The six-day extravaganza, International Purple Fest, Goa 2024, concluded with a resounding success, leaving an enduring impact on Goa and reverberating its message of diversity and inclusion worldwide. Hosted by the State Commissioner’s Office for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the festival garnered accolades for championing inclusivity on a global scale.
The event brought together individuals representing all 21 disabilities, fostering an environment that allowed them to showcase their talents and exchange invaluable insights. The festival showcased a kaleidoscope of events, including mesmerizing performances, enlightening workshops, inspiring exhibitions, impactful movie screenings and much more.
Minister for Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai, celebrated the victory of inclusion and unity at the International Purple Fest, Goa 2024 emphasizing, “This success endorses our commitment to creating a society that embraces and empowers every individual. Together, we have worked really hard to put this event together. We must understand that acceptance and belonging are the way forward for an India of everyone’s dreams. We hope to improve the fest each year and the journey towards an inclusive future continues to inspire and uplift us all.”
Expressing gratitude to the entire team for the success, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, stated “Purple Fest has now evolved into a powerful movement, resonating far and wide. Numerous states are eager to host this transformative event, while foreign delegates who attended the event are now contemplating replicate the Purple Fest phenomenon in their own countries.”
He added, “The participation of 13,000 delegates from India and 17 countries clearly indicates that within two editions of the specially conceptualized Purple Fest, they have not only put Goa on the map for working towards diversity and inclusivity but also witnessed many positive changes in Goa, including awareness, policies, government initiatives, and more.”
Hunny Bhagchandani from Startup TorchIt, an organization dedicated to empowering vision beyond sight and a participant in the fest, praised the Purple Fest team for organizing a fantastic event, describing it as a platform for connection, learning, and contributing to a better world. “I am confident it will be even better and larger next year.”
Nirali and Siddhant Shah from Access for All, an organization dedicated to disability access, inclusion and upliftment through the transformative power of art, commended the exemplary management and services that translated the fest’s mission into a genuine celebration, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees’ hearts.
As the curtains closed on International Purple Fest, Goa 2024, the organizers look forward to more lively celebrations in the years ahead, continuing the journey towards a more inclusive and diverse future. The resounding success of the festival is a reflection of the collective effort, passion and meticulous planning that went into making it a memorable experience for attendees. The International Purple Fest, Goa 2024, will be etched in the hearts of all who participated, marking it as a momentous milestone in the realm of global festivals.
