Meet Odisha Divyang Girl Who Turns Waste to Treasure

Berhampur: Despite suffering hearing and speech impairment, Ananya Dash of Ramkrishna Nagar, has never felt discouraged and displayed her remarkable and awe-inspiring quality of turning waste materials to attractive handicraft items.

Ananya, who was interested in drawing since her childhood, reportedly makes flower vases, photo frames, boats and paper flowers of different colours by using several unused materials like old invitation cards, newspapers and match sticks.

"I use pencils, papers, colour, ice-cream sticks and match sticks to make these things," said Ananya who not only makes the handicraft items to decorate houses, but also has kin interest in studies. Currently, she is in Plus Two first year.

Ananya's father Sachidanand Dash, who is a teacher, has always been an encouraging factor for Ananya. "When I saw some of her beautiful drawings, I realised her special interest and provided her with everything she asked for," said Sachidanand.

Locals of the area hail Ananya for her works and even buy handicraft items from her to decorate their houses. "Ananya is unable to hear and speak clearly but she uses waste materials to produce amazing handicraft items," said Dilip Kumar Pradhan, Ananya's neighbour.