Accessibility, inclusion, and transformation are not just promises in Goa, but have become reality through the impact of the International Purple Fest. As the state prepares for another powerful 3rd edition from October 9th to 12th the ripple effect of this festival has already proven to be profound and lasting.
The sought-after event which has now become a movement has grown into one of the world’s most inclusive festivals, bringing together delegates from over 30 countries, and this year it is being co-organised by the United Nations.
The 2025 edition places a spotlight on rural inclusion, with a commitment to accessibility and empowerment that extends beyond urban areas into villages.
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phaldessai and guided by the vision of Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, International Purple Fest has become much more than an annual event; it is a movement that has transformed the state’s approach to accessibility, awareness and empowerment.
“There is a huge increase in awareness and sensitisation among non-disabled towards persons with disabilities,” says Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; highlighting one of the fest’s most profound impacts.
“Even though Purple Fest is an event held over a few days, the commission continues with training and sensitisation programs throughout the year. So far, we have trained more than 5,000 individuals across Government agencies like tourism, transport, PWD and other sectors. These training sessions are conducted by Persons with disabilities.”
Purple Fest is not merely an event; it is a movement, demonstrating that true progress leaves no one behind. Over the past three years, several initiatives have left a tangible mark on the lives of Goans. A permanent Prime Minister Diyvanshu Kendra was established at Goa Medical College in Bambolim, which provides free aids and appliances to persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
“Over 3,000 citizens from Goa have benefited, with prosthetic aids and equipment worth almost 3 crores distributed to beneficiaries,” Pawaskar noted.
Similarly, Spine Injury Rehabilitation Centre at Rugnashraya in Bambolim now offers free rehabilitation services for spinal cord injury patients, who previously had to travel to other states at great expense. Distribution of wheelchairs, modified bikes, and two-wheeler bikes across the state has allowed many to move freely, participate in programs, and earn livelihoods.
“We have seen persons who did not move out of their houses earlier now taking active part in various programs, which is very important for independence and earning a livelihood,” Pawaskar added.
First-of-its-kind wheelchair-accessible rickshaws have also been introduced, provided to NGOs and special schools. These rickshaws allow children and adults with disabilities to commute to school, workplaces, malls, or restaurants without hardship, with trained drivers ensuring safe and dignified transport.
Accessibility improvements extend beyond individual aid.
In Panaji, over 150 public spaces, ranging from restaurants to hotels, are being made accessible, benefiting not only persons with disabilities but also senior citizens, pregnant women, and other community members. Pawaskar emphasises that these changes are part of a larger vision:
“The biggest impact is that now the Chief Minister has created an independent department for Persons with Disabilities, headed by Subhash Phal Dessai. Through this directorate, various schemes are being rolled out to support persons with disabilities across the state.”
This year’s edition of Purple Fest introduces several firsts. The festival will feature Purple Ambassadors from rural areas, reflecting the voices and experiences of India’s villages, ensuring that inclusion is truly universal. For the first time, participants with disabilities will have the opportunity to try adventure sports like scuba diving and parasailing, demonstrating that accessibility is possible everywhere—even on water and in the air.
Pawaskar explains, “This platform brings together experts, policymakers, civil society, and persons with disabilities to exchange ideas and create action roadmaps.”
Knowledge sharing remains a cornerstone of the event. Dedicated conferences and think tanks will address inclusive education, assistive technology, employment, sports, arts, and culture.
The fest celebrates talent through Purple Rain concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural showcases, demonstrating that persons with disabilities are not just participants, but leaders, creators, and artists.
Every aspect of the event has been carefully designed for accessibility— from transport and accommodation to assistive devices and venue infrastructure. Advanced technologies, including Bluetooth beacons for indoor navigation, digital accessibility zones, real-time speech-to-text, audio description services, and QR code-enabled information, ensure that every participant can engage fully and independently.
With over 1,300 beneficiaries receiving aids and appliances worth nearly ₹2 crore during the fest, and accessible vans ferrying guests smoothly across the venue, the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 is not just an event, but a bold vision of inclusion in action, where access, opportunity and creativity transform everyday lives.
Ultimately, the true success of the International Purple Fest is not in the numbers, but in the positive shifts it inspires. Society and Community at large are becoming more sensitive and empathetic towards those with disabilities. New initiatives that make life more inclusive and dignified. Purple Fest is more than a four-day event— it is a step towards making inclusion part of everyday life.
• Global Reach: Delegates from over 30 countries with United Nations as co-organiser.
• Rural Inclusion:First-time Purple Ambassadors from villages share grassroots perspectives.
• Adventure Sports: Scuba diving, parasailing and more for participants with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology:Bluetooth beacons, digital accessibility zones, real-time speech-to-text, QR code-based navigation.
• Cultural Celebration: Purple Rain concerts, art exhibitions, inclusive film screenings.
• Statewide Accessibility:Over 150 public locations in Panjim upgraded; wheelchair-accessible rickshaws introduced statewide.
What’s in store?:
Universal Design Pavilion: Demonstrates how physical infrastructure, transportation, education, and banking can be made accessible to all.
Design for All Challenge: Students and innovators get to develop simple, impactful ideas to make public spaces more inclusive and user-friendly.
Rural Inclusion Conference:Individuals from rural areas share lived experiences and innovative ideas.
Purple Think Tank: Experts discuss Universal Design and practical implementation across sectors.
Purple Conference: Topics such as government policy, rural inclusion, and community leadership explored.
Purple Experience Zone: Interactive, hands-on spaces demonstrating inclusive design in banking, transport, education, and digital access.
Purple Exhibition: Over 100 stalls showcasing innovative products, aids, appliances, and services designed by and for persons with disabilities.
Purple Kaleidoscope: Celebrates creativity through visual art, music, dance, and other expressive forms.
Purple Rain:Performances by persons with disabilities alongside popular artists.
Purple Fun: Inclusive Zumba sessions, scenic cruise rides, astronomy walks, and drum circles.
Purple Sports: Inclusive sporting events, including a special women’s cricket match.
Purple Street:Music, art installations, creative workshops, and live performances in public spaces, bringing inclusivity into the heart of the community.
