Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt a surge of warmth and creativity? That's the magic of the Diya Happiness Store, now open and inviting you to experience something truly special. More than just a store, it's a vibrant showcase of talent, a testament to the power of human potential, and a celebration of community right here in Bengaluru. A Symphony of Skills, A Tapestry of Talent Imagine a place where every handcrafted item tells a story, where every creation is infused with dedication and love. At the Diya Happiness Store, our incredible team, including artisans with intellectual challenges, pour their heart and soul into crafting unique treasures. From intricate screen-printed designs to delectable handmade chocolates, from charming stationery to stunning home décor, each piece is a masterpiece of meticulous detail and genuine passion. Empowerment Woven into Every Thread We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine. For individuals with special needs, finding meaningful work can be a challenge in traditional job markets. But here, at the Happiness Store, we've created a supportive haven where skills are nurtured, confidence blossoms, and dreams take flight. Through hands-on creation, our artisans not only earn a fair wage but also experience the profound satisfaction of contributing their unique talents to the world. Each handcrafted candle, each beautifully designed bag, is a symbol of empowerment, a testament to the human spirit's boundless capacity for creativity. Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers The Happiness Store is more than just a place to shop; it's a bridge connecting our community, fostering understanding, and challenging stereotypes. When you step inside, you're not just a customer; you're a part of a movement. You'll have the chance to meet our talented artisans, witness their skills firsthand, and experience the joy of supporting a truly inclusive initiative. Collaborating for Change, Creating Lasting Impact We're passionate about creating lasting change, which is why we collaborate with other social enterprises to expand our mission. Together, we're building a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead an independent and fulfilling life. Don't Miss Out on This Month's Treasures! This month, we're spotlighting our stunning Cube Tissue Box Holder, a perfect blend of functionality and artistry. But that's just a glimpse of the many wonders awaiting you at the Happiness Store. Join Us on This Journey of Joy and Empowerment! We invite you to visit the Diya Happiness Store in Bengaluru and experience the magic for yourself. Discover the beauty of handcrafted creations, witness the power of inclusivity, and become a part of a community that celebrates the extraordinary in everyone. Find us at our production studio - Diya Innovations, #112/147, Chikatayappa Reddy Layout, Chelkere, Kalyannagar Bangalore 560043 Let's create a happier, more inclusive Bengaluru together!

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Down syndrome. You've likely heard the term, but do you truly understand what it means? Beyond the basic facts, there's a story of resilience, strength, and the unique beauty that comes with a different genetic makeup. Let's delve deeper and shed some light on this fascinating condition. What is Down Syndrome? Think of a recipe for a cake. Usually, you follow the exact measurements for each ingredient. But with Down syndrome, it's like adding an extra pinch of one ingredient to the recipe. It might change the texture and flavour slightly, but it can still be a delicious cake. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material, like that extra pinch of ingredient, leads to the characteristic features and developmental differences associated with the condition. Named after Dr. John Langdon Down, who first described it in 1866, Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 700 births worldwide. While the exact cause of the extra chromosome is still unknown, it is primarily due to a random error in cell division called nondisjunction. Maternal age is a known factor that increases the likelihood. The Genetic Twist: Trisomy 21 and Beyond The most common type, Trisomy 21, accounts for 95% of cases. Here, every cell in the body has that extra copy of chromosome 21. But there's more to the story. Mosaic Down Syndrome is a rarer form where only some cells have the extra chromosome. This often leads to milder characteristics as not all cells are affected. Finally, Translocation Down Syndrome occurs when a part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome. While it's a smaller percentage of cases, it's significant because it can be inherited. A parent can be a carrier of a balanced translocation, meaning they have the rearranged genetic material but no extra chromosome 21, and thus no features of Down syndrome. Beyond the Physical: Celebrating Individuality We often focus on the physical characteristics – the flattened facial profile, the upward slant of the eyes, the single palmar crease. While these are common, it's crucial to remember that individuals with Down syndrome are just that: individuals. They are as diverse as anyone else, with their own unique personalities, talents, and dreams. Bhuvana : Personality: Nurturing: To emphasize her warm, loving, and caring nature. Talent: Precision: Points to her accuracy and attention to detail in her work. Dreams: Connection: Her love for prayer and her empathetic nature, hinting at a dream of deep spiritual connection and meaningful relationships. Prithvi Babu: Dancer, Artist, Bag and box maker The Journey of Development: Developmentally, individuals with Down syndrome may learn at a different pace. Intellectual development may vary, ranging from mild to moderate. Speech and language development may be delayed, and motor skills might take longer to master. Read Full Testimonial

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Carolyn passed away in 2007. In her memory, the ‘Chocolyn’ Chocolate Project was established at Diya, funded by the donations that her family sought from friends and family who attended her funeral. By 2013, it grew into one of the business units of the production studio at Diya Innovations. How Chocolyn came to be? Carolyn, one of Diya Foundation’s first three students, graced the unit with the most beautiful, shy smile during her days there in the early 2000s. Adorned in carefully coordinated attire and accessories, she would eagerly await the auto, anticipating the day’s adventures. Cherished memories of Carolyn revolve around her love for food and sweets. On her own birthday, when asked which Diya product she’d like as a gift, she’d politely decline every suggestion. But her entire face would light up with joy at the mere mention of a Cadbury chocolate. Carolyn’s diligence shone through her work. She excelled at sanding the recycled rolls, transforming them into creative pen stands. She approached each responsibility with enthusiasm and found joy in her craft. Carolyn passed away in 2007. In her memory, the ‘Chocolyn’ Chocolate Project was established at Diya, funded by the donations that her family sought from friends and family who attended her funeral. By 2013, it grew into one of the business units of the production studio at Diya Innovations. Her family’s unwavering support of Chocolyn and Diya is forever etched in our hearts! What the Diya chocolatiers conjure up Our team creates chocolates in all shapes and sizes, customised for any family occasion or festive season. Come Easter, eggs in white chocolate and milk chocolate, bunnies and bird nests in dark chocolate are carefully made. Delicately speckled and striped eggs add to the colour and festivity of Easter gifting The Christmas season sees a range of baubles, Santas, wreaths and candy canes crafted in chocolate, that make perfect gifts for the season. Wedding giveaways, chocolate to commemorate important days at work or in the family are all part of our portfolio. Chocolate has made up a large part of our corporate Diwali gifting and the chocolate slabs and squares are generously filled with roasted dry fruit and dressed in festive sleeves to fill the festive hampers gifted to employees and clients. What makes handmade chocolates truly special is the personal touch of the artisan. Our chocolatiers take great pride in the small-batch production of their confections, ensuring that each piece is individually crafted. This care and attention to detail are reflected in the final product, making our handmade chocolates a thoughtful gift, a luxurious treat, and a special indulgence. A thoughtfully curated diwali hamper Rekha wrapping chocolates

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans We would like to introduce you to two very important members of our team who elevate what we offer our clients, through their incredible embroidery skills. Hand embroidery possesses an unequalled charm. A simple flower and stem in the corner of a hanky lifts the piece from ordinary to delicately beautiful. The sometimes uneven running stitch or 'kantha' stitch can elevate absolutely any fabric from 0 to a 100 on a simple-chic scale. It’s this transformative power we celebrate ! Meet Mouly apprentice at a vintage car service station by day, master  embroiderer by night Mouly, is a tall, lanky young man, with a hearing and speech impairment. But nothing stops him from creating art masterpieces. He draws, paints and embroiders with passion. His day job is apprenticing at a vintage car service station, where he helps repair some of Bangalore’s beautiful vintage cars that come in for routine repairs. We outsource embroidery onto our ‘lavender bags’ to him, whenever a wedding giveaway order comes in. He works with precision and speed and ensures a delighted client. Ayesha loves the rigour and monotony of the kantha stitch makes magic by running the stitch over neatly drawn patterns Ayesha's embroidery skills were discovered more recently. A chance admittance to an embroidery learning session at Diya Foundation, in between her candle making day, revealed a latent talent. She loved the rigour and monotony of the kantha stitch and soon discovered she could make magic by running the stitch over neatly drawn patterns. She was taught the chain stitch and satin stitch and fell in love with those  too, creating pretty floral patches. She'd carry her work home, and soon there were worried calls from her mother about her sleeping only after a design was complete. The joy and enthusiasm with which she works on her patches is infectious and she has her colleagues Rekha and Bhuvana wanting in. When they have a free afternoon, she patiently teaches them Kantha and watching that is a treat! Do visit us at Diya Innovations, to meet the team and see the products crafted by them. Your patronage encourages our artisans to learn more and do better! It also helps them earn better and aspire to better futures.