Inspiring! The lone haircutting salon of Bhandari town is run by a physically challenged individual
Morung Express News
Bhandari | May 25
At the age of 3, Achungthung Kikon’s limbs were paralyzed by Polio, but this disability did not deter him to inability.
Now in his 28 years, he runs the lone haircutting saloon in Bhandari town, an ADC subdivision under Wokha district bordering Assam. A self taught barber, Achungthung cuts, trim and shape the hair of at least fifteen clients on a good day at his small improvised saloon.
Not one to gripe over his fate or be morose, Achungthung, who hails from Bhandari village, said he started practicing the art of hair cutting from the young age of 15. “I had no training, I am self taught. Now I can cut any style demanded by my clients,” this barber, who never had any formal instruction or training, proudly claims.
Though constantly reminded of his disability because of the difficulty with mobility, the 28 year-old is not one to sit lying down and have become adept in using a crutch, stick or hands to support his legs as he move around to his daily chores. Achungthung is married and his wife lives in Bhandari village to look after her ailing father.
He even dapples in carpentry- a skill which he learnt from observing the work of a carpenter like daily devotion at his village. “I also make furniture. But it is quite strenuous for me, so I don’t do commercial except for relatives and friends in my free time,” he says.
At one time, Achungthung struggled with his hair cutting business, which was his bread and butter because the dinghy saloon was too stuffy for customers and he had no proper equipments except for a few pieces of combs, scissors and razors.
It was then that a newly formed society at Bhandari town- Mhankai Okho came to his rescue. Acknowledging the dignity of labor put in by Achungthung despite being physically challenged, the society pooled in money and renovated the shop, installed a proper shop sign board and bought him an electric hair cutting machine.
“One of the main objectives of our society is to support local entrepreneurs and local produce. We want our local youth to grow and Achunghung is an inspiration to the young generation to pick up any tool and start earning despite all odds,” Chomithung, a member of Mhankai Okho said.
Members of the society have also been encouraging the residents of Bhandari town and nearby area to go to Achungthung’s saloon if they wanted a haircut instead of travelling all the way to Merapani town in Assam.
Besides, the society has also been initiating a number of cleanliness drives around town and the surrounding villages, planting trees, refurbishing waiting sheds, spearheading awareness campaign etc as part of their mission. Achungthung says he is indeed grateful to the society for giving him a new leash of life.
The lone barber of Bhandari has just one bit of advice for those who tend to stand and stare the day away- “What’s the use of sitting and remain idle? What will you get with that? We have to work- any work or else how can one survive?”
