New Delhi: The India International Centre here became a vibrant canvas of artistic expression, inner strength and boundless possibilities as artistes with disabilities from India and across the globe converged for ‘SAMBHAV 2026’, hosted by the Association for Learning Performing Arts & Normative Action (A.L.P.A.N.A.) on October 10 and 11.
In its 21st year, the two-day festival struck a powerful chord, celebrating the indomitable human spirit, the beauty of inclusion and the transformative power of art.
The event also celebrated A.L.P.A.N.A.’s longstanding commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through performing and visual arts.
The two-day celebration opened on an inspiring note with messages of encouragement from the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble President of India who commended SAMBHAV’s enduring role in promoting inclusion through art and culture. Their words reflected A.L.P.A.N.A.’s mission to create spaces where ability takes centre stage and art becomes a universal language of equality.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest Shri C P Goyal, IFS, Chairman, Supreme Court App CEC,the Presiding Person Amb Ms. Anju Ranjan, IFS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India and the Distinguished Guest Prof Dr. Channarong Pornrungroj, Member, Senate of Thailand.
The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp while A.L.P.A.N.A. students welcomed the audience with a melodious song, setting the tone for a celebration rooted in warmth, hope, creativity and collective purpose.
The guests heaped praise on Guru Smt Alpana Nayak, founder of A.L.P.A.N.A. for her unwavering dedication to promoting inclusion through art and culture. Her work, they noted, exemplifies how art can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and bring people together.
The ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the Art and Craft Exhibition by Amb Ms. Anju Ranjan. The exhibition showcased paintings and handcrafted works created by Divyang artists, offering a glimpse into their imagination, skill and distinctive artistic perspectives.
The day featured workshops including a ‘DANCE THERAPY WORKSHOP’ conducted by Ms. Ranokhon Dodozhonova, Tajikistan and a Handicraft and Painting Workshop by Mrs. Alka Agrawal, Head of Creative Arts Faculty, A.L.P.A.N.A. These sessions offered participants meaningful opportunities for learning, expression, and creative collaboration.
The highlight of the evening was a showcase of international performances, inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Raj Kumar Goyal, IAS Rtd., Chief Information Commmissioner, Government of India, and the Distinguished Guests Shri Praveen Garg, IAS Rtd., Former SS & FA, MoEFCC, Government of India and Mrs. Tara Sharma, Second Secretary, Embassy of Nepal.
The ceremony celebrated international artistic collaboration through cultural performances by groups from A.L.P.A.N.A., Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nagaland, West Bengal, Jammu, Uattar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Each presentation brought its own grace to the celebration, reflecting the essence of ‘SAMBHAV’—meaning “possible”—through stories of resilience, identity, and joy.
A special souvenir commemorating the 21st edition of ‘SAMBHAV’ was released by the dignitaries.
The guests as well as the audience were deeply impressed by the performers’ stunning performances. They agreed that the performers had boundless talent, dedication and stage presence.
The second day began with a ‘Yoga Therapy Workshop’ conducted by Shri Anant Gopal, S-VYASA University, Bengaluru. This was followed by a seminar on yoga chaired by Prof. Dr. Rabindra Acharya, Secretary, VYASA, Delhi. Dr. Acharya laid emphasis the fact that yoga is not only a physical practice but also a holistic approach to wellbeing that encourages us to cultivate balance between the body and mind, improve our improve our awareness and develop greater resilience.
The spotlight was then shifted to the international seminar on “Artists with Disabilities for an Inclusive Society,” chaired by Shri Manoj Kumar Pant, IFS Rtd, Former HoFF, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir. Speakers from Thailand, Australia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and A.L.P.A.N.A. shared their experiences and global perspectives on accessibility and the transformative role of art.
The seminar provided a valuable forum for cross-cultural dialogue, underscoring the need to ensure that artists with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to participate, perform and contribute to society.
What followed next was an engaging ‘Music Therapy Workshop’ conducted by Ms. Suzanne Louise Whiteman and Mr Andy from Australia, exploring the role of music in creative expression and well-being.
The concluding evening brought the two-day festival to a memorable close with spellbinding performances by groups from A.L.P.A.N.A., Australia, West Bengal, Tajikistan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, celebrating unity in diversity through rhythm and movement.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by dignitaries including H.E. Dr Manoj Nardeo Singh, Secretary General, Afro Asia Rural Development Organisation and the Distinguished Guest was Amb Shri Anil Trigunayat, President, MIICCIA.
The event culminated with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Shri B C Nayak, the mentor of A.L.P.A.N.A. acknowledging the dedication of artists, volunteers, and partners who have shaped SAMBHAV’s remarkable journey.
The resounding success of SAMBHAV 2026 was the result of the dedication and tireless efforts of Shri Ashwani Kumar, Vice President of A.L.P.A.N.A., Ms Priyadarshini Tripathy, Secretary, Mrs Sabita Sahu, Treasurer, Ms Archana Nandi and Mrs Meera Behera, the Executive Members of A.L.P.A.N.A.
For over two decades, A.L.P.A.N.A. has been committed to integrating persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) into mainstream art and culture. Since 2006, SAMBHAV has grown into an international platform that celebrates ability, nurtures inclusion, and redefines what is possible.
As it marked its 21st edition, SAMBHAV 2026 once again reaffirmed a timeless message: When art leads the way; inclusion is not only achievable but becomes beautifully inevitable.
