The third edition of the International Purple Fest – Goa 2025 commenced with a vibrant and inclusive Opening Ceremony at the Entertainment Society of Goa. Organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and United Nations India, the event brought together dignitaries, delegates, and performers from across India and around the world.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India; Shripad Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Also present was Special Guest, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha and Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Co-ordinator in India, as Special Guests, Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Rohit Monserrate, Mayor CCP alongwith senior officials including Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS Secretary Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.V Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Secretary DePwD, for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, Varsha Naik, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Taha Haaziq, Secretary Office of State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities.
Speaking at the inaugural address, Dr Sawant stated: “Purple Fest 2025 is not just an event — it is a vibrant celebration of inclusion, diversity, and empowerment”. He further added that It reflects the strength, determination, and extraordinary talent of our Divyang brothers and sisters, who continue to inspire the entire nation with their courage and achievements. Goa takes immense pride in hosting this festival at an international level, bringing together people, organisations, and institutions that share a common vision of equality and accessibility for all.
“Through Purple Fest, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to participate, contribute, and shine. Inclusion is not an act of sympathy or charity — it is an act of justice, respect, and empowerment that defines the true spirit of a progressive India.”
Subhash Phal Dessai shared that from its beginnings in 2023 to the present edition, the festival has become something truly extraordinary, where volunteers, teachers, officers, and citizens alike have learned that inclusion is not merely a policy but a shared mindset and responsibility. Recalling the powerful memories of the early festivals — children playing, families rejoicing, and public spaces becoming permanently accessible — he highlighted how Purple Fest has changed the very spirit of Goa.
Desai emphasised that Goa’s pride today lies not only in its beaches or culture but in its ability to welcome everyone, from anywhere in the world, with equal opportunity and joy.
Guruprasad Pawaskar said that this festival stands as a reflection of collective strength, compassion, and the belief that “disability is not inability.” What began as a small state initiative has now blossomed into an international movement that unites people through art, sports, and innovation. Through every performance and story, Purple Fest showcases the limitless potential of individuals who rise above challenges with courage and determination.
Adding to the momentum of the inaugural day, DAY-1 saw the first-ever International Convention on the Deaf. Organised by the All-India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) in collaboration with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), the two-day convention brought together national and international voices advocating for the official recognition of Indian Sign Language and the integration of AI in Deaf empowerment. Speakers from Thailand and Japan joined virtually to share global perspectives on sign language advocacy, while national leaders reflected on India’s progress.
The Convention also celebrated ISLRTC’s 10th anniversary and explored how AI can support human rights and accessibility for Deaf individuals. With a shared goal of official recognition for Indian Sign Language, the sessions became a powerful platform for collaboration, advocacy, and future planning.
Meanwhile, the All-India State Commissioners’ Meet 2025 convened under the leadership of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), bringing together State Commissioners from across India. Themed ‘Strengthening Inclusive Frameworks through Collaborative Governance and Rights-based Mechanisms,’ the meet focused on digital accessibility, legal enforcement, and child rights.
Phal Desai emphasised the importance of translating policy into practice, stating, “Inclusion is not charity, it is justice and smart governance. Our policies must translate into action, ensuring dignity, independence, and recognition for every Divyangjan.”
In an emotionally resonant segment, three Purple Fest Ambassadors took the stage to share their personal journeys and hopes for a more inclusive tomorrow.
Grish Dongre from Nagpur, who lives with sickle cell disability, spoke candidly about the physical challenges of the condition and the urgent need for greater awareness, especially in rural regions.
“Our red blood cells don’t flow properly—they stick together, causing pain and fatigue. We need more screening, stronger infrastructure, and continuous dialogue,” he urged.
An artist by passion, Grish discovered his identity through creative expression, having studied at JJ School of Art and presented his portraits to several public figures.
Sandya Bandholar, representing the deaf community, reflected on her transformation from isolation to empowerment. “Communication was difficult, but I didn’t want to sit at home—I wanted to learn and connect with people. My mother and our deaf leader, Parsad Joshi, helped me believe in myself,” she shared. Her message to the audience was heartfelt and direct: “I want to see more empowerment within the deaf community.”
Dr. Aditya Lohiya, who has cerebral palsy, emphasized the gap between policy and practice. “Policies alone are not enough—they must be implemented effectively. We need trained support systems, accessible infrastructure, and widespread awareness,” he said.
Commending the government’s move to expand the list of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, he added, “It’s a sign of progress, but it must translate into real change. Our disabilities should never limit our ambitions.”
As Day 1 of the International Purple Fest 2025 drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with inspiration, dialogue, and the unmistakable spirit of inclusion. From powerful testimonies by Purple Ambassadors to groundbreaking discussions on accessibility, technology, and policy, the day set a transformative tone for the days ahead. The convergence of voices—from policymakers and innovators to artists and changemakers—underscored a shared vision: to build a society where every ability is valued, and every individual is empowered to thrive. With this collective energy, the Purple Fest continues its journey of redefining inclusion, one meaningful conversation at a time. Looking ahead, Day-2 of the International Purple Fest 2025 promises a vibrant lineup of events spread across multiple venues.
Key highlights of Day 2
•Global Inclusive Teachers’ Summit, the Purple Pragati Corporate Seminar, and Disability and the World of Work, all taking place at the Old GMC Building. The Purple Think Tank will explore themes of inclusive education and policy development, while Purple Experience Zones will present cutting-edge innovations in digital accessibility, early intervention, and assistive technology.
The Purple Spectrum will offer a diverse range of experiences—from accessible film screenings and parent workshops to creative sessions such as zine-making and blindfold photography. For sports enthusiasts, the day brings exciting competitions including the Boccia Federation Cup, Unified Basketball, and Cerebral Palsy Football.
Meanwhile, Purple Fun adds an element of adventure and recreation with parasailing, jet skiing, and drum circles, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion and celebration resonates with everyone.
