Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 26: The Goa government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the United Nations, will host the International Purple Fest 2025 from October 9 to 12. Now in its third edition — and second as a global event — the festival has grown into a prominent platform advocating for inclusivity, accessibility, and universal design.
Announcing the event at a press conference, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described Purple Fest as “a global movement that shifts the focus from sympathy to empathy, and from awareness to action.” He said that Goa's inclusive model, now being emulated by other states, had drawn participation from over 15 countries in last year’s edition.
Sawant also revealed a significant policy initiative: the state government is considering awarding Class X or XII equivalent skill certificates to persons with intellectual disabilities. This move, under consultation with the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education and the Department of Technical Education, is aimed at expanding access to job reservations and government schemes. The initiative aligns with the state's Inclusive Goa 2030 and Viksit Goa 2047 roadmaps.
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phaldessai called the festival a “jan andolan” or people’s movement. “This year’s theme, Universal Design and Inclusive Thinking in Action, reflects our vision for a truly inclusive society. Accessibility is not a favour; it is a fundamental right,” he said.
Explaining the concept of universal design, Phaldessai said it’s about creating environments and tools usable by everyone—such as ramps, tactile pathways, and accessible digital interfaces. He also announced the launch of Purple Catalyst Grants, which will fund innovative pilot projects that emerge from the festival. Designers, educators, artists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are invited to participate and help position Goa as a global leader in inclusive development.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar said Purple Fest has become much more than an event. “Even the Prime Minister highlighted it during his Mann Ki Baat. What began in 2023 has since inspired states across the country,” he said. The 2025 edition will include NGO exhibitions, experiential zones, think-tank sessions, and a Purple Street run by persons with disabilities.
This year’s festival will also see international participants with disabilities, and will feature a special Purple Sports segment, including adapted water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
Prasanna Acharya, Secretary of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, lauded Goa for being the first state in India to establish a dedicated department for disability empowerment. He outlined the department’s goal: a society where persons with disabilities live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity.
He also announced upcoming schemes, including a spinal cord injury rehabilitation programme and sheltered vocational workshops for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Registrations for International Purple Fest 2025 are now open via the IPFG mobile app, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.