Vizag’s Differently-abled Students Light Up Diwali With Entrepreneurial Spirit
They procured earthen lamps directly from the potters’ colony in Visakhapatnam, painted them with colourful designs, and marketed them across the city
VISAKHAPATNAM: Eighty-five students with disabilities in Visakhapatnam have crafted and sold designer clay diyas under the brand name “Visakha Khushi Deep,” earning a collective income of ₹42,585 and gaining confidence ahead of Diwali.
Led by Prajwal Vani Welfare Trust, the initiative encouraged the challenged students to showcase their artistic skills by decorating traditional earthen lamps in shades of red, green and blue. Their handcrafted diyas have been marketed at shopping malls, apartment complexes, high-rise residential communities, and public spaces, including the Beach Road. The diyas have received an encouraging response from residents.
Each differently abled diya maker received a cheque of ₹501 from the proceeds. In addition, the programme has helped students develop practical skills and self-confidence through art and community engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Suchitra Balakrishna, founder and president of Prajwal Vani Welfare Trust, said the initiative is aimed at empowering children with disabilities and giving them a sense of achievement.
“We organised this programme to instil confidence through art. Such initiatives have a positive impact on children and offer immense encouragement to their parents as well,” she underlined.
“Our special children are celebrating Diwali by sharing their earnings with their beloved parents,” Dr Suchitra Balakrishna mentioned.
Parents of the challenged students disclosed that their children procured earthen lamps directly from the potters’ colony in Visakhapatnam, painted them with colourful designs, and took part in marketing and sales activities across the city.
