Minister for Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai inaugurated Wheelchair-Accessible E-Rickshaw and Unified Beach Cricket at Miramar today as part of the Purple Fest 2023 to be held from January 6 to 8; with a buzz already created around the country as diversity is being celebrated, stated a press release.
For the first time in India, Goa has witnessed the launch of specially-designed accessible E-Rickshaw vehicles from EzyMov as part of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. Six such vehicles will be used during the Purple Fest to take PwDs (Persons with Disability) around in the most convenient way.
Speaking on the occasion, Subhash Phal Dessai said, “Purple Fest is going to be path-breaking in many ways. The Wheelchair Accessible E- Rickshaw will facilitate easy movement. It will empower those on the wheelchair who otherwise are confined to their homes. It’s a brilliant step in the right direction towards inclusivity, creating diversity and bringing about total empowerment.”
Kedar Naik, MLA of Saligao, expressed his happiness to be a part of the event. He said, it is a great platform for the persons with disabilities. The E-Rickshaw is a great step to provide additional mobility to those in the wheelchair. Healthcare will be easily accessible too.”
Speaking further, Guruprasad Pawaskar urged to make maximum use of these services available in Goa during these days. He said, “the Accessible E-Rickshaw is an extremely practical solution that can work in unison with municipalities, local governing bodies and organisations to deliver healthcare and other facilities in Goa.”
Others present on the occasion were Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Rohit Monserrate, Mayor of Panaji, Taha Haaziq, Secretary of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Goa, and Sandhya Kamat, Director of Social Welfare Department.
The vehicles will be used to transport people from their hotels to the venue of the Purple Fest and also pick and drop them at the railway station and hotels.
The first-ever Unified Beach Cricket format, conducted by Special Olympics Bharat was inaugurated today at Miramar Beach.
“We are starting sports for persons with disability and cricket being everybody’s favourite, should be made available for them to play as well too. This is why Victor Vaz (Special Olympics Bharat) brought this sport to Goa in hope that it will be played everywhere in India,” added Phal Dessai.
