The 31st edition of the Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated at Ravindra Sadan in Kolkata on July 15, marking the first time the event is being jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the mela seeks to provide a national platform for artisans, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals with disabilities to market their products and strengthen their livelihoods.
The eight-day exhibition, which will continue until July 22, features around 40 stalls showcasing handicrafts, handloom products, paintings, home décor items, textiles and a range of other products created by Divyang entrepreneurs. A majority of the participants are artisans from West Bengal, while several exhibitors from other states are also taking part in the event.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the Divya Kala Mela has evolved into a nationwide movement that celebrates talent, entrepreneurship and self-confidence among persons with disabilities. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and creating an inclusive society where every individual can contribute to nation-building.
Platform for Empowerment, Not Just an Exhibition
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Kumar said the Divya Kala Mela is much more than an exhibition of products. According to him, the initiative transforms confidence into capability, creativity into sustainable livelihoods and aspirations into self-reliance.
He said that when equal opportunities are provided, talent knows no boundaries, and the success of Divyang entrepreneurs across the country demonstrates that disability should never be viewed as a limitation. He added that the mela embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” by enabling persons with disabilities to become equal partners in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The minister said the government’s focus is on creating an enabling ecosystem that allows Divyangjan to participate in economic activity with dignity rather than depending solely on welfare measures.
Dr Kumar highlighted that since its launch in December 2022, the Divya Kala Mela has expanded significantly, emerging as one of the country’s largest platforms dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities.
Previous editions have been organised in cities including Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Patna, bringing together artisans and entrepreneurs from different parts of the country. The Kolkata edition marks the 31st event in the series and the first collaborative effort between the Union government and the West Bengal government.
Officials said the initiative has enabled thousands of artisans to directly connect with customers, expand their businesses and gain wider recognition for their products.
By eliminating middlemen and providing direct market access, the mela helps artisans improve their incomes while encouraging greater financial independence.
Shift from Welfare to Rights-Based Empowerment
Highlighting the government’s approach towards persons with disabilities, Dr Kumar said there has been a significant shift from a welfare-oriented model to a rights-based framework that focuses on empowerment, inclusion and equal opportunities.
He said the objective is not merely to provide assistance but to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to education, employment, entrepreneurship and skill development opportunities that enable them to become self-reliant.
According to the minister, the government has provided nearly Rs 1,462 crore since 2014 to around 1.82 lakh beneficiaries to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities.
He said these initiatives have encouraged many beneficiaries to establish businesses, become job creators and contribute to local economies.
Dr Kumar also highlighted the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for persons with disabilities.
Under the scheme, 20 students with disabilities are selected every year for higher education at reputed universities abroad.
The scholarship is aimed at expanding educational opportunities, promoting academic excellence and ensuring that talented students receive international exposure to enhance their careers.
The minister said education continues to play a central role in empowering persons with disabilities and improving their long-term socio-economic prospects.
Focus on Safety and Dignity of Sanitation Workers
Along with the Divya Kala Mela, the inaugural programme also highlighted the achievements of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme.
The scheme has been introduced to improve the safety, dignity and social security of sanitation workers through mechanised cleaning, skill development, health insurance and the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Dr Kumar said the programme seeks to eliminate hazardous manual sanitation work while ensuring that sanitation workers receive adequate safety equipment and healthcare support.
According to the ministry, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and more than 2.81 lakh waste pickers have already been validated under the scheme.
More than 87,000 PPE kits have been distributed to sanitation workers, while over 1.84 lakh kits have been provided to waste pickers.
The government has also issued health cards to more than 1.81 lakh beneficiaries to improve access to healthcare services.
During the inaugural programme, sanitation workers were provided with PPE kits and Ayushman Cards as part of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health coverage.
West Bengal Government Highlights Inclusive Development
Speaking on the occasion, West Bengal Minister-in-Charge of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul described the Divya Kala Mela as a celebration of dignity, creativity and inclusive development.
She said the event provides Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to directly market their products while strengthening their economic independence.
According to Paul, such initiatives help create greater public awareness about the abilities and achievements of persons with disabilities while promoting social inclusion.
She also paid tribute to sanitation workers, describing them as the true guardians of public health whose contribution often remains unnoticed despite being essential to society.
Highlighting the objectives of the NAMASTE programme, she said the initiative seeks to ensure the dignity, safety and socio-economic well-being of sanitation workers.
Paul also announced the distribution of the “Dr Kavach” safety kit, which includes a raincoat, cap, gloves, boots and protective mask to improve workplace safety for sanitation workers.
Entrepreneurship Driving Social Inclusion
West Bengal Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Malati Rava Roy said the Divya Kala Mela has become an important platform for promoting both economic empowerment and social inclusion.
She said entrepreneurship enables persons with disabilities to achieve financial independence while also helping change public perceptions about disability.
According to Roy, initiatives such as the mela encourage greater participation of Divyangjan in economic activities and provide opportunities for showcasing their creativity and professional skills before a wider audience.
She said inclusive development can be achieved only when every section of society receives equal opportunities to contribute and grow.
First Joint Initiative Between Centre and State
In his welcome address, Rajiv Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, described the Kolkata edition as a landmark event because it is the first Divya Kala Mela to be jointly organised by the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal.
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment towards empowering persons with disabilities and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.
Officials expressed hope that the collaboration would further strengthen the reach of the initiative and encourage greater participation by Divyang artisans from across the country.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ram Das Athawale, West Bengal Minister of State for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Umesh Rai, senior officials of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and several other dignitaries.
The event witnessed participation from artisans, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, disability organisations and members of the public, reflecting growing awareness about the importance of inclusive growth and equal economic opportunities.
As the eight-day mela progresses, organisers expect thousands of visitors to explore the wide range of products on display while interacting directly with the artisans and entrepreneurs behind them. Beyond creating market opportunities, the Divya Kala Mela seeks to reinforce the message that talent, innovation and determination can flourish when society provides equal opportunities and an enabling environment.
