Article of the Week

Creativity wins over Disability

He may be disabled but is certainly not dejected. This 35-year-old has over powered his disability with his creativity; painting the sole purpose of his life.

Disabled by a rare syndrome, at the age of 14, Balakrishnan was left to fend for himself by his brothers and sisters. But this only strengthened his resolve to stand on his feet.

Unable to move around freely, he used his disability to his advantage by learning painting at a vocational training centre at Vellore where he had actually gone for treatment. Home, for him were hostels and later a temple at Ezhilnagar in the city. Here, he painted name plates for automobiles and boards for shops for many years without getting his talents recognized.

On one occasion, a customer named Vijaykumar - who had come to get a number plate for in motorcycle painted helped him by arranging accommodation in his house where he lives to this day.

In course of time, Balakrishnan encountered Michael, who later became his assistant. Michael's disability was greater than his own. Michael could not speak and use one of his hands and feet. At this point of time, Balakrishnan also met Venkataraman, the president of Nandini, an NGO.

Venkataraman's friendship opened a new vista in Balakrishnan's life. After many years, his enamel paintings came to the limelight through exhibitions and they also fetched him some nominal income.

A proud Balakrishnan stated, "Even though I earn a meager Rs.500 per month, it is more dignified to stand on one's feet than be dependent on others. I do not have the money to buy oil paints so I manage with enamel paints. When I left home and arrived at the Chennai Central station for the first time, I did not get food for two days. I ate the banana peels thrown by people for survival. Even under those circumstances I chose not to beg".

Balakrishnan also teaches painting to children at the Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust once a week. All he wants now is to set up a shop where he can sell his paintings, which are an expression of the resilience and enthusiasm of an unsung hero.

Source: Disability not a problem for his artist. Indian Express, Daily, Chennai, 26 August 2006.