Lucknow: The Divya Deepawali Mela 2026 was thrown open for the general public in Lucknow to showcase the skills, creativity and entrepreneurial abilities of persons with disabilities and provide a wider market for their handmade products.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the state-level fair by cutting the ribbon. A total of nine departmental institutions and 16 voluntary organisations participated in the event.
The exhibition featured stalls displaying handicrafts, decorative items, traditional earthen lamps, candles, Diwali worship materials, household utility products and other handmade goods created by persons with disabilities.
Accompanied by departmental officials, Singh visited the stalls and appreciated the quality, finishing and utility of the products. He interacted with artisans and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to continue their efforts towards self-reliance. He also appealed to citizens to purchase locally made products crafted by persons with disabilities during the festive season.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said persons with disabilities were capable of achieving success in every field through their talent and determination. They needed equal opportunities, suitable platforms and transparent market access to become economically independent. He emphasised that they deserved dignity, equal participation and opportunities rather than sympathy.
Senior departmental officials, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, District Empowerment Officer Shashank Singh, staff members and a large number of citizens attended the event.
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