Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi Hits the Streets to Sell Diyas Made by Manodivyangs
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi sells 35,000 diyas made by recovered mental health patients to promote social empowerment and self-reliance.
In a heartwarming gesture of social empowerment, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stepped out of his official role and into the shoes of a shopkeeper at the Sector 21 main market in Gandhinagar. The objective was clear: to support the economic and social rehabilitation of Manodivyangs (persons with mental disabilities) who have recovered from mental illness.
A Boost for Confidence and Livelihood
Breaking traditional protocols, the Deputy Chief Minister personally interacted with customers to sell 35,000 diyas crafted by these resilient individuals. The initiative resulted in the sale of diyas worth approximately Rs 1.90 lakh, providing not just financial gain but a massive boost to the morale and confidence of the creators.
These diyas were produced as part of a larger vision for a "Nasha Mukt Gujarat, Swasth Yuva, Sashakt Parivaar" (Drug-Free Gujarat, Healthy Youth, Empowered Family). By selling the products like a regular vendor, Sanghavi aimed to set a public example of equality and the importance of integrating recovered patients back into the mainstream economy.
Vocational Training for Self-Reliance
The diyas are a product of the vocational training programmes offered at the Mental Health Hospital in Ahmedabad. The facility focuses on making patients self-reliant through various skill-based activities, including:
- Screen printing and weaving
- Stitching and file making
- Rakhi and Agarbatti (incense stick) production
- Crafting wooden articles
The event saw participation from several high-profile dignitaries, including Minister of State Pravin Mali, Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Rupsinh Thakor, MLAs Alpesh Thakor and Rita Patel, and District Panchayat President Anil Patel.
A Day of Giving: New Buses and Employee Bonuses
The Deputy Chief Minister's day of community service began with a focus on public transport. He inaugurated 101 new GSRTC buses in Gandhinagar, designed to provide citizens with safer and more comfortable commutes. Interestingly, Sanghavi traveled to the diya sale venue in one of these newly launched buses.
Breaking Protocol for GSRTC Staff
In another move to empower the workforce, Sanghavi deviated from standard protocol during the bus launch. Instead of flagging off the fleet himself, he invited the GSRTC employees—the drivers, conductors, and workshop staff—to perform the honors. He acknowledged their pivotal role in the daily operations of the transport system.
Adding to the festive spirit of Diwali, the Deputy Chief Minister announced a special financial gesture: GSRTC employees will receive half a month's salary in advance to help them celebrate the festival with their families.