**Executive Summary**
The document reports on the inauguration of the 30th Divya Kala Mela in Dehradun, highlighting its role in economically empowering Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and integrating them into the mainstream. The Mela takes place from February 21 to March 1, 2026, and will include a job fair on February 26, 2026, and a cultural program on March 1, 2026. The event aims to promote the products and talents of Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inauguration and Key Speakers:**
* The 30th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. General Shri Gurmit Singh.
* Other speakers included the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, and the MP of Tehri, Ms. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah.
* **Purpose and Impact of the Mela:**
* The Mela serves as a platform for inspiration and economic empowerment for Divyangjan.
* It aims to connect Divyang entrepreneurs with markets, finance, and employment opportunities.
* The event showcases the products and talents of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs.
* **Financial Support and Initiatives:**
* ₹375 crore has been allocated in the current budget for the purchase and fitting of assistive devices through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
* The government has sanctioned loans exceeding ₹20 crore to encourage Divyang entrepreneurs.
* **Mela Details:**
* The nine-day Mela features around 90 stalls representing 16 States and Union Territories.
* Products on display include handicrafts, handloom products, embroidery, home décor, garments, organic food items, jewellery, toys, and gift articles.
* A special job fair will be held on February 26, 2026.
* A cultural program, "Divya Kala Shakti," will take place on March 1, 2026.
* The Mela is organized from February 21 to March 1, 2026, and is free to all.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Divyang Artisans, Artists, and Entrepreneurs**
* **Impact:** The Mela provides a platform to showcase their products and talents, access markets and financial resources, and achieve economic empowerment.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Mela, display and sell their products, and network with potential buyers and investors.
**Stakeholder: Job Seekers with Disabilities**
* **Impact:** The special job fair on February 26, 2026, offers employment opportunities and facilitates integration into the workforce.
* **Action Required:** Attend the job fair, register for available positions, and network with potential employers.
**Stakeholder: General Public**
* **Impact:** The Mela offers an opportunity to experience and appreciate the talent and craftsmanship of Divyang artists, promote inclusivity, and support their economic empowerment.
* **Action Required:** Attend the Mela, purchase products, and promote the event to others.
Key Entities Referenced
Divya Kala Mela: A fair promoting the craftsmanship and products of Divyang (persons with disabilities) entrepreneurs.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society, including Divyangjan.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Indian legislation ensuring the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities.
Dehradun: Location of the 30th Divya Kala Mela.
Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India: An organization that has been allocated a budget for the purchase and fitting of assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Divyangjan Will Be a Decisive Force in Making
India the World’s Third-Largest Economy” —
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
Posted On: 22 FEB 2026 6:26PM by PIB Delhi
“Divya Kala Mela is not merely an event, but a powerful platform of inspiration and enthusiasm that
underscores the decisive role of Divyangjan in making India the world’s third-largest economy.” These
were the words of the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. General Shri Gurmit Singh, at the grand inauguration
of the 30th Divya Kala Mela at Rangers Ground, Dehradun. He remarked that the creativity displayed at
the Mela is not just art, but a living expression of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Governor highlighted artificial intelligence and technological innovations as bridges to new
opportunities for persons with disabilities, emphasizing that technology does not discriminate. He called
for products created at the Mela to reach global markets, giving divine talent international recognition.
According to him, with determination and capability, Divyangjan can achieve excellence in any field.
The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri. B. L. Verma, stated that under the
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and various
welfare schemes have created a strong foundation for integrating Divyangjan into the mainstream. He
informed that ₹375 crore has been allocated in the current budget through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation of India for the purchase and fitting of assistive devices, directly benefiting a large number of
individuals.The MP of Tehri Ms. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah described Divya Kala Mela as more than just an event,
calling it a catalyst for social transformation. She appreciated the efforts of the Government of India and
the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in giving national recognition to such initiatives and
bringing them to Uttarakhand. Referring to India’s achievements in the Paralympics, she said talent knows
no boundaries.
The MLA Shri Khajan Das termed the Mela a commendable initiative that provides dignity and
opportunity to Divyangjan, stating that such platforms send a positive message across society and elevate
confidence to new heights.
In his welcome address, Shri Pradeep A., Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (DEPwD), said that the Mela is a comprehensive effort to connect Divyang entrepreneurs with
markets, finance, and employment opportunities. He added that assistive device registrations, institutional
awareness stalls, and job fairs are being organized to strengthen empowerment initiatives.The 30th edition of Divya Kala Mela in Dehradun marks an important milestone in the nationwide series
of such events. So far, 29 Melas held across the country have seen participation from around 2,362
individuals, generating business worth over ₹23 crore. The government has sanctioned loans exceeding
₹20 crore to encourage Divyang entrepreneurs, reaffirming its commitment to economic empowerment.
Additionally, employment fairs have witnessed participation from approximately 3,131 candidates, with
1,007 shortlisted and more than 313 receiving job offers.
The nine-day Mela in Dehradun features around 90 stalls, with participation from over 100 Divyang
artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs representing 16 States and Union Territories. Visitors can explore
handicrafts, handloom products, embroidery, home décor, garments, organic food items, jewellery, toys,
and gift articles. A special job fair will be held on 26 February 2026, while the grand cultural programme
“Divya Kala Shakti” will take place on 1 March 2026, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Divyang
artists.
Organised from 21 February to 1 March, daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the Mela offers free entry to
all. With vibrant cultural performances, sports activities, and assistive device registration facilities, Divya
Kala Mela stands as an inclusive and inspiring platform—where art becomes a pathway to dignity,
empowerment, and self-reliance.
*****
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