Divyangjan companions in society: CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised the importance of inclusivity and empowerment of Divyangjan at the Delhi edition of Divya Kala Mela 2025 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. “Our Divyang brothers and sisters are not separate from us-they are our companions in society. No nation can truly progress by leaving anyone behind,” she said.

Gupta praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, such as the Accessible India Campaign, skill development programmes, and scholarships, which are ensuring dignity, opportunity, and equal participation for Divyangjan. She emphasised that real transformation demands courage and collective thinking, where society rises above individual interests and walks together for the welfare of all.

Inaugurating the event, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, highlighted that a nation’s strength is measured by its commitment to empower every citizen with dignity, equality, and opportunity. He stated that the vision of “Saksham Bharat, Samarth Bharat” can be realised only when Divyangjan are recognised as equal partners in the nation’s progress.

The Divya Kala Mela has evolved into a nationwide catalyst for empowerment, generating over Rs 20 crore in sales, supporting nearly 1,000 Divyang entrepreneurs, and facilitating employment for 310 Persons with Disabilities through dedicated job fairs.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building an enabling ecosystem of education, skilling, accessibility, assistive technology, and livelihood opportunities that ensure dignity, independence, and long-term empowerment for every Divyang citizen.

The event is a celebration of the “capability within disability,” offering a national platform for Divyang artists, entrepreneurs, and performers to showcase their exceptional talent with confidence and pride. The Mela calls upon citizens to support Divyang entrepreneurship and creativity, marking another meaningful step towards building a sensitive, empowered, and inclusive India.

Since its inception in December 2022, the Divya Kala Mela has played a transformative role in promoting entrepreneurship, visibility, and mainstream participation of Persons with Disabilities. A total of 2,274 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs have participated so far, generating cumulative sales of Rs 21.31 crore across 27 Melas held nationwide.

Under the ADIP Scheme, more than 32 lakh Persons with Disabilities have received aids and assistive devices since 2014, while 934 Divyangjan have been supported through loans amounting to Rs 18.05 crore to expand micro-enterprises and livelihood activities.

Additionally, 310 Persons with Disabilities have secured employment through job fairs organised alongside the Melas.

The ongoing Divya Kala Mela 2025 at Kartavya Path stands as a vibrant tribute to the resilience, artistry, and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyangjan.