SAMBHAV 2025, hosted by the Association for Learning Performing Arts & Normative Action (A.L.P.A.N.A.), marked its 20th year as a milestone of creativity, inclusion, and human spirit. Held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on 4th and 5th October 2025, the international event brought together artists with disabilities (Divyangjan) from India and across the world, celebrating two decades of A.L.P.A.N.A.’s dedication to empowerment through performing and visual arts.

The two-day celebration opened with messages of encouragement from dignitaries and supporters who commended SAMBHAV’s enduring role in promoting inclusion through art and culture. Their words reflected A.L.P.A.N.A.’s mission to create spaces where ability takes centre stage and art becomes a universal language of equality.

The morning of 4 October 2025 began with the Launching Ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Shri Rajesh Verma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Government of India, and Guest of Honour Shri Devdas Apte ji (Bapu ji). The lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the welcome song by students of A.L.P.A.N.A. set a tone of warmth, hope, and collective purpose. The ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the Art and Craft Exhibition by noted painter Mrs. Anupama Trigunayat, showcasing paintings and handcrafted works created by Divyang artists.

The evening ceremony was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Vivek Agrawal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Presiding Guest Mrs. Ravneet Kaur, IAS (Retd.), Chairperson, Competition Commission of India. Distinguished Guests included H.E. Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India; Dr. K. Rangarajan, Director, IIFT, Kolkata; Dr. Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Heritage Expert; and Shri Niseeth Mehta, CEO, Microsign – Centre for Excellence. The ceremony celebrated international artistic collaboration through cultural performances by groups from Australia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nagaland, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Each presentation reflected the essence of “SAMBHAV”—meaning “possible”—through stories of resilience, identity, and joy. The release of the event souvenir added a moment of pride, followed by reflections from dignitaries and a vote of thanks by Shri B.C. Nayak, Mentor of A.L.P.A.N.A.

The concluding evening featured inspiring performances by groups from India, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, and others, celebrating unity in diversity through rhythm and movement. Distinguished guests included Shri I.C.P. Keshari, IAS (Retd.), Director General, Association of Power Producers; Amb. Sanjay Verma, IFS (Retd.), Former Ambassador of India to Japan and Canada; Shri Subrata Das, Former Secretary Rank, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India; and Smt. Anju Ranjan, IFS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The event culminated in a heartfelt vote of thanks by Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak, acknowledging the dedication of artists, volunteers, and partners who have shaped SAMBHAV’s remarkable journey.