Keyword- Anjana Malik Inspirational Life story
Wonderful story of a handless Women painter Anjana Malik-
Anjana Malik is a 38-year-old roadside artist with an unwavering spirit. What she went through will make most of us realise how easy it was for us and how ungrateful we really are. Though she is considered one of the myriad of world-fighting performers, Anjana, born without arms and with a deformed left leg, stands out. As her deformity worsened, her left leg shrunk to half the size of her right leg, forcing her to squat to walk. For over a year, Anjana has overcome physical and everyday limitations that make survival even more difficult. She began painting with her right foot, holding a brush between her toes, creating art that spoke to her soul. Anjana was born in Nainital, but her poor family moved to Rishikesh to start a new life. However, the situation only got worse. Her Anjana had no one to support her education, she had to drop out of school in her fifth grade, and a few years later her brother committed suicide, leaving her homeless. The family suffered even more. Carrying a heavy burden and trying to distract herself from her brother’s tragic death, Anjana held a pen between her toes in 2014 and attempted to write for the first time. Anjana had a disability similar to hers, and she never believed her attempts would lead to success. . lots of. But a year ago, in unimaginable ways, she turned that weakness into her greatest strength.
Anjana began her journey by writing ‘Ram Naam’ on a piece of paper she was later recognized by American tourist Stephanie Joyce who visited Rishikesh. All he got was encouragement. Stephanie persuaded Anjana to start painting instead of just writing simple words. She also bought art supplies to help Anjana become an artist. Thanks to her unwavering courage, Anjana soon learned to paint beautiful pictures. Simple at first glance, but on closer inspection the intricate details amaze passers-by. However, his troubles did not stop there. Anjana travels a distance of six kilometres every day to occupy a small corner of Lakshman’s Jura across the Ganges to sell works of art that have been a large part of his life. She has to travel long distances on busy roads, cross bridges, and take ferries. When many tourists come to enjoy Lakshman or her Jhula, she sits there to show off her own designs. The change of seasons is the enemy. The hot summer makes travelling difficult and Anjana ends up losing all her strength when she reaches her destination. Similarly, heavy monsoon rains damage paintings that were on display. Despite all this, she says the only direction she can see is forward. Now Anjana paints to support her family. But the main reason she paints is her irresistible passion and talent, which she appreciates. She says that even if she gets tired while painting, it gives her self-esteem and a reason to paint. Anjana’s art is her only source of income to support her family of five. She has a paralyzed brother whose wife is forced to stay home to care for him and the school-going children. Her meagre and irregular income is spent on her food, clothing, medicine, school fees and room rent. Anjana said her paintings sell for between 2,500 and 25,000 rupees, but as tourist numbers continue to decline, her paintings go unsold for days, sometimes weeks, to cover her monthly expenses. is becoming difficult. To support her dream, Anjana is trying to raise money through crowdfunding. She wants to develop her passion and provide decent accommodation for her brother and his family, as well as money to support painting tools and wheelchairs to facilitate their travels.
Determination like his is hard to find. She puts her heart into her own paintings, which she hopes will give her inspiration and courage. She has had and continues to have a difficult life, but her demeanour is always upbeat and positive. Her story and her life journey seriously motivates us. Best wishes of your life Anjana. You’re the inspiration for everyone.
Also Read:https://storiesofindia.org/meet-the-slum-beauty-maleesha-kharwa/