Disabled but gritty, doll maker pledges to donate organ
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 08 2014: Having endured difficulties of living with physical disability herself, wheel-chair bonded doll maker Birla Soibam is hopeful that donating her body to a medical institution will facilitate less fortunate ones live more conveniently.

With her mother, who used to inspire Birla fight life's obstacles, too passing away recently, the 34-year old confided that without her mo-ther's presence and soothing words life would certainly be a huge challenge.

While her father ibomcha passed away when she was still young Birla's mother left her in December last.

She has an elder sister who is married.

Speaking to The sangai Express at her Laipham Khunou Mamang Leikai house, Birla said her interest in doll started from a tender age when she received a doll as a gift from her mother.

Along with playing with dolls birla gradually tried her hands in making dolls with traditional motifs and showed her mother's gift to explain how invaluable the toy is to her.

Traditional doll-maker : Birla Soibam

Inspite of doll making being simply a hobby from around 2004 she transformed the hobby into a profession and the sale proceed has been the only source of income for the family of two (when her mother was still alive) .

In the very first year of her professional career as a doll maker, Birla took part in the Industrial Exhibition held at GM Hall with her craftsmanship steadily gaining recogni- tion consequent to participation in similar exhibitions and fairs.

her dolls were not only sold swiftly at such public events but Birla said customers come to her residence to buy traditional dolls as gift items or toy for the children enabling her to earn about Rs 2000-3000 a month.

Among other awards, Birla was honoured with the RK Sanatombi award 2007 and the State Award presented by the Directorate of Commerce and Industries.

Receiving the State Award accompanied by her mother remains the most cherished moment for the spirited girl who sobbed inconsolably remembering the moment as well as realising that her inspirational mother will no longer be by her side.

Regarding her physical impairment, Birla said she is currently consulting Dr Jugin-dro of Shija Hospital.

At the age five, Birla developed swelling in one of the legs and underwent operation at the erstwhile RMC.

Even though doctors said there will no problem Birla had severe difficulty in moving around and a year later was completely immobile as both the legs were affected by the ailment.

Terming her disability as locomotive disorder, she conceded that prolonged confinement in the wheelchair is also weakening her heart compelling her to go for treatment outside as well as in the State.

Contending that, with the exception of the wheelchair provided by the Social Welfare Department, she has neither received any assistance from the local authorities nor aware about any welfare programme of the Government, Birla affirmed that if there is any sort of material or financial assistance she could aim for further excellence in her profession.