Jamshedpur, Nov 5: Like every year in the past, the students of School of Hope have made colourful and beautifully decorated diyas and candles. Continuing the trend, about 25 � 30 students have put in their hard work and effort to prepare a variety of diyas and candles, which are available for purchase to the public.
The candles, diyas and gift items prepared by the students have been priced reasonably between Rs. 5 and Rs. 200. The school is organising a �Diwali Mela� at their premises where these items will be on display and available for purchase.
�The aim is to train them well so that tomorrow when they leave the special school, they can earn and live a life of dignity,� said Shyamala Raju. These youngsters are generally divided into four levels based on their ability � both mental and physical � and expertise. For instance, those who are new to the craft are kept at level one, while experienced hands comprise level four.
After a month�s hard work, the students have come up with diyas decorated with colourful beads painted with fabric colours. Some have also made candles of various shapes and sizes.
The trainers at school have also trained the students in rangoli painting, which is making rangoli designs on the larger diyas and done with brighter colours. In fact, with years of practice and art lessons in the school, about four students in the age group of 20 years have developed as artists and, at times, they also help their juniors.
Some special children at the Parents Association for the Mentally Handicapped have also started making candles since a month back. The centre at Dhatkidih only specialises in candles and related fancy products. About seven members are involved in making gel candles, floating candles, scented candles and candles of various types.
The maximum price for a candle is Rs. 105. The centre will also place their kiosks in various schools to sell their products.