Saving Anjana: Help The Handless Artist

Dear Supporters,

Here is an update for you.

A travel blog talked about how a courageous young woman, bereft of hands eked out a living by painting. The accompanying photograph captured her beautiful smile that one could almost miss the fact that her arms ended in stumps right below the shoulder. Anjana painted with her feet! We felt that Anjana deserved much more than motivation and a story-she deserved a better ‘life’ and a home. For that, we needed monetary support. After research, ‘crowd funding‘ seemed to be the best match for the situation.

After almost a year of immense hard work and constant support from Milaap and all the donors, the campaign has turned out to be a success. We were quite close to reaching our target amount but the funds collected throughout the period of this campaign are enough for Anjana to eliminate most of her difficulties in her daily life.

Our aims for this project were based on finding real life solutions to real – life problems for Anjana and her family. After having a conversation with Anjana and informing her about the sum we have generated through this fundraising campaign, we reached to a mutual decision of creating a fixed deposit to provide her regular and secure monthly income and serve her in case of any emergency. The amount will be enough for Anjana to pay her rent and secure her house for many years. Moreover, as mentioned in the previous updates before, this amount will also be used to support her nephew and niece’s education and pay for the monthly health treatments of her paralyzed brother.

We talked about the motorized wheelchair but after having a discussion and personally visiting her home, at the start of the campaign, we felt that the uneven terrain of the neighborhood and even of the place she sits to work at will be more of a trouble and even dangerous for her. Therefore the ideal solution will be to help her maintain a roof over head and support her household, as she is the sole breadwinner of her family. We’re still discussing over the matter of buying a kiosk for her to work and if Anjana’s fine with buying it, we’ll allocate the required amount of money to help her buy the kiosk.

Moreover, along with few more students we’ve decided to upscale the project and hold an art exhibition. It is scheduled to be held in the month of May, where we’ll be exhibiting Anjana’s paintings and even the paintings of young artists. This event will be having media coverage and we’ve even decided to call some famous artists. This will be an ideal way to provide Anjana with new opportunities and connect with her artists that are keen in supporting her to move forward with her talent.
 
Determination like hers is hard to find and in spite of the difficulties she faces, we are completely amazed by the positive demeanor she keeps at all times. Our team and Anjana, personally, thank you for all the support that you’ve provided, be it the monetary support or those heartfelt, motivating messages for Anjana. With the funds generated and most importantly the blessings and encouragement that you all have given will definitely assist Anjana to transform her dream into reality in many ways.