MANGALURU:Jagannath Shetty of Kilenjar near Kinnigoli, who is physically challenged, is as strong as the ropes he makes.
Ropes made by Shetty are as tough as the ones used for rock climbing or to restrain a buffalo. He sells the ropes to shops and at buffalo races and cock-fight events on his modified two-wheeler.
“Disability is not a big issue for me after I started weaving ropes,” says 58-year-old Shetty, who is determined to be self-sufficient.
His dream of earning a living independently was realised after he got a two-wheeler as a donation. Earlier he was dependent on others to sell the ropes. Now he can travel anywhere.
Shetty was paralysed below the waist after falling from a tree when he was a 15-year-old. After being bedridden for 10 years, he got the idea of weaving ropes. With the help of people around him he purchased raw materials like plastic and cotton ropes.
Day by day his ropes gained popularity and he started to sell them at Kambala events and shops.
He lives in a separate house near his relatives. His elder brother and his family helps him with food.