In the hills of Sama Lingdum, East Sikkim, Bikram Bhattarai grew up learning to do things differently.
Born without arms, even getting to school was once a challenge. His father, Narpati Bhattarai, would carry him through the hilly terrain to school, sometimes with classmates helping along the way. At home, his mother Januka, grandmother Sita Maya and elder sister Anjali became an important part of his journey towards independence.
It was his sister who unknowingly opened a new world for him. Watching Anjali sketch and write with her hands, Bikram began trying to do the same with his toes. Slowly, his feet became his hands. He learnt to write, draw, paint, use a computer and smartphone, eat and manage many everyday tasks independently. Art became his passion.
But learning these things was not easy. It took years of practice, patience and the willingness to keep trying. His teachers, classmates and family made sure he studied alongside other children rather than being kept away because of his disability.
That support, combined with Bikram’s determination, showed results. In 2019, he appeared for his CBSE Class 10 examinations and scored 72%, writing his papers with his feet. He later pursued a History Honours degree at Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Sikkim.
And then there was his art.
Bikram has won more than 40 awards and certificates across art, football, dance, singing and poetry. His recognitions include the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements, a silver medal in art and painting; an award from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2012; recognition at the State-level Special Olympics in 2017; the East District Class 10 Topper Award in 2021; the PwD State Icon Award from the Chief Electoral Officer, Sikkim, in 2022; and a Best Influencer Award in 2022.
His story has now reached far beyond Sikkim. He was featured in photographer Vicky Roy’s project Everyone is Good at Something, which documents the lives and abilities of people with disabilities across India. One of Bikram’s drawings; a hand holding a butterfly was created entirely with his feet.
Today, at 23, Bikram is preparing for the Sikkim Civil Services Examination, hoping eventually to enter public service and contribute to his community.
His hands may be his feet. But his determination has never needed an explanation.
