Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurates the 22nd Divya Kala Mela at Indian Gate, New Delhi
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurates the 22nd Divya Kala Mela at Indian Gate, New Delhi
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD), under Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), is all set to organize the 22nd Divya Kala Mela from 12th – 22nd December, 2024 at the iconic India Gate, New Delhi.
The 11-day extravaganza, featuring participation from around 100 Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from 20 states/UTs, was inaugurated today by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E), Dr. Virendra Kumar. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included MoS (SJ&E), Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma, along with other senior officials of the Ministry.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Virendra Kumar thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision in coining the term ‘Divyang’, that truely honors the immense potential of this community. Talking about the achievements of the over 20 Divya Kala Melas organized across the country, he informed that the initiative has provided this community a unique platform to get economically empowered and not only earn their living but also become employment generators. The Minister expressed immense satisfaction in the potential of this platform when he informed that till date these Melas have generated sales worth over Rs. 14 crores for the Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs.
MoS Shri Ramdas Athawale noted that the situation of Divyangjan has significantly improved over the years, reflecting Government’s commitment to inclusivity. The Divya Kala Mela provides a wonderful platform for Divyangjan to showcase their talent and sell their uniquely crafted products. “Guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, our Ministry is dedicated to supporting the aspirations of Divyangjan, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society”, he added.
MoS Shri B.L. Verma stated that from sports to crafts, Divyangjan are making remarkable achievements. “As we strive toward Viksit Bharat@2047, Divyangjan will play a vital role in this journey. Our commitment remains unwavering, with tailored initiatives to ensure their progress and empower them to achieve their aspirations”, he added.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), said that Divyangjan possess remarkable abilities to uplift their own lives while contributing to society and the economy. The Divya Kala Mela beautifully showcases their immense talent and creativity. With the right opportunities and support, they can achieve extraordinary feats in entrepreneurship. The government is committed to empowering Divyangjan, actively implementing initiatives to encourage and enable them to accomplish their dreams and become integral contributors to the nation’s progress, he added.
This unique event will showcase the extraordinary talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyang artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists from across the country. The event promises to be an inspiring celebration of ability, determination, and skill of Divyanjans. The 11-day ‘Divya Kala Mela’ will remain open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, ensuring ample time for visitors to explore, shop, and enjoy the cultural extravaganza.
Event Highlights
• Vibrant Products on Display: Visitors will get to experience and purchase a wide range of products, including:
• Cultural Extravaganza: The event will feature captivating performances by Divyang artists in music, dance, and other performing arts. The grand finale, a cultural programme, titled ‘Divya Kala Shakti’, will be held on 22nd December 2024, showcasing the talent and artistic brilliance of Divyangjan under the theme – ‘Ability in Disability’.
• Culinary Delights: Visitors can savour dishes from various regions of the country at a range of food stalls in the mela.
The event offers a unique opportunity to support local artisans and contribute to the economic independence of Divyangjan. Products crafted with extra determination and skill will be available for purchase, promoting inclusivity and self-reliance. The Divya Kala Mela is not just an event, but a movement towards the economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It provides a national platform to showcase the skills, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyangjan, allowing them to gain visibility, market access, and new opportunities. Since its inception in 2022, the Divya Kala Mela has been successfully organized in 21 cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Bengaluru, and Pune.
Video Link of the Inaugural Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/uDuZO2s6xzw?feature=shared