The blind siblings who have formed an orchestra. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 2: They literally see no obstacle in realising their dream of becoming singing superstars.

With unwavering determination and remarkable vocal chords, these four siblings have proved that visual impairment is not an impediment to success.

Fate wasn’t kind to Biswakeshan Pradhan, a retired senior auditor, and his wife, Nuadei, who begot five children — four of them visually impaired. Their first three daughters, Nirupama, Nivedita and Niharika and their last child, Swadhin (19), were born blind. They approached several doctors, but in vain.

Their misfortune did not end there. After his retirement in 2005, the father suffered a paralytic attack and has been confined to bed ever since. That year, the determined foursome decided to put an end to their woes through music.

Today, they have been able to carve a niche for themselves by forming an orchestra band. Their parents had never dreamed that their four children would grow up to be independent, successful individuals.

“Looking back, I cannot tell you how tough it has been. When I used to see other normal kids, I would curse God for this injustice. But today, they have made us really proud,” said the mother.

This band of four has also travelled across the state for stage show performances. All of them have different styles and levels of expertise. Nirupama (36), the eldest of them all, (who also holds the degree of Sangeet Visharad in Odissi vocal) and Niharika are singers. They sing all kinds of songs such as bhajans, chhanda, champu, Odissi and modern songs to the accompaniment of Nivedita’s tabla beats and Swadhin’s keyboard tunes.

They celebrate life through music with no regrets whatsoever about not being able to see the world around them. “Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. Because of this common disability, our family is more closely woven. I have no regrets,” smiles Nivedita.

Their fourth child, Saroj (25), has been their support all this while. Incidentally, he also suffered from retina detachment in his right eye when he was in college and had to be operated upon. Fortunately, the operation arrested a developing cataract and today, Saroj manages fine with the aid of spectacles. “Earlier, I used to feel very sad at our misfortune, but today I feel proud of my siblings’ achievements. I feel relieved that they don’t have to depend on anyone,” said Saroj.