Shillong, Sept 18: A fair to promote awareness, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities was held at West Jaintia Hills on Wednesday where 33 dedicated stalls featuring handmade products, local crafts, organic goods, assistive tools, and services were showcased.
The 3rd Purple Fair highlighted the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the disability community.
It was organised by the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Meghalaya (CRCSRE Shillong), in collaboration with the District Administration of West Jaintia Hills and the Office of the District Social Welfare, Jowai.
With participants over 764 individuals, including 389 Persons with Disabilities from across the district and beyond, the fair served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and showcasing talents, products, and services by and for persons with disabilities.
The inaugural programme was chaired by cabinet minister and West Jaintia Hills MLA Wailadmiki Shylla. Also present were Abhinav Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills; L. Kynjing, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Ripaia Passah, Assistant Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; and Dr Ram Shakal Sahani, Director, CRCSRE Shillong.
Shylla, in a deeply engaging gesture, visited each stall, interacted warmly with the beneficiaries, purchased items to support their work, and encouraged them to continue their efforts. In his address, he acknowledged the commendable work of CRCSRE Shillong, not just in Jowai but across the entire state of Meghalaya, for consistently empowering persons with disabilities through skill development, rehabilitation, and inclusive programs.
In his welcome address, Dr Sahani expressed sincere appreciation to the district administration and social welfare department for their support and partnership. He emphasized the importance of the Purple Fair in raising public awareness, promoting accessibility, and celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities. He highlighted that the fair is not only a celebration but also a movement toward inclusion, equality, and empowerment.
Abhinav Kumar Singh, reaffirmed the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusive development and praised the collaborative efforts between CRCSRE, the district administration, and local communities. Shri. L. Kynjing, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the need for continuous outreach, accessibility, and social integration for PwDs, and urged all stakeholders to work hand-in-hand to ensure dignity and equal opportunity for all.
The event also featured cultural performances by persons with disabilities, awareness sessions on disability rights and government schemes, and interactive exhibitions.
