Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral
Goa | Craftizen Foundation celebrated National Petalists Day in Goa at the Museum of Goa, marking 10 years of the Petalists Livelihood Programme — a pioneering initiative that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in meaningful, creative livelihoods.
The event brought together Petalists, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and government representatives to celebrate a decade of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. National Petalists Day is envisioned as a two-month celebration that began on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continues with events across Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Goa, highlighting the abilities, talents, and contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Launched in 2016, the Petalists Livelihood Programme focuses on creating structured and dignified livelihood opportunities through craft-based work. Across vocational centres, Petalists create handcrafted products using recycled temple flowers and other craft forms, combining therapeutic engagement with skill development and income pathways. Over the past decade, the programme has grown into one of India’s largest collaborative livelihood models in the disability sector, supporting more than 3,000 adults with intellectual disabilities across 100+ partner organisations in 11 states.
In Goa, the programme has created sustained livelihood opportunities through strong partnerships with local organisations, trainers, and caregivers. These collaborations have enabled adults with intellectual disabilities to participate meaningfully in creative work while building confidence, skills, and social inclusion.
The Goa celebration was graced by Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening inclusive livelihood ecosystems.
Other dignitaries and special guests included Prakash Kamat, senior journalist and social worker; Avelino de Sa, Founder and President, Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG); Mayura Balasubramanian, Founder and CEO, Craftizen Foundation; Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage; and Kumaraswamy, Director – Livelihoods, Craftizen Foundation. Leaders from partner organisations, parents, caregivers, trainers, and Petalists were also present.
A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Petalists, caregivers, and partner organisations, who shared their journeys and experiences with the programme. Creative group activities, artisan engagement, and a celebratory cake-cutting marked the milestone, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of National Petalists Day.
Aligned with International Flower Day on January 19, National Petalists Day is envisioned as a month-long national movement rather than a single-day event. The 2026 campaign began with an online launch on December 3 and continues with celebrations across Hyderabad, Goa, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.
Speaking at the event, Mayura Balasubramanian expressed gratitude to partner organisations whose continued commitment has enabled the programme to scale and sustain its impact over the past decade.
The Goa celebration concluded with closing remarks by Kumaraswamy and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, Zonal Manager – Goa, Craftizen Foundation, who thanked the Petalists, partners, caregivers, and guests, reaffirming Craftizen’s belief that inclusive livelihoods thrive through collaboration, shared ownership, and community engagement.
