International Purple Fest Goa 2025 to be held from 9-12th October, 2025; will have Purple Ambassadors representing each of the 21 types of disabilities listed under the RPwD Act, 2016.
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai made the announcement at a media briefing.
Purple Ambassadors, who are selected from across the country, bring to the fore inspirational journeys of conquering the odds and staking a strong claim for inclusivity.
Present on the occasion were State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, Secretary, Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Varsha Naik, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haaziq, Prakash Kamat, member of Nomination Committee for selection of Ambassadors for IPFG 2025, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Phal Dessai stated: “The appointment of the 21 Purple Ambassadors reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and equal opportunity. These individuals are not just representatives; they are changemakers who will lead the way in promoting accessibility, awareness, and dignity for persons with disabilities. I am proud that Goa will once again host this global platform, celebrating ability and creating real impact.”
Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS Secretary, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, said: “Purple Fest has emerged as a movement for inclusion and empowerment. The selection of Purple Ambassadors is a powerful step towards ensuring community-led engagement and advocacy. I commend the diverse representation this year and look forward to the 2025 edition setting new benchmarks for accessibility, participation, and policy dialogues.”
In his address, Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, elaborated: “Purple Fest aligns with the United Nations’ global mission to promote equality, inclusion, and dignity for all. The appointment of these ambassadors from across India embodies the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals – leaving no one behind. The UN is proud to support this extraordinary initiative that showcases the power of representation, especially from women and rural communities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, asserted:“The Purple Ambassadors are the heart of this Fest – they bring lived experience, empathy, and leadership to the forefront. Their voices will shape not only this event but the larger narrative on inclusion in India. We are especially proud of the local representation from Goa, showcasing the state’s role as a national leader in accessibility and rights-based empowerment.”
Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, said: “Each Purple Ambassador has been carefully chosen not just for representation, but for their potential to inspire, engage, and create change. Their journey with Purple Fest 2025 will amplify community voices, raise awareness at the grassroots, and help us build an event—and a society—that celebrates all abilities.”
Selected from across India through a rigorous nomination process by the Fest’s Executive and Nomination Committees, the ambassadors are set to play a key role in promoting and strengthening the festival’s impact. Notably, this year marks a significant shift with a majority of ambassadors being women, further advancing gender inclusion. The 2025 edition also emphasises participation from rural regions, ensuring that voices from all corners of the country are represented. Three of the ambassadors hail from Goa, highlighting strong local involvement in an event of national and international significance. This initiative not only highlights personal stories of resilience but also reinforces Purple Fest’s broader mission—to create a barrier-free and inclusive India.
As Purple Ambassadors, these inspiring individuals will:
· Represent their disability communities with authenticity and leadership.
· Engage in on-ground and online outreach to promote the Fest.
· Actively participate in key segments of the Fest and contribute to inclusive dialogues.
· Offer feedback to improve accessibility and inclusivity of the Fest.
· Continue advocacy for disability rights within their regions post the Fest.
Celebrated as one of India’s most inclusive and transformative events, Purple Fest brings together people from all walks of life to honour ability, raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. With representation across all 21 types of disabilities as recognised by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Purple Ambassador initiative plays a pivotal role in community outreach and empowerment.
The organising committee urges citizens, institutions, corporates, and civil society to support this movement and be a part of Purple Fest Goa 2025, where every voice matters, and every ability is celebrated.
For more information and updates on Purple Fest Goa 2025, visit: www.purplefest.goa.gov.in. Follow us on social media: #PurpleFestGoa2025 | #CelebrateAbility. International Purplefest 2025 is also available on Andriod and IOS on app – International Purple Fest.
