By Sainkupar Syngkli
The challenges of being an artist are overwhelming, especially when one has to overcome hurdles at every step – from evolving continuously and getting noticed by clients and employers to finding inspiration in everyday life and spending time with family and friends.
Such is the story of Lamkordor Kharmyndai. Born to a poor family at Umlyngkdait, Nongpoh, he is the eldest son of Wandaris Kharmyndai. One can imagine the responsibility on his shoulders as he has to look after his family of five sisters and two brothers, including a single mother who earns their income from farming. He helps his mother and siblings every day after school.
It is in such circumstances that he has been honing his talent while balancing his responsibilities, education, and passion. He is a designer, artist, singer, and MMA fighter.
For him, ‘choice’ is important, particularly because he supports his own education. “When I passed my SSLC, my mother advised me to quit my studies to help her and support my siblings. I wanted to complete my BA. Keeping this in mind, I took up extra work to support my higher education.”
He joined Ri Bhoi college and in class 11, showcased his talent in his very first competition – logo design organised by the District Disaster Management Agency (DDMA), Ri Bhoi district – he won the first prize.
There was no looking back once he represented Meghalaya as an artist at state-level competitions.
The famous saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none” certainly applies to him. Smiling, he adds, “For me, it’s important to try everything once.”
Apart from art, he trained himself in mixed martial arts (MMA) in Ground n Pound Gym. “After completing my work at home, I rush for MMA practice at the gym from 10 to 11 pm. This is an avenue to earn money, with which I support myself.”
Through the gym, Lamkordor got a chance to participate in MMA competitions outside the state, where he won several medals. In addition, he is taking part in a music video and film to support his family.
Referring to a particularly dark phase in his life, he adds, “The family pressure was a difficult time. I had almost gone into depression. I kept myself busy during that time and also went to Pastor David for counselling.”
On realising the importance of his talent, he turned his hobby into a career.
As a Gen Z, Lamkordor realises the significance of technology, evident in his words, “Now there is an opportunity to combine talent and technology. Earlier, artists would come from other states for mural work, for instance. At present, our local people can do much better than them.”
Life hasn’t been easy. Poverty and being the eldest son meant he had to take the responsibility of a father. Though talented, opportunities were few, despite getting a chance to exhibit his skill. His mother could not support him, instead, forced him to quit and concentrate on working in the field.
It was only in 2019 that the people of Meghalaya began to re-consider career options and saw art as a viable alternative. He says, “I never got inspiration from anyone back when I started. Now things are changing and people know about my work.”
Lamkordor further emphasised how most parents want their children to become a doctor, an engineer or government servant, which kills talent as children aren’t given a chance to explore hidden parts of the self. Poverty adds another layer to it because it decides the opportunities one gets.
“A wise man once said – Where there is a will, there is a way – the time is now to also concentrate on the skills and talents of the people in Meghalaya. Time should not be a constraint, as long as it supports our living. We have to keep in mind the rising unemployment in the 21st century.”
His hard work has paid off. As people noticed him, he began to get contracts with private offices, schools and government departments for interior and mural design, sculpting, drawing and photography. Working as a freelancer means he can support his family at the young age of 24.
His story is that of determination and inspiration. He considers his talent a blessing.
Lamkordor said, “If you have a gifted voice, sing. If you can draw, invest in developing the skill. This applies to everything. Even if no one supports you, pursue it with a strong determination. What matters at the end of the day is your achievements. Along with this, practise gratitude for your talents.”
His story is an example of fighting against all odds. The youth of Meghalaya should take note of him. At the end of the day, it is easy to complain, instead of developing skills or exploring alternative ways to support one’s self. Challenges can become opportunities.
As I write his story, I remember how our conversation ended with him saying, “A bad carpenter always blames his tools.”