KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 5 A province-level talent showcase highlighting the artistic and creative abilities of persons with disabilities was held in Biratnagar on Wednesday to mark the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Organised jointly by the Koshi Province Government, Ministry of Social Development, the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (Koshi Province), Sangeet Sadhana Pratisthan Itahari, and Karuna Foundation Nepal, the event took place at the Birendra Sabha Griha under the theme 'Promoting an Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities: Advancing Social Progress.'

The program was hosted under the slogan: 'Pride of Koshi Province - Recognizing talented persons with disabilities; Professionalizing art to enhance income and dignity.' Minister for Social Development Panchkarna Rai attended the programme as the chief guest. Provincial assembly members, local government representatives, civil society members, organisations of persons with disabilities, and media personnel were also present.

A total of 65 talented participants with disabilities from Koshi Province showcased their skills across nine categories, including music and singing (27), literature (11), dance (10), painting (6), handicrafts (4), acting/caricature (3), public speaking (2), programme hosting (1), and innovation (1). The event, held from 9 am to 6 pm, drew thousands of spectators throughout the day. Prominent personalities from the fields of music, dance, literature, film and art, including composers Bulu Mukarung and Basant Sapkota, singers Raju Lama and Pritam Acharya, director Min Bahadur Bham, writers Manu Manjil and Krishna Binod Lamsal, and painters Mahendra Rai and Amir Banjan, encouraged the participants and also delivered performances.

Organisers said the programme aimed not only to provide a platform for persons with disabilities but also to guide them towards professional talent development and greater self-reliance. The program was part of the 'Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Programme,' conducted under a tripartite cost-sharing model between the Koshi Province Government, local levels and Karuna Foundation Nepal, with technical support from the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal. The organisers expressed gratitude to all supporting agencies, civil society members, media and volunteers for contributing to the success of the event.