The Press Information Bureau said on 14 Jul 2026: /Kolkata, July 14, 2026: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the 31st Divya Kala Mela at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata, describing the event as a national movement that promotes self-reliance, dignity, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that "when equal opportunities are provided, talent knows no boundaries," emphasizing that the Mela reflects the Prime Minister's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" by enabling Divyangjan to become equal partners in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The eight-day Mela, being held from July 14 to 22, 2026, is the first to be jointly organized by the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal. Featuring around 40 stalls, predominantly by artisans from West Bengal, the Mela enables Divyang entrepreneurs to access markets across India and beyond, while fostering confidence, dignity and economic independence.

Dr Kumar described it as far more than an exhibition-it is a national movement that transforms confidence into capability, creativity into livelihoods and aspiration into self-reliance for Divyangjan. He said that the Mela embodies Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas", ensuring that persons with disabilities become equal partners in the journey towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said that Divya Kala Mela continues to provide a prestigious national platform for showcasing the extraordinary artistic talents of Divyang performers. Dr Kumar added that 31st Divya Kala Mela continues to serve as a national platform for showcasing the artistic talent and entrepreneurial capabilities of persons with disabilities while promoting inclusion, dignity, and economic independence.

The Union Minister said that the initiative conceived in December 2022, has now expanded across the country-from Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi to Guwahati, and Ahmedabad to Patna-providing a dedicated national platform for Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs, Dr Kumar added.

The Union Minister reiterated that the Government's approach towards persons with disabilities has undergone a transformational shift from a welfare-based model to a rights-based empowerment framework. He informed that since 2014, financial assistance of nearly ₹1,462 crore has been extended to around 1.82 lakh Divyang beneficiaries to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, under which 20 students with disabilities are selected every year for higher education abroad. Referring to the distribution of assistive devices during the event, he said these are not merely aids but instruments of dignity and independence.