Sullia: With no strength in their legs but dreams full of colour, two sisters from Punchappady village in Kadaba taluk have shown that disability is limited to the body, not to passion and enthusiasm.

Devaki (50) and Pushpavathi (52) from Kuchejaalu in Punchappady have been physically disabled since birth. As there is no movement in their legs, their lives are mostly confined to their home. They move by crawling and are unable to step out into the outside world. However, they have not given up hope despite these limitations.

With the belief that “we too have dreams,” the sisters express their emotions through painting, turning life’s struggles into colours and giving shape to their dreams.

A life blossomed through art:

Their journey in painting began around 25 years ago and has now grown into a collection of hundreds of artworks. They started drawing by observing pictures on wedding invitation cards and scenes on television, using pencils and colours available at home. Their works include portraits of leaders, various personalities, and nature scenes. Each painting takes about two to three days to complete, they say.

No disability in the mind:

The sisters receive monthly disability pension and support from the gram panchayat. Local social worker Girishankar Sulaya said their artworks show that while the body may have limitations, the mind does not. Nadini Jayashree said they also share their drawings with children, using simple materials like pencils and colours.

Mother’s love reflected in art:

Their affection for their mother Seethamma is visible in their artwork. By observing a photograph of their late mother displayed on the wall, they recreated her image on paper with a pencil. The drawing has been carefully preserved by them.

Along with painting, the sisters are also interested in making decorative lamps, creating crafts from coconut leaves, and preparing flower bouquets for guests.