In a grand ceremony held at D.B Ground in Panaji, Goa, the International Purple Festival commenced on January 8, 2024. The event, spanning six days, is a collaborative initiative between the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Directorate of Social Welfare under the Government of Goa, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale.
The festival aims to celebrate and empower Persons with Disabilities, showcasing Goa’s unique initiatives for the disabled community. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed pride in these initiatives, highlighting inclusivity and acknowledging the diverse talents of Persons with Disabilities. He also mentioned receiving praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Goa’s efforts in this regard.
A significant milestone of the festival was the launch of India’s first cloud-based IVRS for Disability Information Line (DIL). The 24×7 service, accessible through the toll-free number 1800222014, provides information on 21 disabilities, marking a crucial step towards increased accessibility and support.
The Purple Fest Playbook, introduced during the event, offers an overview of the festival’s achievements and outlines actions for accessibility before, during, and after the celebration. The festival’s theme of unity and inclusivity was further emphasized through the Purple Anthem ‘Dhumal,’ featuring performances by Persons with Disabilities and renowned creators from the Indian Music Industry.
To enhance visibility and share success stories, a dedicated channel, PURPLE TV BHARAT, was launched. This channel aims to showcase ideas, interviews, and achievements of the Person with Disability Community globally.
The festival’s vibrant Purple Exhibition transformed into a marketplace of diversity, exhibiting India’s cultural richness through the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation’s (NDFDC) Divya Kala Mela.
Day 1 of the festival featured events such as the Deaf Blindness Conclave at Gasper Dias, addressing crucial topics like mental health, communication rights, and empowerment. Additionally, an Inclusivity Panel Discussion took place at the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, focusing on experiences in employing persons with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in the workforce.
The International Purple Festival promises a week filled with celebrations, discussions, and performances, culminating in the Purple Rain Finale, featuring diverse performances by talented individuals, including the international Mando by children from the National Association for the Blind, traditional Goan folk dance Mussal, classical dance ‘Saraswati Vandana,’ and an engaging performance by Hema Sardesaai.
-By Manish Poswal