Life is something that should not wither away during a crisis, neither is it to be lived in disappointment. Instead, it must burn bright and gain strength to march ahead...
Even though she couldn't get up without help, Thiruvananthapuram native Ranjini proves that life is not to be lived blaming your destiny.
Confined to bed due to spinal muscular atrophy, Kilimanoor Pappala Anappara Veettil Ranjini overcomes her disability through creativity.
Ranjini makes and sells paper pen and other handicraft items and has rewritten her fate herself. Ranjini, who is good at making handicraft items and painting, came to the limelight when she started making eco-friendly products. She makes pen, flowers, flower vases, chain and earrings using colour papers, weeklies and newspapers. From these, she sells only paper pens.
Since she had spinal muscular atrophy right from the time of birth, treatment started very early. But even then, it was difficult to contain the intensity of the disease. Walking too became difficult once she reached 12.
For the past 15 years, her life is confined to her bed. What came as a turning point in her life was a Facebook group called 'Mission handicrafts for handicaps'. She became its member and learned how to make paper pens and started its sales. The response was much more than expected and is now the main source of income for her family that includes her father, who is a driver, and mother.
Paper pen, alias seed pen
The paper from weeklies and fluorescent craft paper are used for making the pen. The main USP of the paper pen is that usage of plastic is kept to a minimum. The body and cap of the pen are made out of paper, while the refill is the only plastic presence in it.
It also packs another feature -- seeds are kept inside the pen. Seeds of trees, vegetables and fruits are chosen for this. Once the pen is used and discarded, the seed stored inside the pen will germinate and become a blessing to the nature. The pens are sold through the Facebook collective and through courier. The pen can also be customised with your message in the form of a sticker. It costs Rs 5-8.
Painting
Ranjini had showed interest in painting from her childhood. Though she hasn't learnt painting, she is good at pencil drawing, oil painting and water colour. She has more than 200 paintings to her credit. Some of her works were displayed in exhibitions too. She hopes to take part in more exhibitions. Artist Shaji has extended a helping hand to Ranjini after he read about her in newspapers.
Spinal muscular atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. The muscles gradually become weak and patients are confined to beds and wheelchairs. No cure is available for SMA. Since government records do not have any mention of SMA it is difficult to get any benefit from the government too.
Those who want to buy paper pen can contact Ranjini at 9061275475.
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