Ar. Gita Balakrishnan, Founder of Ethos Foundation, has begun the APNA ARCAUSE Purple Walk Goa 100, a 100 km journey on foot from S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Dapotloliem, Canacona, to ESG, Panaji. This walk is a prelude to the much-anticipated International Purple Fest, scheduled in Panaji from October 9–12, 2025.
The walk was flagged off by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister of Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Desai and Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar in Canacona.
Principal of S S Angle Higher Secondary School welcomed the guests.
The students and staff joined the initial walk led by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the walk takes on special meaning as it connects with the spirit of the Purple Fest, India’s premier festival of inclusivity.
At every stop, Gita will meet communities, students, and participants, creating a moving forum for conversation and exchange.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Tawadkar said: “The Purple Walk Goa 100 and International Purple Fest are remarkable examples of how commitment and collaboration can make accessibility visible and tangible. It inspires all of us to prioritise inclusive design in every aspect of public life. Through initiatives like these we should be aware that accessibility is a way of life.”
This walk marks Gita’s sixth Walk for Arcause, following her earlier journeys that together have covered over 2,600 km across 13+ states. Chronicled in her book 1700 in 70, these walks have become symbolic of her mission to bring architecture closer to people while sparking national conversations on inclusion, sustainability, and design justice.
Minister of Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Desai speaking at the flag off said: “The Purple Walk Goa 100 also connected communities, students, and festival participants along the route, turning it into a moving forum for dialogue and learning.”
International Purple Fest is about celebrating inclusivity and organising the Walk allows to take that spirit beyond the festival grounds and into Goa’s streets, beaches, and public spaces. Accessibility is not charity—it is a right, benefiting everyone.
Architect Gita Balakrishnan said: “Walking slows you down, makes you see, listen, and connect. Through the Purple Walk Goa 100, I hope to awaken a collective commitment to Universal Design—where no one is left behind, and every space celebrates dignity and belonging.”
Organised in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility (APNA), the initiative highlights Universal Design and Accessibility as essential principles for inclusive living.
As part of the International Purple Fest, the walk will bring together government bodies, professional associations, NGOs, and global partners including the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, UN agencies, Council of Architecture, Indian Institute of Architects – Goa Chapter, Indian Institute of Interior Designers – Goa Centre, and the Rainmatter Foundation by Zerodha.
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar stated: “These collaborations reinforce the importance of accessibility as a core principle aligned with international best practices. Creating an accessible and inclusive society is a responsibility beyond policy makers and Gita has been working to bring that change.”
This year’s International Purple Fest, co-organised by the United Nations promises to build on this momentum, with accessible concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and public engagement programs designed to showcase how inclusive design can transform lives. By combining celebration with advocacy, the festival continues to celebrate Goa as a national hub for accessibility and inclusivity, demonstrating that spaces, events, and communities can truly welcome everyone.
