By: Rebyna Rana

Lal Bahadur Tamang leading a happy life, despite his disability

Disability is a state of mind rather than a condition of a body. Instead of calling a person disabled it is better to call him differently- abled, as they can also live a life of dignity and purpose.

One such exemplary person, who has defied all notions about disability, is Mr Lal Bahadur Tamang. Forty-seven years old, he hails from Namchi and is a handicapped man who has turned actor cum writer due to his interest and hard work. He is also the recipient of large number of appreciation letters for his genuine handicraft shows. He has been organizing Handicraft Talent Shows in and around the state especially in schools and colleges. He displays decorative items mostly made of wood and roots. He not only creates the decorative pieces but also designs them. This not only gives him happiness but is a source of income also. Author of “Ma Kina Bolne” a Nepali play says that he has acted and danced in the play himself. The play has been staged in 268 places in Sikkim.

He was not born with disability, earlier he was a driver until he met with an accident while driving his truck on his way back home from Siliguri in 1996. The fatal accident rendered Tamang disabled in his youth but it could not dampen his spirits as he started expressing his creativity through handicraft making right after his recovery.

A vibrant Tamang has a message for the youths of Sikkim, to struggle and never to lose hope. Expressing his sadness on the increasing suicide rate in the State, he said that the youths should focus in channelizing their energy into creative pursuits rather than giving up hope. He also urged to the Government to nurture the talents by giving them training as well as a platform to showcase their talent. He further added that handicraft making has a huge economic potential as the tourists visiting Sikkim are always looking for something unique to take home as a souvenir. He also added that even the disabled could be encouraged to take up handicraft making as a means of livelihood.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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