SOORAJ: Exhibitions

From Advocacy to Action:

Creating Market Opportunities for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

My journeys across India have never been just about exhibiting my own products. They have always been about creating opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs with disabilities.

As a wheelchair user, I have participated in exhibitions and trade fairs across different parts of India with my products. Through these experiences, I realized a significant challenge faced by persons with disabilities. They possess remarkable skills and create high-quality products, but their greatest obstacle is access to sustainable markets.

Recognizing this need, I submitted a representation to the Hon'ble Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, requesting the establishment of permanent sales centres and regular national exhibitions where products made by persons with disabilities could be promoted and sold.

Following this initiative, the National Divyang Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) began organizing Divya Kala Mela across different states of India. These exhibitions provided entrepreneurs with disabilities from various states free exhibition stalls, accommodation, and meals, enabling them to showcase their products without financial burden. The initiative opened up significant business opportunities and expanded market access for countless entrepreneurs.

Beyond advocating for these opportunities, I believed it was equally important to lead by example. Many people wondered whether a wheelchair user could travel across India and actively participate in large-scale exhibitions. I answered that question through action by participating in numerous Divya Kala Melas and other exhibitions across the country.

My journey inspired many persons with disabilities to step forward with confidence. Seeing someone in a wheelchair successfully exhibiting products, travelling independently, and engaging with customers encouraged others to believe that they, too, could become entrepreneurs. Today, many have entered the field of entrepreneurship, developed their own products, and are participating in exhibitions across India.

True empowerment is not achieved through charity—it is achieved by creating equal opportunities. I remain committed to promoting entrepreneurship, accessibility, and inclusive market opportunities so that every entrepreneur with a disability has the chance to build a sustainable and dignified livelihood.