Spirit of inclusion comes alive in many colours at this Holi celebration in Delhi

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Holi, the Festival of Colours, had an added glow and glitter at an event organized in Delhi by the NGOs Yes! We Can and Delhi Viklang Adhikar Manch. It was a lively bunch that gathered for an inclusive celebration, that had people with, and without disabilities.

Around 30 people were present at the inclusive Holi celebration. There was an interactive session to break the ice, followed by plenty of food and games. There was singing and dancing, and even a small game of antakshari. It all finally ended with an exchange of colours.

Every festival is celebrated with as much gusto by these two NGOs. The spirit is kept inclusive at every event. The idea is to create a platform where disabled people feel confident in a social environment.

The Delhi Viklang Adhikar Manch, an affiliate of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), works towards protecting and advancing the rights of disabled people in India. Its main role is advocacy with the Delhi government. The focus of Yes! We Can is towards pushing disability issues into the mainstream.

Yes! We Can is an organization that is working towards the visibility of disability, and creating an inclusive environment. We organize such events because we want entertainment and all festivals to be accessible to everyone – Meenu Arora, Founder, Yes! We Can

The idea was much appreciated by Samuel Mani, who has cerebral palsy. Mani, who heads a technology company, rarely gets the opportunity to socialize. Events like these are a rare chance to meet new people and form connections.

I felt amazing because this event gave me an opportunity to step out of my house, socialize and enjoy the Holi festival – Samuel Mani, Founder, Neutron Computers

Everyone agrees that such inclusive events are a great idea. Gagan, who is a deaf athlete, was happy to see the presence of a sign language interpreter.

We attended the event after completing a 21-km. We were surprised and happy when a person came up to us and interpreted the event. Everyone is very positive and welcoming – Gagan, Athlete

Clearly, the underlying spirit of Holi was well and truly alive at this celebration.