Students of School of Hope make decorative diyas. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Oct. 21: Destiny may have frowned on them, but that hasn’t stopped them from spreading cheer.

Come Diwali, 45 students of School of Hope — an institution for the mentally challenged — will help light up the state with as many as 15,000 diyas — all handcrafted, painted and packaged to perfection.

Principal of the school Shyamala Raju called it an effort to bring out the creative streak. “They will stuff the diyas with wax and paint them. The main objective is to boost confidence. Such training will help them be self-dependent and command respect in the society,” she said.

The students entrusted with the job of making diyas have been divided into four levels based on their ability and expertise. Those who have turned pros are part of level one while students who need help to do the job constitute level one.

“Generally, students undergoing vocational training (aged 18 and above) are involved in these activities before festivals. However, this time we have also roped in those from the pre-vocational section (aged 16 years),” Raju said.

The initiative has certainly perked up the students. “I hate studying, but love colours. My teacher has taught me how to melt wax, pour it into diyas and colour and pack them. I am doing it well. My diyas will be the best,” said Nurul Hassan, one of the students.

School of Hope has asked 10 schools to help it promote the diyas. A stall will also be set up on the XLRI campus. Raju said that though the school was investing the capital, the profit earned after selling the diyas would be used for the benefit of the students.