Empowering Diversity: Divya Kala Mela in Agartala Celebrates Abilities

Agartala: The six-day-long Divya Kala Mela at the Children’s Park concluded with a spectacular ceremony, featuring the distribution of prizes to Divyangjan by the Governor of Tripura, Shri Indrasen Reddy Nallu, and Minister of State, GOI Pratima Bhoumik. Organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the national-level Mela was inaugurated on February 6, 2024.

The event, named “Divya Kala Mela,” has successfully taken place in several metropolitan cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Indore, Jaipur, Varanasi, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna, and Surat. The Agartala edition witnessed the active participation of more than 20 individuals from North Eastern states.

At the closing ceremony, Naveen Shah, CMD, NDFDC, MLA, and Chairman, SC Welfare Corporation, along with other dignitaries, graced the occasion. Representatives from government and non-government organizations, ALIMCO, and media were also present, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Mela.

Divya Kala Mela provided a platform for differently-abled entrepreneurs and artists to showcase their products and skills. More than 60 artisans and entrepreneurs from 16 states and Union Territories participated in the event, featuring products ranging from home décor and textiles to stationery, eco-friendly goods, packaged food, organic products, toys, gifts, personal accessories, jewellery, and clutch bags.

A unique aspect of the Mela was the organization of an exclusive job fair for Divyangjan by DDRC, where Swiggy, a private sector company, offered job letters to seven differently-abled individuals. Punjab National Bank (PNB), the partner bank of NDFDC, and IDBI Bank registered Divyangjan interested in self-employment loans.

Throughout the event, cultural programs, including dance and singing performances by professional artists and Divyangjan, added vibrancy and entertainment for visitors. The Mela also facilitated the sanctioning of loans worth over Rs 3.6 crore to Divyangjan, OBC, and SC categories.

The success of the Mela in Agartala, the first of its kind in Tripura, has prompted plans for similar events in other cities across the country. Ahmedabad and Shimla are the next destinations for this empowering initiative, providing a comprehensive platform to celebrate diversity, talent, and entrepreneurship among differently-abled individuals. The event received widespread appreciation and purchase assurances from companies, institutions, and visitors, fostering a positive environment for future editions of the Divya Kala Mela.