Baripada: Samaray Murmu, a differently-abled person of Bhugudakata under Kuliana block in Mayurbhanj, is the one of those who do not feel defeated in life. He leads his life selling various usable and decorative items of sabai grass.
“I am not disabled, but am an abled man,” said Samaray proudly. Significantly, the 41-year-old has provided livelihood to four to five people.
He was the eldest among seven children of late Thakura Murmu and late Dhani Murmu. Being the eldest, he had to shoulder the responsibility of the family at an early age.
He is married to Domni. The couple had no children and been leading a normal life until 2001 when misfortune fell on him in the form of a tree branch that left him grievously injured. Despite all possible treatment, he could not fully recover from the injury he had suffered on his thigh.
For want of money, he could not get treatment and remained confined to his house for several weeks. His wife had no way but to venture out for daily labour to run the family.
After saving some money, he was brought to a hospital in Cuttack for treatment in 2013. His leg was amputated below his knee. After coming home, he had to depend on others for movement or for a living.
In 2015, he came to Takatpur in Baripada to learn the art of making Sabai grass items. After 15-days of training, he was provided Rs 20 as financial assistance.
With this, he started his own small business. He and his wife started collecting Sabai grass from the locality and began making flower baskets, bags and other items. Now, he has engaged five others of his village in his work and sells his items at fairs and festivals.
“From this work, I earn enough to run my family. I feel I am able to get going with this work. I am happy that other families have got earning opportunities,” he added.
PNN