Keonjhar: Disability may have left many people crippled and their life futile, but has failed to smash the indomitable spirit of a differently abled youth in Odisha’s Keonjhar district who has achieved excellence in the stone craft and leading a decent life.
Meet 35-year-old Dillip Mahant of Dhakota village of the mineral-rich district. Anybody will be definitely amazed to see the way his hands dexterously chiseling stones to create beautiful statues. Locals say, Mahant is really infusing life into rugged and lifeless stones.
He has turned the stone craft as his means of living, apart from imparting training to other youths. All this he has achieved today is because of his relentless struggle that is inspiring for others.
He was hit by polio days after he was born. Under the impact of the disease, his legs were crippled. He hardly walks. Hence, he lamented that he could not purse proper education because of his disability even though he had wish carry on his schooling.
At this time, one Pramod Baral of Alita village under Ghasipura block extended a helping hand to Mahant by allowing him to learn stone carving at his workshop. Over years, Mahant acquired the skill of stone carving which has become his livelihood.
Significantly, he has been imparting training on stone carving to others. He has also opened a stone carving training centre. “Till date, over 200 youths have learnt the stone craft from my centre,” he added.
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