Hailakandi, Sept. 25: Physical limitations have never been a deterrent for 24-year-old artisan Gobinda Chandra Nath, who is one of the most sought after idol-makers of Hailakandi town in south Assam.

Hailing from Chandipur village, Nath, who has a foot missing since birth, has had hardly a minute to spare these past weeks, busy giving Durga idols final touches at various pandals here.

With barely a couple of days left for Pujas, Nath was spotted in the pandal of Barowari Durga Puja Committee. Asked about his early career, he said: 'I started making idols at the age of six. Actually, it was a sport for me and I made different kinds of dolls and idols of Ganesh and later took it up as a profession.'

He has worked with noted idol-makers of Hailakandi, Sadhan Paul and Hari Paul. Idol-making was a full-time profession for Nath till last year but after joining as a national service volunteer under Nehru Yuva Kendra, it has become a part-time profession.

'Our team made 23 Durga idols in Hailakandi district and this is indeed encouraging,' Nath said. The national service volunteering programme encourages enthusiastic rural youths to pursue their vocation for a particular time period, which may be extended up to two years.

Besides dabbling in clay, Nath is also a folk singer and an acclaimed flautist of Barak Valley. He is a regular artiste for All India Radio Silchar and Doordarshan.

Youngest among nine siblings, Nath continued his studies and completed his Higher Secondary.

'I hail from a farmer's family and I had to earn from my childhood. All my six sisters are married,' the artisan said.

Nath, along with six other members of the family, has pledged to donate his eyes and is also a member of Saksham, which is working for Andha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He said everyone should donate their eyes 'because it is a unique way for others to see the light of this world'.

In fact, social service is now a prime motivator for Nath.

When asked about his future plans, he said he would do something for the differently abled talented youths if he ever has the resources.