Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma inaugurated the 23rd Divya Kala Mela at Akota stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat today. Prominent dignitaries attending the inaugural ceremony included Vadodara MP Dr. Himang Joshi, MLA Shri Chaitanya Makarand Bhai Desai, Vadodara District Collector Shri Vijul Shah, Commissioner for Disability Affairs Shri V.J. Rajput, CMD of National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), Shri Naveen Shah, and representatives from the Ministry.
The Minister assured all possible support to Divyangjans, emphasizing their crucial role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduced the term Divyang to foster a positive societal mindset towards persons with disabilities.
Shri Verma added that the Central Government has implemented several schemes to encourage entrepreneurship and craftsmanship among Divyangjans. These initiatives focus on providing training, skills, and financial support to them.
The categories of disability under government schemes have been increased from 7 to 21, and reservations for Divyangjans in government jobs and educational institutions have been enhanced to 4% and 5%, respectively.
CMD (NDFDC), Shri Naveen Shah, informed that Divya Kala Melas are being organised in every major city across the country. So far, 22 National melas have been successfully held, the Vadodara event being the 23rd edition in the series.
As part of NDFDC's initiatives, motorized tricycles funded through IRCON's CSR scheme will also be distributed to 11 Divyangjans during this event. Additionally, tokens for loan sanction letters under NDFDC’s schemes were handed over to Divyang beneficiaries from Gujarat.
An exclusive Job Fair for Divyangjans will be held on 17th January as part of the Mela. The Divya Kala Mela is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, from 9th - 19th January 2025 at Akota Stadium, Vadodara.
The mela showcases the exquisite skills and products of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeastern states. Products such as handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works, and packaged foods will be available for sale.
This initiative is a unique step towards the economic empowerment of Divyangjans, providing them with a significant platform to market and exhibit their skills and products. Prior to this, similar events were successfully held in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
NDFDC has been designated as the nodal agency for organizing these melas. Approximately 100 Divyang artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from 20 states and Union Territories are participating in this mela.
It serves as a powerful medium to promote the concept of ‘Vocal for Local’ by providing a national platform for products created by Divyang artisans. The mela is open to visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Alongside the exhibition, cultural performances by renowned artists and food stalls representing different states of India are among the highlights of this event. Additionally, several attractive selfie points have been set up for visitors.