Vocal for local echoes: Aligarh Businessman Who celebrates Diwali with Specially abled children

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is barely a day away now. People have been busy making preparations. Fondly called the festival of the lights, it will be celebrated across India with great pomp and show. A businessman named Praveen Bansal chose to celebrate this festival in the company of specially-abled children. He has been enjoying Diwali with specially-abled children for the last 23 years of his life.

Not just this, he also supports PM Modi’s initiative of “Vocal for Local”, and tries to gift these specially abled children locally crafted items that can fill their life with happiness and prosperity.

 Praveen Bansal hails from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the prominent businessmen in his locality. He lives near the Shri Dau Ji Maharaj temple situated in the Thana Delhi Gate area. Praveen told Local 18 that celebrating this joyous festival with specially-abled children provides him peace. Praveen owns a lot of spice brands in Aligarh. 

So, what prompted Praveen to celebrate Diwali with the specially-abled children? He said,” I have three children. When my first son Mohit Bansal was born in 2000, he did not cry. When I showed the child to the doctor, I came to know that I had become a father to a special child. I was inspired by my son to do this; that’s why I spend all the happy moments of my life with the special children. Since that day, I have celebrated all the festivals of my life, be it Holi, Diwali, or New Year, with these specially-abled children. On Diwali, I spend time with the children and celebrate the festival by giving them sweets and gifts.

Praveen also provides study materials to the children, who hail from impoverished families. He also spreads awareness among the people, to not burst firecrackers during the Diwali festival. Praveen said, “This time on Diwali, I will distribute blankets and sweets among the poor and helpless people.”  By opting for locally made Diwali products, they directly support the livelihoods of our fellow countrymen, fostering economic growth and self-reliance. Each purchase, no matter how small, contributes to the vibrancy of our communities and strengthens the foundation of our nation’s economic prosperity.