News Source: Iamin/dna| Reported By:Mohammad Anas- DNA Correspondent-Iamin Edited by: Longjam Dineshwori | Featured Image Source: infiniteability
The 24-year-old draws and paints incredible images by holding paintbrush between her teeth and with her toes. - Mohammad Anas
Sarita Dwivedi, a student of Fine Arts Department of Allahabad University, created these masterpieces using her toes and teeth. She lost both her hands and one leg in a serious electric shock accident when she was just four years old. Sarita – the youngest among four siblings (one brother and three sisters) – lives with her family in Fatehpur. Her father, Vijaykant is a retired army personnel.
The 24-year-old draws and paints incredible images by holding paintbrush between her teeth and with her toes, she creates beautiful clay sculptures. Despite being a wheelchair bound, she does all the tasks just like any other normal person.
Sarita has been recognized with dozens of bravery awards and has received many national and international awards for her incredible works of art. “I don’t exactly remember how many awards and recognitions I have received,” she said.
The President awarded Balashree in the year 2005, Vice-President awarded her for the empowerment of disabled people in the year 2007. She received Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award in the year 2010. Egypt Embassy awarded her for her paintings in the year 2007. Bal Bhawan presented her silver award for her paintings.
While talking to iamin.in on the occasion of international day for people with disabilities, Sarita said, “I don’t have limbs and a leg but I never consider myself different from others. Like normal children, I have studied in the Central School Old Cantt Allahabad. I like painting, so I took admission in the Fine Art Department of Allahabad University and started learning the art.”
“Disability should not mean getting sympathy. Others start sympathising with us and I feel bad about it. I talk to such people and ask them to change their attitude towards us. People with disability should also never consider themselves weak in any way. I don’t cover my disability, I wear sleeveless clothes whereas people like me hide their disabilities under long sleeve shirts. We can bring changes, but for that one needs to make efforts. Disability is not a punishment. We are victims of unfortunate incidents. People’s perceptions and attitude toward disabled people need to be changed,”she added.
Sarita is not still satisfied with her achievements. “I want to do better and I have a lot more to do in life. I will put my paintings and sculptures on display in an exhibition some day. I have to find a job, buy a house for my family. It is just the beginning my career.”
Like any other person of her age, Sarita enjoys hanging out with friends in the evening. She has her Facebook page where she posts her photographs regularly and shares jokes and information with her friends.
The Logical Indian salutes the courage of Sarita Dwivedi and hopes she inspires millions of Indians to have the courage of achieving whatever they want to achieve.
