The Yellow Ribbon pre-Diwali fair is a commendable collective effort to market products made by self-help groups

That aid to the under privileged in India has evolved from mere handouts to building of self-sustainability was amply visible at the Yellow Ribbon Pre-Diwali NGO Fair at the Ishanya Arcade. The fair that started on October 3 and is on till October 6 was organised with the aim of helping self help groups and NGOs display and market their products for which free space was provided to them at the mall by Ishanya Foundation.

With 42 NGOs present at the fair to market goods such as chocolates, flower vases, pickles, studded jewellery, candles, diyas, cloth bags and tribal art, the gathering represents different causes and sections of society, from women empowerment to environmental concerns, HIV/AIDS patients and leprosy patients.

Apart from the few known names such as Concern India, Helpage and Akansha a number of NGOs are providing unique and essential services at the event. For instance, Doorsteps has put on display a wide variety of aprons, clay containers, drawings and diyas made by the children of construction site workers. The proceeds from the sale will be going for the education of kids, many of whom are taught in a well-equipped bus that contains blackboards and books.

Getting into the spirit of things, Navkshitij has on display beautiful lamps, vividly coloured dandiyas and well packaged chocolates, all made by mentally challenged adults that the NGO cares for. Two young girls, Sonia Gandhi and Amruta Kataria are displaying their creations at a quiet corner stall called Kite Creations that comprises eco friendly clocks made of jaggery and paper machie.

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