Just Like the Rest

What followed was a nightmare for Sarbari 8212; days and endless nights of sitting at home and doing nothing except watch her brother grow up. quot;Finally, when I was about 18, a family friend suggested that I learn how to make handicrafts to while away my time. So, I went to Nirmala Niketan, where the principal agreed to take me on. I did their handicraft course, and later, the advanced one,quot; says Sarbari.

One course followed the other, and soon she had learnt awhole lot of things she could create to put together a beautiful home. quot;Then it struck me that I knew so much, I could actually teach. So I started teaching at home. Initially, it was just classes, then someone told me I should take part in the many exhibitions that are held all over the city. So I began doing that. I would set up a small stall, and sell my articles there,quot; she says. Slowly, she moved on to bigger spaces like the regular women8217;s exhibits at the World Trade Centre.

Business grew under the name of Nik Nak, as did her list of goodies for sale. Added to the needlepoint and handicraft were stuffed toys, costume jewellery, pottery, lamp shades, paintings and small gift items. What makes her work truly remarkable is that Sarbari does everything on her own. quot;I don8217;t want to employ people, it could become a problem. So I have just one lady who comes in thrice a week to help with the more rudimentary jobs like cutting and pasting,quot; she says.

Living in the heart of the city, perhaps also helps. Likeit got her an offer from the Cathedral School to teach SUPW classes. That she had no qualifications did not matter 8212; her skill and talent spoke for themselves.

The fact that her father has a transferable bank job could have spoilt things for this fledgling business four years ago, had it not been for a sensible and timely decision on the part of her parents. quot;When my father saw how well I was doing, he put aside his own career for mine,quot; says Sarbari, bursting with pride. quot;The next time he knew there was going to be a transfer order, he switched jobs, because then, he would have been posted abroad.quot;

Currently with TimesBank, they are certain that there will be no more transfers. Her father brushes off compliments with a simple statement: quot;Don8217;t we all have ambitions for our children? What have I done that is so great?quot;

Sarbari8217;s business is growing with each passing day. Feeling the need, she has also employed a few people to market her merchandise. They sell her goods to smaller shops all over Mumbai,where she cannot always make it on a regular basis.

In between holding classes, teaching at Cathedral School and supplying her wares to shops such as Contemporary Arts amp; Crafts, Sarbari also finds time to indulge in things that she feels do not set her apart from others her age. She has hobbies like stamp and coin collecting, on which she spends whatever time she can. quot;Why not?quot; is her edict. quot;I8217;m the same as the next person, aren8217;t I?quot;

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