Walking into the Divya Kala Mela at Lucknow University, I did not expect the campus to feel so alive. The fair was full of colours, crafts, skills and dignity in neat little rows of stalls, each one telling its own story.
The first thing that struck me was the warmth. Not the weather kind, but the human kind. Most of the artisans were persons with disabilities, yet they welcomed every visitor with a calm & steady confidence that humbled me. There was no plea for sympathy, no drama, nothing forced, just pure skill on display.
A Brief History: Where Did This Fair Come From?
Divya Kala Mela – a vibrant, heartwarming showcase of talent by divyang (differently-abled) artisans and entrepreneurs from across the country. It is not just a local university fair; it is part of a larger national movement. Organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the mela has been held in many cities over the years.
From My Eyes
What struck me most walking through the stalls was the dignity of the artists. They were not there just to “get help”, they were selling, connecting, and running real businesses. This fair makes visible what is often ignored: the brilliance and potential of people with disabilities. This is not just about craft. It is a way for divyang artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.
Although “Vocal for Local” is a popular government push, here it feels more meaningful. It is not just supporting local products, it is supporting local lives, dreams, and resilience. Be it the handcrafted items, the organic foods, or the games, they all have soul.
Their work spoke louder than anything else. Handmade jewellery, delicate embroidery, wooden toys, organic food products, hand painted bags, woven fabrics, and more. All crafted with an attention to detail that many so-called “mainstream” brands can’t match. I kept catching myself smiling at the skill behind each piece, thinking, “Why don’t we see more of this in the market?”
For many visitors, this is a moment of learning. Interactive exhibitions like the Braille games, challenge assumptions about what “ability” means. And the cultural performances? They are deeply moving. People realize: art and creativity don’t depend on physical or sensory norms.
The university ground felt like it was more than just a campus. There was laughter, the nok- jhok of bargaining, curiosity, and above all, respect.
A big shout-out to Lucknow University for bringing something this meaningful onto our campus. It is the kind of initiative that actually makes a difference.
If I were to sum it up, Divya Kala Mela is not just an event. It is a movement, one that shifts how we see disability, talent, and entrepreneurship. As someone walking through it, I felt hope. Because I saw people building real change.