Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, inaugurated the 'Divya Kala Shakti' Program at the Rudraksha Convention & Cultural Centre in Varanasi today, on May 27th, 2023.

Around 1,600 spectators from various streams, including public representatives, state administration, various non-governmental organizations, Asha Workers, Anganwari Workers, primary and secondary teachers, students from universities, representatives of music Gharana, rehabilitation professionals, and stakeholders of the department, witnessed the extraordinary performances by the Divyang children and youth at the cultural event ‘Divya Kala Shakti - Witnessing Ability in Disability’ organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through CRC-Lucknow, an organization under the department.

After two national events held on April 18th, 2019, and July 23rd, 2019, at the President's House and Balayogi Auditorium, the Department is taking Divya Kala Shakti to regional levels under the direction of former President Shri. Ram Nath Kovind. As per this direction, five regional “Divya Kala Shakti” programs have already been held in various places, including the Western Region, North Eastern and Southern Region in Mumbai, Arunachal, Chennai, New Delhi, and Gauhati.

This time, the sixth DIVYA KALA SHAKTI program was organized in the divine city of Varanasi, where approximately 100 artists from six states, namely West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, performed in the program. Today’s program reflected a unique combination of folk and regional dance forms from all the aforementioned regions.

The department arranged for their rehearsals and practice sessions with the choreographer, and the discipline and precision of timing and performance among such children is the greatest example of their intellectual, creative, and latent abilities that need to be harnessed for their optimal self-actualization. The event was witnessed by various dignitaries representing senior government officials, creative personalities, educators, principals, and various disability advocacy groups, among others.

The performances were presented by children and youth with disabilities ranging from physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, autism to multiple disabilities and dwarfism. They are capable of excelling in any field, be it art, culture, sports, or anything. The children with disabilities and the audience will always remember the inspiring words said by the Prime Minister, "Divyang are gifted human beings, and we are working steadfastly towards ensuring an inclusive, accessible, and equitable future for our Divyang sisters and brothers. Their fortitude and accomplishments in various fields inspire all of us."

Shri. Rajesh Aggarwal, the Secretary, appreciated the performance of all the artists and reiterated the commitment towards Divyangjan, informing that such events will be held at regular intervals. He also appreciated the performance of all the groups.

Shri. Rajeev Sharma, the Joint Secretary, welcomed all the dignitaries as well as participants. Shri. Ajit Kumar, the Special Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has inspired the Divyangjan and urged them to recognize their inner talent and take part in every field, be it sports or technical education, etc.

Shri. S. Rajlingam, the District Magistrate of Varanasi, stated that they are committed to making Kashi a beautiful, clean, and accessible city.

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MG/PD

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