When strength comes wearing a disguise

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 8 (EMN): Sometimes, it is easy to take life for granted and we fail to see the silver-lining in times of trials and tribulations, but choosing to break away from the barriers, fears and worries of life can bring happiness and cheer.

Sumit Sutradher, a differently-able man from Dimapur, is a testament to how life is all about being positive, inspiring others to not succumb to the curve balls that life may throw at you.

"My legs can't move but God gave me good hand. Therefore, I will use my hand to work and earn my livelihood," the 28-year-old said speaking about his life.

Born on February 9, 1992, Sutradher became disabled ten months after his birth and have, since then, been on a wheelchair and auxiliary crutch. He is currently working seven hours a day, earning INR 5000 a month. He helps with the manual work at Eastern Publication House, Signal Basti in Dimapur. 

Explaining that his situation does not describe who he is, Sutradhar stated that 'my legs cannot move or walk, but that doesn't mean I cannot work'.

He said that life was never easy for him, leading to the point where he lost hope and almost gave up the idea to go forward in life. The struggle was beyond one's imagination, he said, having to roll up and down, and crawl from one place to another. ‘The bleeding on the hands and knees caused by crawling on the rusty road which later turned into scars cannot in anyway explain how much pain and struggle we disabled persons go through’, he said.

However, he stated that with 'hope, determination and positivity', it was possible for him to overcome obstacles and the societal barriers.

For him, another boost to his positive attitude was the 'love and support' from the people around. He said that they have always stood up for him in times when he needed help and support, even from strangers he met on the road.

He admitted that working, at first, was hard for him but added that he had to push his limits and carry on.

The 28-year-old shared that his next goal is to open his own shop back in his hometown in Assam.