Panjim, October 9, 2025: The third edition of the International Purple Fest – Goa 2025 commenced with a vibrant and inclusive Opening Ceremony at the Entertainment Society of Goa. Organized 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 Guest Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; 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 were Special Guests Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha, and Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, along with Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Rohit Monserrate, Mayor of CCP; and 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, Government of Goa; Varsha Naik, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; and Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the inaugural address, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that Purple Fest 2025 is not just an event — it is a vibrant celebration of inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. He added that it reflects the strength, determination, and extraordinary talent of Divyang brothers and sisters, who continue to inspire the nation with their courage and achievements. Goa takes immense pride in hosting this festival at an international level, bringing together people, organizations, 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.
Dr. Virendra Kumar expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable gathering at the International Purple Fest, graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, and other dignitaries. He acknowledged the presence of the United Nations Resident Coordinator for India, Preeti Sinha, and extended special greetings to all Divyang (specially-abled) athletes participating in the event. Recalling the beautiful performances by children during the festival’s opening, he noted how their spirit and talent touched every heart in the audience. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the state and central governments in empowering persons with disabilities and strengthening the spirit of equality across the nation.
Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, highlighted the incredible talent and abilities of persons with disabilities showcased at the International Purple Fest in Goa. Addressing Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the organizers, and the UN Resident Coordinator, he emphasized that Goa, with its beauty and spirit, serves as the perfect host for such an inclusive event. Athawale noted that the participants are far from “disabled” — from the soulful singing of a lady from Pune to the energetic performances of children in dance and sports, each individual displayed remarkable ability and confidence. He also shared inspiring examples, including a young Goan who rose to become a law leader, demonstrating that determination and talent know no boundaries.
Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, said that from its beginnings in 2023 to the present edition, the festival has become something truly extraordinary. 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. Dessai emphasized that Goa’s pride today lies not only in its beaches or culture but in its ability to welcome everyone from around the world with equal opportunity and joy.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, said the 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. Organized 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.
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.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai emphasized 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 shared their personal journeys and hopes for a more inclusive tomorrow.
Grish Dongre from Nagpur, who lives with sickle cell disability, spoke 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.
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.
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.
Looking ahead, Day 2 of the International Purple Fest 2025 promises a vibrant lineup of events across multiple venues. Key highlights include the 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 inclusive education and policy development, while Purple Experience Zones will present innovations in digital accessibility, early intervention, and assistive technology.
The Purple Spectrum will offer diverse 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 adventure and recreation with parasailing, jet skiing, and drum circles, ensuring the spirit of inclusion and celebration resonates with everyone.
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 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.
