Potters create earthenware to lighten the homes of others in Diwali. But, a father of four daughters Ramesh Ram, residing near Mesra on the outskirts of Ranchi, uses his skills to brighten the lives of his daughters.
His eldest daughter Pinky (27) is completely handicapped. Ram and his wife have been taking care of her since early childhood. “She could never study because of her mental and physical disabilities nor can she be married. Despite these odds I am proud to have a daughter. Her smile is enough to heal our poverty,” he said.
Ram’s maximum income is earned on Diwali when his whole family puts day-night effort on moulding and painting the mud made items. “We earn around Rs 60,000 to 70,000 in Diwali. The huge amount is saved for our daughters. Pinky’s treatment and school expenses of three daughters are managed with the money. I am myself an intermediate but desire to educate them till graduation or post graduation,” he said.
A visit to the home of this potter clearly showcased the unity of daughters in contributing physical assistance to their father in Diwali. Youngest daughter Kusum Kumari takes a leave of around 15 days from school. “Our parents always encourage us to study sincerely. With their blessings I and my sisters are studying without any tension. We lack financial crunch but they never let us feel the problems,” Kumari said.
Ram finds potential in Kumari particularly. “She is not only good in studies but a good badminton player as well. She is our hero. I want her to make a career in this sports discipline. She often tries to get into the badminton camps held at Hotwar. I pray she soon makes into the team of badminton association,” he said.
Interestingly, when Kumari and her sister Pooja were asked how they would help Pinky in future, both said they would take her financial and physical responsibility. “Didi cannot explain us that she wants to defecate or urinate. Things become difficult during her menstruation days. She cannot even share her feelings except smiling or crying. Our parents are growing old. Once I get a job after my studies, I will bear her expenses,” Kumari said.
Ram and his wife Usha Devi staying in the ancestral small home are unable to renovate the home as their money from Indira Awas Yojna is awaited. “It is not easy to manage family budget this time of the year. I bring the raw materials of ceramic items from Varanasi or Allahabad with loans. The amount I get from Rs 70,000 is also managed in giving away the loans,” said Devi.
Interestingly, Ram and his wife inspite of all these hurdles are ready to continue the work of pottery for the sake of their daughters. “I cannot fit into any other profession. A decade back, I opened a grocery shop at my home but failed to manage because of manpower crunch. My daughters obviously cannot assist me whole day by bunking their classes. let our life continue the way it is going on. The day my daughters complete their studies and get a job, I will either take some rest from my profession. Marriage would entirely be their own decision. Afterall, they are my son, my pride,” said the potter.