art and debate too.
Manisha’s mother says, “In the last month of my pregnancy, I met with an accident. It affected the child more than me. From her waist down, she is paralysed since birth. Her father blamed me for delivering a disabled child and left us. I was totally depressed and decided that I will take care of my daughter and, one day, everyone will be proud of her. Since childhood, she is interested in extra-curricular activities. She dances sitting in the wheelchair to any music. She is first in her studies also.”
Manisha has a long list of achievements. She performed on World Disabled Day at Unit-6 High School, Bhubaneswar and stood first in the singing, dancing, and fancy dress competitions. She has also performed in programmes at Jayadev Bhaban, Rabindra Mandap, and RMNH. Recently, she participated in a ramp show organised by KIIT. She is a regular performer at programmes organised by Bhubaneswar-based NGOs working for disabled kids.
“My daughter aims to be a teacher. She never feels she is lesser than other kids. I am trying my best to fulfill her dreams,” says Manisha’s mother.
The multi-talented boy is also a keyboard player. He got a chance to play the keyboard at a concert organised at the India Gate in New Delhi on the eve of World Disabled Day last year. He played ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ and earned huge applause from the audience.
Sarthak plays cricket. Last year, he performed well in a cricket league meant for disabled children organised by Swabhiman. He has been felicitated by the socio-cultural organisation ‘Kasturi’ for his talent.
Besides extracurricular activities, Sarthak is also a meritorious student.
“My son is talented. I consider myself lucky to have him as our son,” says his mother.
Bratati Baral, OP