Report on Jeevandhara Deepawali Mela

The Diwali Mela was successfully organized on 16 October 2025 by Jeevandhara Rehabilitation and Research Institute, Bareilly, at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Hall, Bareilly, with the aim of promoting vocational skills, self-reliance, self-confidence, and social inclusion among children with disabilities. The mela featured an impressive exhibition of products handcrafted by the special children, including colorful diyas, jelly diyas, floating and designer candles, decorative lamps, pooja thali covers, bandhanwars, potli bags, table covers, dry fruit boxes, pickles, and various Diwali decorative items. These products drew wide appreciation from visitors, who enthusiastically purchased them, thereby encouraging the children and strengthening their confidence. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Atul Shrivastava, President of IMA Bareilly, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The inauguration was attended by Dr. Anshu Agarwal, Secretary IMA Bareilly, Dr. V.K. Chawla, Prof. (Dr.) Amitabh Mishra, Chairman of Jeevandhara Rehabilitation and Research Institute, Ms. Shashwati Nanda, Director of the Institute, Dr. Raka Chawla, Dr. Anita Ajay Bharti, Dr. Sandhya Singh, Mr. Akhil Rastogi, President of the Income Tax/Sales Tax Bar Association, Bareilly, along with several other distinguished guests. The Chief Guest appreciated the creativity, dedication, and hard work of the children and remarked that the special children of Jeevandhara are a source of inspiration for society, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in empowering them and connecting them to the mainstream. Ms. Shashwati Nanda stated that the primary objective of organizing the Diwali Mela was to develop entrepreneurial and vocational skills among children with disabilities and to motivate them towards selfemployment and independent living. The programme witnessed the active presence of parents, teachers, IMA members, eminent doctors, and respected citizens of the city, all of whom praised the efforts of the children and encouraged them for a confident and self-reliant future. Overall, the Diwali Mela proved to be a meaningful and impactful initiative that successfully showcased the talents of the children while reinforcing positive societal attitudes towards persons with disabilities.