PIB News Update:Around 82 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs coming from 17 States/ UTs are showcasing their products at the week-long Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” organized by National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) under M/o Social Justice & Empowerment at State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-1. They include 44 Men and 38 Women Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. The Fest is open for public from 11 AM till 9.00 PM from 2nd March to 9th March, 2020. 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.
In the Ekam Fest, Divyang Entrepreneur and Artisans from all over the country have been invited with representation from J&K to Puducherry and from Nagaland to Gujarat. The Fest presents vibrant products of from J&K and NE with products ranging from handicraft, handloom, Embroidery work and dry fruits. During the Fair, around 82 Divyang Entrepreneur/Artisan and organizations from 17 States/UTs are displaying their skills represented through their beautiful products, services and demonstration of skills.
The Ekam Fest stalls are displaying the broad products in many categories viz : Home Décor and Lifestyle; Textiles; Stationery and Eco Friendly products; Packed Food and Organic Products; Toys and Gifts; and Personal Accessory –Jewellary, Clutch Bags etc.
The Fest was inaugurated last evening in the presence of Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for RT&H and MEME Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari and Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani. Ministers of State for SJ&E Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria were also present.
NHFDC is providing financial assistance to the Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) for their economic rehabilitation and provides number of skill development programmes to empower them to grow & sustain their enterprises. To empower the Divyang and marginalized groups of the society more closely, it has taken a step forward and established NHFDC Foundation, this year. Recognizing the absence of a connect with the market which hinders fair prices and volumes in sale of the unorganized tiny Divyang entrepreneurs, NHFDC Foundation is making efforts for development of a brand and platform for marketing of products of these determined entrepreneurs