A mentally retarded teenager holds open a file folder with the colours of the Tricolour striped across on its front.

Two blind women sit on the floor weaving rope in warps and wefts to make mats.

These are just some examples of these differently abled persons engrossed in their art at an exhibition-cum-sale organised by Jagriti Foundation here. Among these handmade products, there was a range of delightful things to take home, all made by individuals with mental or physical handicap. From mobile covers, candles, photo frames, paper pads, diyas, to decorations, people with special needs have come from across the State to participate in this annual event.

Eighteen NGOs and 10 individuals from Junagadh, Rajkot, Idar and Ahmedabad were part of this special mela. A volunteer Dr Darshna Thakker said that the exhibition saw almost a 1000 visitors on Sunday. “The participating organisations know very well what sells well in this city and they design their products accordingly for customers. Almost 70 per cent of the visiting people are taking home some or the other products.”

Difficult though it may be, the differently-abled people never seem to give up. “We emphasise on developing every individual’s creativity by instruction, suggestion and supervision,” says special education trainer Aarti Sharma. “While some children can comprehend things easily, it might take years for the others to learn to grip paper and paint.”

The exhibition, in its fifth year, saw a lot of young volunteers this time. Every organisation has some representatives, members, supervisors or teachers at their stall.