Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh IAS Officers’ Wives Association on Saturday organised its first-ever Diwali Mela at the CSI Club in Raj Bhawan Colony, bringing together artisans, women entrepreneurs and social organisations on a common platform to promote traditional crafts and livelihood opportunities.The mela was inaugurated by Meenakshi Singh, a senior IRS officer of the 1993 batch currently serving as chief commissioner of income tax in Prayagraj and wife of UP DGP Rajiv Krishna.UP IASOWA president Neelu Goel, wife of chief secretary S P Goyal, said the event was aimed at providing artisans and women entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their skills, products and cultural heritage.The fair featured handicrafts and artefacts from across UP and other parts of the country, including Bhadohi carpets, Khurja pottery, Firozabad glass bangles, Banarasi and Chanderi sarees, Jaipur apparel and Kachchh jewellery.There were food stalls, cultural performances, children’s activities, health check-up camps and blood donation facilities, attracting a large number of visitors.Meenakshi Singh said the mela created a platform for artisans and women entrepreneurs to connect with a wider audience, helping strengthen their livelihoods and economic empowerment. She congratulated UP IASOWA members for bringing together artisans from different regions and later visited various stalls, appreciating the products on display.Neelu Goel also highlighted the work of Akanksha Samiti, which supports women and girls through programmes focused on education, healthcare, skill development and income generation.Chief secretary S P Goyal lauded the initiative, saying it would encourage artisans and women entrepreneurs while promoting traditional crafts. DGP Rajeev Krishna, principal secretary to the chief minister Sanjay Prasad, UP IASOWA office-bearers, members of Akanksha Samiti, artisans, entrepreneurs and other guests attended the event.
