Short people's height in handicraft skills

Hari Prasad Koirala,Urlabari, Sept. 9: Bishnu Magar, a 34-year-old individual with dwarfism residing in Letang-6 Public Tole in Morang, has been actively engaged in crafting handicrafts from bamboo.

Magar, after making handicrafts from a bundle of bamboo purchased for Rs. 2000, can earn up to Rs. 15,000.

There is a saying that if someone has the skills and determination, they don't need to look for opportunities abroad or pursue traditional business or employment. Magar has indeed demonstrated the validity of this saying.

After receiving training of crafting bamboo furniture and decorative items from the Dwarf Association Nepal, six years ago, he successfully turned those acquired skills into a thriving business.

He spends his entire day at home, dedicating himself to honing his craftsmanship    from morning till evening. He manufactures items according to the demand and requirements of the customers.

As he crafts items based on customer orders, he maintains only a limited selection of pieces that he can use to showcase his work to potential customers.

Magar specializes in crafting items that are particularly suitable as tokens of love or gifts for guests at formal events. 

He noted that there is a significant demand for these items in the market. 

Magar, who is just 4.2 feet tall, says despite his shorter stature, he is fully capable of performing tasks just like an individual of average height.

He has the ability to craft a diverse range of items using bamboo,  including miniature chairs, tables, combs, Darahara replicas, houses, and a model of the Pashupatinath Temple. Additionally, he can create lamps and bookshelves, among other bamboo-based products.

Magar, who has been providing training of bamboo craftsmanship in Letang and neighboring municipalities, holds leadings positions in various associations and organisations.

Sharing his experience, he said "I am particularly focused on assisting organsations that support disabled individuals."

Stating that people living with disabilities possess different skills and capabilities, he said, “I am dedicated to facilitating them by teaching them skills and linking them to income-generating opportunities."

Magar, who is currently earning up to Rs. 30,000 per month, stated that if he could dedicate his full time to his work, he believes his income could potentially double in the near future.

The usefulness of bamboo is such that there is virtually no item that cannot be crafted from it. It's merely a question of dedication, effort, and time.

He is living with his wife and daughter. He had already trained 18 groups of people. 

According to him, with training and consistent effort, it's possible to replace many plastic items with bamboo materials.

“There's no need to seek opportunities abroad, one can earn by staying within the country,” said Magar. 

However, he emphasized the importance of utilizing skills and putting in hard work to achieve this.