With only one hand, this lady weaves life
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 02 2018:
Thounaojam Roji Devi (32) who lost her right hand in an unfortunate incident, against all odds, is setting example for many by leading a self reliant lifestyle - engaging in weaving.
Roji is daughter of (L) Th Dhananjoy and Th (O) Thambaltombi of Kakwa Huidrom Leikai.
She is third among four children.
She has a married sister and a brother now.
She lost a sister years ago.
After her sister got married they became a family of three.
Roji lost her right hand when she was a teenager (16/17yrs).She accidentally slipped and fell when washing clothes in the backyard of her house.
The incident dislocated/broke her arm and the family visited local maibas and doctors for treatment without any progress.
She was even taken to different doctors at Guwahati, but all the doctors advised that her right hand cannot be treated and must be amputated.
She had her arm amputated at Shija Hospital as it was the only option remaining, she said.
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Though Roji lost a hand, she hasn't acquired a disability certificate till date, she said.
Her bothers in the locality have been trying their best to obtain the certificate for her but without much success, she said.
She started to learn weaving at an early age from her mother.
She studied upto Class X at Naorem Leikai High School.
She can weave as many as 3/4 Phaneks a day and can produce upto 2 iyong a month, she said speaking to this reporter.
The clothes/phaneks and others she weaved are regularly bought by women who sells them at market and locals.
Woollen (shamtu) Phanek are sold at Rs 170/180 per piece, she said.
Besides weaving, she also lends a hand in household activities, said her mother who is proud of her daughter and at the same time worries about her future.
"People like me, who have been handicapped by unfortunate incidents shouldn't be demoralized.
People should encourage us," she said.
"We (differently abled persons) are part of the society and we should contribute to the welfare of the society," Roji said.