New Delhi:
The nine-day Divya Kala Mela 2025 concluded on a high note at Kartavya Path near India Gate, leaving behind a powerful message for India and the world: disability is not a limitation of ability, but often a limitation of opportunity and perspective. Organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the landmark event emerged as a vibrant national platform celebrating Divyang entrepreneurship, creativity, self-reliance, and inclusion.
Held from December 13 to December 21, the Divya Kala Mela 2025 brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, performers, policymakers, corporates, and citizens from across the country. Over nine days, Kartavya Path transformed into a living showcase of talent, innovation, and resilience, redefining how society views persons with disabilities and their role in India’s economic and cultural landscape.
A National Platform Redefining Disability Through Ability
The core philosophy of Divya Kala Mela 2025 was simple yet transformative: shift the narrative from sympathy to opportunity. Instead of portraying Divyangjan as beneficiaries of welfare, the mela highlighted them as contributors, creators, employers, and business leaders.
The event demonstrated that when provided with the right platforms, resources, and respect, persons with disabilities can excel in entrepreneurship, arts, sports, and skilled professions. The overwhelming public response reaffirmed that inclusive initiatives are not only socially essential but also economically impactful.
From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Divya Kala Mela
The Divya Kala Mela initiative was first launched in December 2022 at Kartavya Path, with the aim of creating a recurring national marketplace exclusively for Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the mela has grown rapidly in scale, reach, and impact.
The Delhi edition of Divya Kala Mela 2025 marked the 28th edition held across India. Over the past three years, the initiative has travelled to multiple states and cities, touching lives and reshaping mindsets nationwide.
Impact at a Glance (Across All Editions):
- 2,360+ Divyang participants from across India
- ₹23 crore+ cumulative business generated
- Participation from artisans, entrepreneurs, performers, and innovators
- Engagement with government agencies, private sector employers, and financial institutions
The Delhi edition further strengthened this legacy, setting new benchmarks in participation, sales, and employment outcomes.
Divya Kala Mela 2025: Participation and Economic Impact
The Divya Kala Mela 2025 in New Delhi featured around 100 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from 20 Indian states, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the country.
Products on Display:
- Handcrafted décor and home furnishings
- Traditional handicrafts and textiles
- Eco-friendly and sustainable products
- Organic food items and specialty snacks
- Lifestyle and utility products designed and produced by Divyang entrepreneurs
Visitors witnessed not just products, but stories of perseverance, innovation, and self-belief behind every stall.
Record-Breaking Sales:
- Over ₹2 crore in business generated during the Delhi edition alone
- Strong consumer interest from domestic and international visitors
- Direct income generation for participating Divyang entrepreneurs
The sales figures highlighted the commercial viability of Divyang-led enterprises and reinforced the importance of providing them access to mainstream markets.
Employment at the Core: Job Fair and Career Opportunities
One of the defining features of Divya Kala Mela 2025 was its strong focus on employment and financial inclusion. Recognising that sustainable empowerment goes beyond short-term sales, the organisers integrated long-term livelihood opportunities into the event.
Special Divyang Job Fair – December 16:
- 157 Divyang youth participated
- 99 candidates shortlisted by private sector employers
- Several candidates received on-the-spot job offers
Leading companies from multiple sectors participated in the job fair, assessing candidates for roles aligned with their skills and capabilities. The initiative bridged the gap between Divyang talent and inclusive employers, demonstrating that disability-inclusive hiring is both feasible and beneficial.
Financial Empowerment Through NDFDC Support
The National Divyang Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) played a pivotal role in strengthening financial inclusion during Divya Kala Mela 2025.
Key Financial Interventions:
- Loans exceeding ₹1.05 crore sanctioned
- Financial assistance extended to Divyang entrepreneurs for business expansion
- Awareness sessions on credit schemes, subsidies, and entrepreneurship support
These financial measures ensured that the mela was not just a one-time showcase, but a catalyst for long-term business growth and sustainability.
Assistive Technology and Accessibility: ALIMCO’s Contribution
Empowerment also requires access to the right tools. During Divya Kala Mela 2025, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) actively facilitated:
- Distribution of assistive devices
- Registration of eligible Divyang individuals for future support
- Guidance on improving mobility, communication, and productivity
By enhancing functional independence, these interventions enabled Divyang individuals to participate more fully in economic and social activities.
Culture, Talent, and Expression: Divya Kala Shakti Programme
Beyond commerce and employment, Divya Kala Mela 2025 celebrated the artistic and cultural talents of Divyang individuals.
Divya Kala Shakti Cultural Programme:
- Performances by Divyang artists from the Delhi-NCR region
- Music, dance, and creative expressions showcasing extraordinary talent
- Enthusiastic audience participation and appreciation
The cultural evenings reinforced the idea that creativity transcends physical limitations and that inclusive platforms enrich the cultural fabric of society.
Experience Zone and Adaptive Sports: Changing Perspectives
A major attraction for visitors was the Experience Zone, designed to offer insights into the everyday realities, abilities, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Highlights:
- Interactive exhibits promoting empathy and understanding
- Demonstrations of adaptive tools and technologies
Additionally, adaptive sports such as Blind Cricket and Boccia drew significant interest. These activities not only entertained visitors but also challenged stereotypes, showing that sportsmanship and competitive spirit thrive beyond conventional norms.
Public Engagement and Overwhelming Support
Throughout the nine days, Divya Kala Mela 2025 witnessed strong footfall from citizens, tourists, students, policymakers, and international visitors. Families, young professionals, and senior citizens alike engaged with artisans, purchased products, and participated in cultural and experiential activities.
The public response underscored growing awareness and acceptance of disability inclusion as a shared social responsibility.
Government Commitment to Inclusive Development
Officials from DEPwD and NDFDC expressed gratitude to:
- The general public
- Local administration
- Kartavya Path authorities
- Participating organisations and partners
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding Divya Kala Mela initiatives across the country, ensuring wider reach and deeper impact.
According to officials, Divya Kala Mela 2025 aligns seamlessly with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where inclusive growth ensures that no section of society is left behind.
Beyond Welfare: Towards Dignity and Partnership
What sets Divya Kala Mela 2025 apart is its emphasis on dignity rather than charity. By positioning Divyangjan as active partners in nation-building, the initiative challenges outdated perceptions and promotes a future where inclusion is the norm, not an exception.
The mela showcased:
- Economic participation instead of dependency
- Skill and entrepreneurship instead of stereotypes
- Collaboration instead of marginalisation
A Model for Global Inclusion
As India continues to strengthen its global leadership role, initiatives like Divya Kala Mela 2025 offer a model for inclusive development that resonates beyond national borders. The event demonstrates how policy support, public engagement, and market access can collectively transform lives.
For global audiences in the UK, US, and beyond, Divya Kala Mela stands as a compelling example of how inclusion can drive economic growth, cultural richness, and social harmony.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Divya Kala Mela
With 28 successful editions completed, the roadmap for Divya Kala Mela looks promising. Future editions are expected to:
- Expand to more cities and regions
- Include digital marketplaces for wider reach
- Strengthen international collaborations
- Introduce advanced skill development and mentoring programmes
The vision is clear: create a sustainable ecosystem where Divyang entrepreneurs thrive year-round, not just during events.
Read also: Tarique Rahman’s Return After 18 Years: A Defining Moment for Bangladesh’s Political Future
Conclusion: Divya Kala Mela 2025 Leaves a Lasting Legacy
As the curtains fell on Divya Kala Mela 2025 at Kartavya Path, the event left behind more than impressive sales figures or cultural performances. It left a renewed belief that inclusion is powerful, entrepreneurship is universal, and talent knows no boundaries.
By celebrating ability over disability, opportunity over sympathy, and dignity over dependency, Divya Kala Mela 2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to building an inclusive, confident, and self-reliant society-one where Divyangjan stand shoulder to shoulder with every citizen in shaping the nation’s future.
