Picture this: the time is almost 6 pm in the Margao market, the hustle and bustle of office goers returning home, the vendors attempting to sell dusters, curtains and home décor, the honking of vehicles, the rush to reach home on time. In the midst of this commotion a melodious voice sings: Har ghadi badal raha hai roop zindagi/Chaav hai kahhi hai dhoop zidnagi/Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo/Jo hai sama, kal ho na ho. This is a song from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), originally sung by Sonu Nigam and written by Javed Akhtar.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
The initial attention-grabbing aspect for observers was Krishna's left leg, which had been amputated because of which he took up singing as a means of inspiring individuals with disabilities to pursue their passions.
The 29-year-old shared his story, “In my teenage years, I fell from the roof of my house and had a fracture. Being from a remote village of Darjeeling, my parents took me to the nearest doctor available. Though he was not specialised to treat fractures, he put me in a cast, which was tight and as a result of which the blood circulation was affected."
"Months later, my family took me to the city doctor, where he confirmed that the leg was infected and the only solution was to amputate it. Since then, I’m wearing a prosthetics,” Chetry narrated.
DON'T GIVE UP
Despite this life-altering incident, Krishna didn’t give up hope. He had to look for ways to earn his living. He decided to use his talent – singing – recognising that he couldn't depend on others. “I started singing and haven't looked back since,” he said, as he adjusted the donation box on the stool, which also has a QR code linked to his account.
There are two things Krishna likes to do in life – singing and travelling. So in the last few years, he has travelled to over 15 cities and counting.
TRAVEL AND SINGING IS LIFE
There are two things Krishna likes to do in life – singing and travelling. So in the last few years, he has travelled to over 15 cities and counting. “Every time it’s a new vibe, new feel and the response and attitude towards a disabled person are changing.”
GOANS WITH BIG HEARTS
He finds Goans to be more understanding. "In Goa, specifically, I have noticed that people are very considerate. They will shower me with blessings and money too. In other cities, people are always on the run,” says Krishna who sings every alternate day and rests the other days.
In Goa, specifically, I have noticed that people are very considerate. They will shower me with blessings and money too.
Krishna Chetry
AWARA HOON
“I stay in a city for around two to three months and in Goa this is my second month. I’m currently staying in Chimbel in North Goa and I manage everything with the money I saved from the performances,” says Krishna, who plans to travel to Kerala in the next few months.
While he dreams to sing on a massive stage someday soon, he acknowledges his friend and employee who has never left his side – Anirudh Das, AKA DJ.
Having a disability does not make you a burden, but when given an opportunity, it enables individuals like Krishna to overcome challenges and sing melodies.
