Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr.Virendra Kumar, on Nov.26, participated in the Divya Kala Mela, held at Kalakshetra. Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony of the mela, which was held from Nov.17 to 26, he said, “This fair is a powerful campaign of the government to use skills and respect skills, while also bringing awareness about ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.”
The fair saw participation from differently-abled (Divyangjan) artisans from 20 states and union territories, who displayed their skills, art and entrepreneurship. Their abilities and talent were appreciated by thousands of people visiting the fair, which generated a turnover of more than Rs 1 crore. Dr.Virendra Kumar said that the products of the differently-abled will also be available to the people of India and abroad on the e-platform www.nhfdcfoundation.org, where people will be able to see the indigenous goods of Divyangjan artisans and craftsmen. He also called upon the disabled people to take full advantage of the loan schemes of the Government of India and NHFDC.
On the occasion, Dr.Virendra Kumar gave away many awards – Best Sale, Innovative Product, Best Stall Display, Best Woman Participant etc. Through the job-fair conducted as part of the mela, some of the differently-abled were shortlisted for jobs, while several others were provided with sessions on marketing. The central government proposes to organise such Divya Kala Melas in other parts of the country as well.
