Special diyas to light up Diwali in Asom

Guwahati, Oct 20 (UNI) Here are diyas with a difference. Not because these are different to look at, but because these are the creations by the children of lesser god.

Students of Shishu Sarothi, a centre for rehabilitation and training for multiple disabilities, have been busy in the run-up to the festival, colouring and decorating diyas that would light many a homes.

Executive Director of the institute Mira Kagti said, " These children derive immense pleasure when they see that their work is being appreciated. It gives them a sense of confidence and helps them develop. " She informed that the children of Sishu Sarothi had decorated diyas in the past years also. These diyas are sold at a nominal price, some in loose dozens and others in smart packets.

Ms Kagti said the children have targeted 25,000 diyas this year as against the 23,000 they made last year.

" The diyas are bought in bulk by ladies clubs and volunteers, who sell them at their personal initiative. We rely on word-of-mouth publicity as it is not a commercial venture but a way to show that these children have their own special qualities, " she added.

Just as the students of Shishu Sarothi are "not disabled but enabled in a different way", as their teachers put it, the diyas are unique by being embodiment of their labour and sense of achievement.

UNI SG SJC/0936