Panaji: The six-day-long International Purple Festival Goa 2024 was inaugurated on Monday with State chief minister Pramod Sawant giving a message of inclusiveness on lines with the slogan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the inaugural function of International Purple Fest Goa 2024, the chief minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally inquired about the organization of this event on Monday morning, hours before it was inaugurated.
During the event, Goa’s social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai also read out message by the Prime Minister for the participants of this festival, which celebrates inclusiveness.
Union minister Ramdas Athavale, Union minister of state for social justice Virendra Kumar were also present for the inaugural function that was held in Panaji.
“The land of Goa has become canvass of Purple, not only in colour but also in the spirit,” Sawant said opening his speech. The chief minister recalled that the National Purple Fest which was held in Goa in the year 2023 had special mention in Prime Minister’s Man Ki Baat program.
Sawant said that the differently abled (divyang) persons are special “not only for PM Narendra Modi but also for the entire country.”
The chief minister said that the differently abled are not “disabled”but “special” for the country. Sawant emphasized on furthering the slogans of PM of Skill India, Fit India and Inclusive India.
Union Minister Ramdas Athavale in his short speech said that this festival “celebrates the spirit of inclusiveness.” “This is a stage where everyone is important,” he said pointing out that Narendra Modi-led government has given special thrust on the differently abled persons by creating separate ministry in the centre for the purpose.
Dr Karen Darke, a paralympian and ambassador of US-based Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), said that International Purple Fest is a “unique festival” which indicates India’s inclusive celebration dedicated to honouring and celebrating individuals with disabilities.
“It brings together us to learn, network and celebrate for next six days,” she said.
Darke said that VOSAP is US based advocacy organization with the goal to achieve inclusiveness everywhere. “In the year 2047, disability economy sector would be thriving at one trillion dollar,” she said.
State Commissioner for Persons with disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar also addressed the gathering.
