Mumbai, 26 February 2023

 

A "Divya Kala Mela-2023" that was organized at BKC Ground, Mumbai from the 16^th to the 25^th of February, 2023 concluded yesterday. The closing ceremony was graced by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister said, “According to the 2011 census, there is a population of two crore sixty eight divyangjans in our country. This number is likely to be updated in the next census. It is Ministry’s effort to support Divyangjans. A similar mela was organised in Delhi and Guwahati, which saw participation of persons from different states. Through these fairs we hope to expand market access for Divyangjan entrepreneurs. This is the third such Mela that was organised in Mumbai. The next fair is to be held in Bhopal from March 11, 2023. Our Ministry plans to organise such fairs in every state. I appeal to everyone to come forward and visit these fairs and inspire the Divyangjan entrepreneurs by purchasing their products.”

   

For the first time such a large scale exhibition/fair "Divya Kala Mela" for Divyang entrepreneurs and their organizations was organized in Mumbai. About 150 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from 25 states and union territories displayed their products in this ten-day fair organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India). Divya Kala Mela featured products from the categories of Home Decor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery & Eco-Friendly Products, Packaged Food & Organic Products, Toys & Gifts, Personal Accessories Jewellery, Clutch Bags etc.

Divya Kala Mela provided a platform to various groups of Divyang artists and other professional artists to showcase their skills and live demonstration of production like looms, embroidery free hand made paintings, artefacts, wheat grass painting by artisans of various organizations etc. There was enthusiastic participation from women entrepreneurs/artists in the fair. Apart from a total of 27 women entrepreneurs, many women artists also participated in it. The fair became a platform to highlight the different talents hidden in Divyangjans. Some differently-abled participants also performed on stage. Organizations providing vocational training to the disabled participated in the fair.

   

A number of workshops for the benefit of Divyangjans were jointly organized by NHFDC, KVIC, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and several NGO start ups during the Mela such as:

1. Discussion on business plan/project report.
2. New Business Opportunities and Market Introduction Online Business Preparation.
3. Marketing through e-commerce sites.

Apart from this, participants were selected for assessment and registration for Karigar Card, marketing through KVIC's channel, buyer-seller meets and expert advice on product development and award. Daily cultural programs were organized for the visitors of the fair. Through this fair, Divyangjan persons did a cumulative business of more than ₹ 80,00,000/-. Divyangjan persons also received purchase assurances from many companies.

The fair received a footfall from domestic and foreign tourists. Delicious dishes were relished by the visitors at the fair. Various government and non-government organizations played a good role in making the fair a success. Apart from print and electronic media, the fair got a lot of coverage through social media too.

 

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PIB Mumbai |Nikita/Darshana

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