Vishishtarigagi Vishistha Mela on Jan 11

Mangaluru: Asha Jyothi, a unit of Seva Bharathi, Mangaluru, working for the upliftment of Divyang individuals, will organise Vishishtarigagi Vishistha Mela at Canara High School, Dongerkery, on Sunday.According to the organisers, who consist of a forum of specially-abled children and their parents, they have been conducting this mela for the past several years. This edition of the mela aims to bring out the hidden talents and abilities of those with special needs, train and shape their skills, and make them self-reliant to the extent possible. It will provide information about the documents required for applying for the UDID Card of Divyang issued by the central govt, and the documents required to get a legal guardianship certificate.On Tuesday, Geetha Laxmish, president of Asha Jyothi, told reporters that Seva Bharathi worked for the last 34 years. It organises Vishishtarigagi Vishishta Mela every year, a unique programme for Divyang. A small group of physically challenged people used to gather in the initial years, whereas in 2025, more than 2,800 people in all (1,200 Divyang people and 1,600 other members) participated in the mela. On the occasion, they will sing, dance, enjoy and take part in competitions. There will be entertainment and competitions for parents too. "The main aim of the mela is to create an environment for the participation of Divyangs and their parents, and also their teachers. Otherwise, they have no such opportunity at all," she said.Prof Shantharama Shetty, pro-vice-chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University) and founder, Tejaswini Hospital, will inaugurate the mela. Raghavendra S Bhat, MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank, and Krishna Hegde, GGM (human resources), MRPL, Mangaluru, will be the chief guests.S Ravindra Kudva, secretary, added that they conducted a tour for Divyangs and their parents recently. Around 190 Divyangs and their parents, teachers, and volunteers participated in the tour.He added that this year, during the mela, information will be provided for applying to get a Legal Guardianship Certificate and Niramaya Health Card for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities. Also, "Sakshama" will provide information about eye donation and about the empowerment of Divyangs. There will be a felicitation of seven Divyang student achievers.