25th National Divya Kala Mela to be Held in Udaipur

Udaipur: The 25th National Divya Kala Mela, organized by the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, will take place from March 21 to March 30 at the Udaipur Municipal Corporation Town Hall. This unique event, which will be held for the first time in Udaipur and the second time in Rajasthan, will showcase products made by disabled entrepreneurs and artists from over 20 states across India.

The inauguration ceremony, set for March 21 at 4:00 PM, will be graced by the Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribahu Kishanrao Bagde, and the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale. The 10-day event will feature over 100 disabled artisans and entrepreneurs displaying a variety of handcrafted goods, textiles, embroidery, packaged foods, and more. The exhibition will run from 11 AM to 9 PM every day, and entry is completely free.

**A Platform for Empowerment and Skill Showcase**  
The Divya Kala Mela provides a significant platform for showcasing the talents and products of persons with disabilities (PWDs). This initiative is aimed at empowering them economically by promoting their craftsmanship and skills. Visitors will be able to purchase a wide range of items, including home décor, lifestyle products, clothing, stationery, eco-friendly products, packaged foods, toys, gifts, jewelry, clutch bags, and much more. Additionally, there will be food stalls offering famous delicacies from different regions of India, all prepared by persons with disabilities.

**Cultural Programs and Special Events**  
The mela will also feature a series of cultural programs, with performances by both disabled and professional artists. On March 30, a special cultural event titled *Divya Kala Shakti* will be presented, featuring performances by disabled artists from across the country. The event will also include a grand poetry session by disabled creators.

**Government's Commitment to Empowerment**  
Dr. Naveen Shah, CMD of NHFDC, emphasized the government's commitment to empowering persons with disabilities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He shared that in just three years, 24 Divya Kala Melas have been held across the country, offering a platform for disabled artists to showcase their work and become financially independent. Dr. Shah also mentioned that stalls for the artists are provided free of charge, along with arrangements for their travel, accommodation, and food.