Bhubaneswar: The 23rd Anjali International Children and Youth Festival kicked off today, marking a four-day celebration of diversity, creativity, and inclusion. Organized by Swabhiman, a pioneering non-profit organization, the festival promotes empowerment and cross-disability awareness among children with disabilities.
Over 900 children from diverse backgrounds, including remote districts across India, are participating in the festival. Since its inception in 2001, Anjali has impacted over 54,000 young lives, growing from a modest gathering of 77 children.
This year’s festival features engaging workshops, city tours, talent competitions, and cultural performances. The theme, Hindu Mythology and the Golden Egg symbolizes growth and transformation.
This year’s theme reflects the idea of new beginnings and the creation of the universe, symbolizing the spirit of growth and transformation. The golden egg, as per ancient texts, is said to have given birth to the universe, a powerful metaphor for the birth of ideas and possibilities at the Anjali Festival.
Swabhiman’s efforts have made Anjali the largest and most significant cross-disability event in India, uniting children through fun, learning, and interactive experiences.
It is pertinent to mention that Swabhiman, founded in 1999, is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Its flagship event, the Anjali International Children’s and Youth Festival, has been instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity, education, and empowerment for children with disabilities across India.
