A tiny fraction of the population can use both hands with equal skills. You think lefties are rare? Truly ambidextrous people only make up about 1 percent of the population. Ambidexterity is the ability to use both the hands equally well. It means that the person has no preference regarding the usage of the right or the left hand. While there are more people who can use their non-dominant hand nearly as well as their dominant one, people who have no dominant hand and can use both hands with equal skill, are about 1 in 100. History has seen some eminent ambidextrous people seize the world with their craft, intelligence or skills. To name a few, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo Di Vinci or current sports stars, Rafael Nadal or Cristiano Ronaldo top the list. With pretty much symmetrical brain, ambidextrous people simply can outshine and create a mark in whatever they do. Manoj Chand, hailing from Nepal, is one such individual. Ambidextrous he is, but furthermore he can write with both his hands, both legs, both elbows and mouth – all at once. He picks up six pens and jots down on a paper. He is proudly destined to put his name on the list of Guinness Book of World Records. He can write A-Z in 6 seconds using both his hands. All set to create a record, Manoj talks to Community about his work and talent.


Tell us about your journey so far?
I am from Baitadi, far western town of Nepal. I’m a graduate in sociology and political science. Since my childhood, I’ve always been attracted towards attention-grabbing tricks. I was always drawn to tranquillity to perform mind-boggling tasks.


Tell us about your talent and how you explored it?
I started writing with both hands in Grade IX. I sort of realised and explored the talents of each organ of my body, individually. In college, I used to take two notes simultaneously. My work time actually reduced. I used to get done with two-hour task in one hour. My only intention was to bring untapped dexterity of my limbs and other organs to the surface.


When and how did you feel you should get your talent recognised?
It started in 2008. I have already toured 72 out of 74 districts of Nepal to showcase my talent to the students. The first country I visited was Thailand. I received a lot of positive feedback from the people. In Bangladesh, an audience of differently abled people also applauded my talent. I have an aim to visit at least 100 countries.


Do you get any support from the Government of Nepal for your endeavours?
I represent Nepal when I visit any country in the world. More than my own name, I get recognised by my country. However, there is a financial problem. At times, I find myself helpless. Air tickets and visa bring woes. Against all odds, I feel positive all the time. We have to combat every bleak situation, and success lies therein. Until now, I have not received any support from the Government of Nepal. But now, since the government knows about my talent, I am really confident that they’ll come forward to support me.


Was your family always supportive?
My family doesn’t fully support me. I used to teach in college. My family was happy with that. But as I shifted to this they worry about it not being financially safe. I convince them at times that this will bring good results.


How has your world tour been so far?
Many people in different countries were surprised and they requested me to showcase my talent again and again. In many countries, there are Nepali embassies and non-resident communities, so, I didn’t feel I was out-of-place all this time. Except regular financial hassles, tours are always good.


Tell us about your experience in Qatar?
I am more than happy to be in Qatar. It is a beautiful and peaceful country. There are so many Nepalis living here. We hope our tour will bolster our bilateral ties. Furthermore, Doha is cosmopolitan — people of all nationalities stay here. Touring Qatar was once-in-a-lifetime experience.


What are your future plans?
My plan is to promote tourism in Nepal. Nepal should correspondingly build infrastructure for global tourists. I am destined to inspire physically challenged people so that their lives don’t stop at their disabilities — and they too can perform amazing tasks. I stand up with differently abled people. I want to promote peace. As I come from the land of Buddha, we have to promote world peace wherever we go.