Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Cultivating a success story against all odds

By Staff Reporter

CHANDRAPUR, Feb 7 � Instances of individuals ascending the highest peak of success through hard work and determination are galore and truly inspirational. But the success story of Rajani Kanta Das, not only inspires but also touches a chord somewhere in the heart because this physically challenged man is neither inhibited nor feels restrained.

At 42 years, Das is a successful orange cultivator and he has recently won the prize for the third best farmer in Kamrup (Metro) from the Agriculture department. The prize carries a cash amount of Rs 20,000.

He lost his left leg when he was just eight years old. But that didn�t in any way deter him. He wanted to follow in his father�s footsteps to become a farmer but he also wanted to prosper better than his father.

�The accident only made me more determined and I worked harder to be a well-off farmer,� said Das while talking to this reporter at a sprawling potato and mustard cultivation.

At present Das has an orange orchard spread over an area of 150 bighas and he is also into paddy, potato and other cultivation. He is open to scientific methods and also interested in transferring all the expertise that he has gained over the years to aspiring cultivators.

�Farming is a good option as it ensures satisfactory return and a life of dignity. I think the young people instead of running from pillar to post for a government job should take up cultivation as their source of livelihood,� observed Das, pointing out that it was better to be a farmer and earn more through hard work than doing a petty job and indulging in corruption to meet the needs of life.

The amount of hard work that Das puts in can be gauged from his daily routine. He gets up at four in the morning and continues to work in his fields till 5 pm. This schedule remains unchanged all through the seasons. His determination is reflected in his daily walk to his orange orchard high on a hill. The climb up the hill is very difficult even for an individual with both his legs intact. But Das continues his climb like a ritual. And he is keen to expand his orchard.

�I will work even harder,� he said with determination in his voice.

Next Story