Wizard of Needles

Imagine a visually challenged person perfecting the art and science of inserting needles to heal others! Unbelievable but Anil Kumar has proved the skeptics wrong and established his credentials as a wizard of needles – a story which has been beautifully brought before the world by journalist Deepak Parvatiyar in his debut documentary, which was released at the India International Centre recently before a discerning and distinguished audience and the saving grace was that there were no politicians around.

The Wizard of Needles is an inspiring story of how physical disabilities cannot be a deterrent to one's achievements and ambition to serve mankind. “This is a story that can motivate others. Here all characters are real,” said Parvatiyar.

Anil was a five-year-old child when he lost his eyesight due to meningitis. He was hospitalized for two years and his optical nerves had to be removed to save his life. He braved all odds to become an acupuncturist. In 2003, the President of India presented Anil the National Award for his achievements. The Wizard of Needles documents the true story of this indomitable human spirit to achieve the impossible.

“I was inspired to make this documentary as I was swayed by Anil’s zest for life. His life story is very inspiring and I am sure the documentary will inspire people never to lose hope and faith,” Parvatiyar, a journalist with an experience of over 20 years in print and electronic media, said. The Wizard of Needles is Parvatiyar’s maiden directorial venture. In the documentary, he has used his narrative skills blended with excellent Indian classical music that conjures up morning freshness and invokes hope and eternal optimism. His novel use of quotations to underline the importance of a scene is quite innovative. Anil's deep faith in God adds a new dimension to the film that is all about hope and faith. The film has been shot over a period of about two years in Delhi, Kolkata and Bijnor.

May Anil’s life and struggles inspire not only the differently abled but also the so-called normal individuals who are too scared to face the challenges of life and resorts to short cuts including drugs and suicides.

May the tribe of journalists like Deepak Parvatiyar, who are moved by such human interest stories and not craving for sensationalism and instant fame, increase.

Both the Government and the private sector should encourage such noble and innovative endeavours.