Transcending all odds, many Subhadras tie thread of love

Bhubaneswar: A strong bond, they say, can never be broken with any impediments, whatsoever. It is clearly envisaged from the custom of Raksha Bandhan, where a simple thread promises to keep intact the sacred and strong relationship between a brother and a sister.

The festival of Rakhi is celebrated across the country with fervour and gaiety. But when it comes to Subhadra Tunga of Kaliasola in Mayurbhanj district, the festival seems to be unique. Physically challenged, Subhadra conquered all hurdles to celebrate the festival.

She was named after Devi Subhadra as she was born without limbs. But that has never deterred her from celebrating the occasion with enthusiasm and excitement. She forgets everything when she ties the Rakhi on her brother’s wrist with all rituals with the help of her legs.

"Physical inability has never dissuaded me from tying Rakhi to my brother. I seek his blessings and pray for his long life, good health, happiness and prosperity," says Subhadra.

Subhadra has always shown her ability in every sphere. "She never feels that she is challenged and wants to move forward like others in every field," said her uncle Sabhunath Tunga.

Similar determination was found among the visually impaired inmates of blind and deaf school in Bhubaneswar who celebrated the festival with verve and enthusiasm. Though not aware of the colour or look of the threads, they tied Rakhi to their fellow inmates. "This day teaches us to protect our sisters and not hurt them under any circumstances," says Rajkumar, a dibyang and an inmate of Blind and Deaf school in Satyanagar here who was tied Rakhi by girls of the institute.