The International Purple Festival – Goa 2024 kicked off on January 8, heralding six days of vibrant celebration and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) until January 13. Organized by the State Commissioner’s Office for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare under the Government of Goa, and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, this festival promises to be a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment until January 13.
Grand Inauguration and Key Figures:
The grand inauguration took place at D.B. Grounds, Campal, Panaji, witnessing the presence of esteemed personalities. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri. Ramdas Athawale graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. Notable figures like Shri. Vishwajit Rane, Minister of Health, and Shri. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Ports, and Waterways, added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Initiatives and Impact:
The fest aims to spotlight the talents of PwDs through captivating performances in music, dance, and entertainment during the Opening Ceremony. A highlight was the Purple Anthem titled ‘Dhumal,’ featuring performances by PwDs from various parts of Goa alongside revered creators from the Indian Music Industry, symbolizing inclusivity and unity.
This festival launched various initiatives by DEPwD and the Goa government, aiming to foster inclusivity and empowerment. Secretary DEPwD highlighted the potential of such festivals to drive a significant shift in societal perspectives, positively impacting mindsets and attitudes.
Key Highlights and Initiatives:
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Leadership Presence: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant commended Goa's unique initiatives for the disabled community, emphasizing inclusivity and acknowledging the diverse talents of PwDs.
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Disability Information Line (DIL): A milestone was achieved with the introduction of India’s first cloud-based IVRS for Disability Information Line (DIL), offering round-the-clock service accessible through the toll-free number 1800222014, providing information on 21 disabilities.
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Purple Fest Playbook: The launch of the Purple Fest Playbook outlined the event's achievements and detailed actions for accessibility before, during, and after the festival.
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PURPLE TV BHARAT: A dedicated channel, PURPLE TV BHARAT, was introduced to showcase ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements of the Person with Disability Community on a global platform.
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Purple Rain Finale: The festival culminated in the Purple Rain, featuring diverse performances, including the international Mando by children from the National Association for the Blind, the traditional Goan folk dance Mussal, the classical dance 'Saraswati Vandana,' and a captivating performance by Hema Sardesaai.
Day 1 Highlights:
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Deaf-Blindness Conclave: The day commenced with the Deaf-Blindness Conclave at Gasper Dias, addressing critical topics such as mental health, communication rights, and empowerment.
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Inclusivity Panel Discussion: At the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, a panel deliberated on 'Championing Inclusivity,' sharing experiences in employing persons with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in the workforce.
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Purple Exhibition: The Purple Exhibition transformed into a vibrant marketplace showcasing India's cultural richness through the NDFDC's Divya Kala Mela.
With an expected global turnout exceeding 8,000 delegates, the International Purple Festival – Goa 2024 stands as a testament to diversity, inclusivity, and global empowerment.
(With inputs from PIB)
Image Source: Instagram/Purplefestgoa
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