India's premier accessibility advocacy group, Svayam, is making a significant impact at the ongoing Divya Kala Mela 2025 in the national capital. The event, a flagship national celebration of the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyangjan, is being held at India Gate, New Delhi, from December 13th to 21st, 2025.
An Immersive Journey into Accessibility Challenges
The centerpiece of Svayam's participation is its innovative Accessibility Simulation Zone. This interactive installation is designed to offer visitors a first-person perspective on the daily hurdles faced by individuals with diverse mobility and accessibility needs. By personally engaging with simulated challenges and their practical solutions, attendees gain a profound, empathetic understanding that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.
Such experiential setups, a hallmark of Svayam's outreach at major national events, are powerful tools for awareness. They evoke empathy, deepen public comprehension, and highlight the critical need for universally accessible infrastructure. The simulation aims to transform public perception, making citizens and policymakers alike better appreciate the real-world concerns and the non-negotiable requirement for inclusive design across India's built environment.
Inclusion is a Need, Not an Ideal: Svayam's Vision
Elaborating on the initiative's core mission, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd., shared a powerful message. "Inclusive spaces are not an ideal but a need," she stated. Jindal emphasized that events like the Divya Kala Mela serve a dual purpose: celebrating the extraordinary talents of Divyangjan while providing the general public a meaningful, experiential learning platform.
"Our Accessibility Simulation Zone aims to sensitize visitors to common barriers and inspire stakeholders across all sectors," Jindal added. The ultimate goal is to champion the creation of an environment where every person can participate with dignity and independence, underscoring the urgent need for integrating accessibility into the nation's infrastructure planning.
Celebrating Skill, Culture, and Enterprise
The Divya Kala Mela is organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. It is a vibrant showcase of the abilities and innovations of Divyangjan from across the country.
The event features a wide array of displays and products, including:
- Assistive technology innovations
- Exquisite handicrafts and handlooms
- Fashion and home décor items
- Packaged foods and other handmade products
This immersive experience highlights skill, culture, and enterprise. The Mela strongly aligns with the Government of India's vision of fostering inclusion, economic opportunity, and self-reliance for persons with disabilities. It also advances the Vocal for Local initiative by promoting products and innovations rooted in India's rich local craft traditions.
By combining celebration with education, the Divya Kala Mela 2025, with Svayam's pivotal participation, marks a crucial step towards building a more empathetic and accessible India.
