“Ekam Fest” Begins To Promote Craftsmanship & Products Of Divyang Artisans

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The week-long Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” organized by National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) under M/o Social Justice& Empowerment got underway on March 2, 2020, at State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi-1.

Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for RT&H and MEME Nitin Jairam Gadkari, and Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani graced theoccasion. Ministers of State for SJ&E Krishan Pal Gurjar and Rattan LalKataria were also present.

The Ekam Fest is open for public from 11 am till 9 pm from March 2 to March 9, 2020. More than 82 Divyangjan coming from 17 States/ UTs have showcased their products at EKAM FEST.  They include 44 Men and 38 Women. The Fest is also hosting a number of activities like cultural extravaganza including performances by Divyang artists and well known professionals. Additional highlights of the event are astrological consultations and foot massage by Divyang professionals, according to a PIB release.

Gehlot, in his address, said that EKAM Fest is an effort for promoting entrepreneurship and knowledge among Divyangjan community, generating awareness among society about potentialities of PwDs, and providing a major marketing opportunity to PwDs entrepreneurs. NHFDC is making efforts for development of a brand and platform for marketing of products of these determined entrepreneurs. Accordingly, name of the brand is Ekam (Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, Awareness, Marketing).

Gadkari said that the high quality of products displayed at the Ekam Fest proves that the Divyangjan artisans and entrepreneurs have enormous potential and capability and they can play an important role in the overall development of the country. MSME sector has very vast potential of employment and self-employment and Divyangjan, especially women Divyangjan artisans, can take advantage of various useful schemes of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Irani, in her address, said that Divyangjan artisans and entrepreneurs are displaying their skills with products ranging from handicrafts, handloom and embroidery work. Indian traditional clothes have a very rich history and are in high demand in our country and abroad and offer vast potential of employment. Since women have contributed a lot in the embroidery work, NHFDC should encourage Divyangjan, especially women Divyangjan, for entrepreneurship in this sector.