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Key Points

A groundbreaking national festival called Sammohan will showcase the extraordinary talents of nearly 200 performers with disabilities. The event, inaugurated by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, aims to challenge perceptions and celebrate artistic diversity. Artists from across India will demonstrate their exceptional skills in music, dance, and theatre. The festival represents a powerful platform that emphasizes abilities over limitations.

Key Points: Kerala Governor Launches Sammohan Disability Arts Festival

  • 200 performers from diverse institutions will showcase exceptional artistic talents
  • Unique national platform celebrating abilities over disabilities
  • Includes neurodivergent music collective Chayanit with unique performers
  • Different Art Centre promotes inclusive artistic representation
2 min read

Kerala Governor to inaugurate special event for persons with disabilities

Governor Arlekar to inaugurate national festival celebrating artistic talents of performers with disabilities across India

"Sammohan is not just a cultural event; it is a national platform - Alendra Tripathi, NILD Kolkata"

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18

When the Different Art Centre (DAC) opens its doors on September 27, the stage will belong to artists who have long defied odds to express themselves through music, dance and theatre.

Nearly 200 performers from across the country will converge for the event, which will be inaugurated by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

The second edition of 'Sammohan', a national festival dedicated to celebrating the talents of persons with disabilities, promises two days of inspiration and artistic brilliance in Kerala's capital.

For many, it is not just a festival but a rare national platform where ability takes precedence over disability.

This year, Sammohan brings together diverse institutions and groups: the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata; the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC-Nagpur); SATYA Art & Culture Dance Studio from Odisha; and Chayanit - The Chosen Ones, a neurodivergent music collective from Delhi. The five-member band 'Chayanit' is set to be a highlight.

Co-founded by 22-year-old drummer Chayan Taneja of Delhi and 29-year-old pianist Devanga Bidrum Kalita of Assam, the group has been breaking barriers with its performances, showing how music can transcend labels and limitations.

"Sammohan is not just a cultural event; it is a national platform," said Alendra Tripathi of NILD, Kolkata. "It inspires confidence, builds skills, and gives individuals with disabilities the chance to present their talents before the country."

For DAC, the festival reflects a larger mission. Its upcoming International Institute for People with Disability (IIPD) in Kasaragod aims to weave healthcare, education, therapies, arts, sports and livelihood into one holistic ecosystem.

"At DAC, we believe in dignified artistic platforms that empower," said Gopinath Muthukad, Founder and Executive Director. "Sammohan is our call to society to celebrate diversity and recognise every individual's potential."

Muthukad is the first Keralite to be honoured as a celebrity supporter by UNICEF for promoting child rights activities in the state

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Wonderful to see national participation from different institutions. The fact that artists from Kolkata, Nagpur, Odisha, and Delhi are coming together shows this is becoming a truly national movement. Hope it gets proper media coverage!
R
Rohit P
Chayanit band sounds amazing! A 22-year-old drummer and 29-year-old pianist breaking barriers through music - this is exactly what we need to showcase. Talent knows no disabilities. Wishing them great success! 🎵
S
Sarah B
While this is a great initiative, I hope the infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram is fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with different mobility needs. Sometimes events like these overlook practical accessibility issues.
V
Vikram M
Gopinath Muthukad getting UNICEF recognition is well-deserved! His work in Kerala has been transformative. The holistic approach of combining arts, education, and livelihood is exactly what our disability community needs across India.
N
Nisha Z
Hope this festival gets live streaming option for those who cannot attend physically. Would love to watch these performances from my home in Mumbai. Art should reach everyone! 💫

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