APD’s ‘Valentine Garden Fair’ promotes financial independence of disabled youth

Bengaluru: The Association of People with Disability (APD) on Friday launched its annual Valentine Garden Fair at Doddagubbi, promoting financial independence among 150 youth with disabilities.

The fair, which runs until February 22, showcases the horticultural skills of students from APD’s residential livelihood programme. Trainees handle every stage, from nurturing saplings to garden management, preparing them for roles as gardeners and supervisors in corporate offices and residential hubs.

Inaugurating the event, M Jagadeesh, Additional Director of Horticulture (Lalbagh), lauded the quality of the plants on display. The fair features orchids, medicinal herbs and flowering foliage.

The event follows a cycle-of-giving model. Proceeds from the sale of plants and accessories are reinvested into the programme to provide food, shelter and training for the next batch. APD has empowered over 4,500 youth across Karnataka through the initiative.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own carry bags to support the campus’ plastic-free environment.