Rourkela, Nov 5: For the residents of Shraddha, a voluntary organisation in Rourkela, Diwali is not just a festival of lights but also an opportunity to showcase their creativity, skills and self-reliance.

Located in Sector 16 of Rourkela, Shraddha has become more than just an organisation for persons with disabilities. It is a family that provides them with care, education, training and opportunities to lead a dignified life.

As Diwali approaches, the residents are busy preparing colourful earthen lamps and decorative candles. Their handmade products reflect their creativity and the skills they have developed through years of training.

The preparations began nearly 22 days ago, with residents working enthusiastically to create a variety of decorative items for the festive season. These products will be put up for sale, giving them an opportunity to earn through their skills.

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Among them is 24-year-old Santosh Mahapatra, a person with disabilities who faces difficulty communicating verbally. However, his artistic skills speak volumes. He carefully prepares beautifully designed and colourful diyas and candles for Diwali.

Santosh is not alone. Every resident at Shraddha is encouraged to discover their abilities and develop practical skills through regular training.

For the past 15 years, the organisation has been helping persons with disabilities prepare products for different festivals and occasions. These include greeting cards for the English New Year, rakhis for Raksha Bandhan and decorative diyas and candles for Diwali.

According to the organisation's members, people with disabilities deserve equal respect, dignity and opportunities in society. They believe that every individual has unique abilities that need encouragement and recognition.

Teachers Sujata Rout and Saudamini Patnaik play an important role in training and guiding the residents in making these products.

While society often overlooks their potential, the residents of Shraddha are proving that determination, creativity and proper guidance can help individuals become self-reliant.

From colourful rakhis to beautifully crafted candles, their handmade creations are finding a place in many households, spreading not just festive brightness but also a message of inclusion, dignity and empowerment.

Through their hard work, the residents of Shraddha are showing that disability cannot define a person's abilities or limit their dreams.