International Purple Fest 2025 concludes on a High Note with renewed Commitments to Inclusive Education and Employment
As curtains drew on International Purple Fest 2025, leaders lauded Goa’s growing Purple Movement as a national model of accessibility, empowerment, and equality for Persons with Disabilities
Panjim, October 12, 2025: The third edition of the International Purple Fest 2025 drew to a close amid enthusiasm and anticipation for next year’s edition. 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 partnership with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and United Nations India, the festival united dignitaries, delegates, and performers from India and around the globe in a shared celebration of Inclusion and Empowerment.
The Closing ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Chief Guest, Shri. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Guest of Honour, Shri. Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa; Shri. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy and Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare.
Also present was Special Guest, Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha and Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, as Special Guests, Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri.Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri.Rohit Monserrate, Mayor CCP alongwith senior officials including Shri 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, Shri Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Secretary DePwD, for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, Varsha Naik, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Shri. Taha Haaziq, Secretary Office of State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities.
Speaking on the success of the International Purple Fest 2025, Chief Guest Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, remarked that the city of Panaji had truly turned purple — symbolizing unity, dignity, and inclusion. “The Purple Fest is more than a celebration; it is a movement that reaffirms the belief that persons with disabilities are not recipients of charity but holders of rights,” he said. The Governor emphasized that inclusion is a constitutional obligation rooted in the principles of justice, equality, and fraternity. Commending the efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and the Government of Goa, he noted that the State has set a national example in accessibility and empowerment. The festival, he added, has fostered partnerships, awareness, and empathy — reminding everyone that inclusion must begin in our hearts, homes, and communities.
Guest of Honour Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, in his address, remarked, “Purple Fest is not just an event — it is a message of empowerment and equality. Such festivals bring forth the hidden talents and energy of persons with disabilities, showcasing their immense potential.” He emphasized that persons with disabilities do not seek sympathy, but opportunities — and that true inclusion means ensuring equal participation, respect, and dignity for all. “The real success of this festival,” he added, “lies in what we do after it ends — by creating opportunities and spaces for every individual to grow and shine.”
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “Goa has once again shown the world what true inclusion means. The Purple Fest has grown into a movement of empowerment, equality, and opportunity — uniting people from all walks of life. It has generated livelihoods, inspired innovation, and given rise to a ‘Purple Economy,’ where social inclusion and economic growth go hand in hand.” He added that every participant — from students to entrepreneurs — has played a role in changing mindsets and celebrating ability. “Education empowers, employment dignifies, and together they create independence — the true foundation of inclusion,” the Chief Minister affirmed.
Over the last four days, the fest featured a diverse array of events, including workshops, cultural performances, and interactive experience zones, all aimed at taking a step forward toward empowerment and greater opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, shared inspiring stories, and connected with one another, contributing to the festival’s overarching theme of empowerment and inclusion.
Expressing gratitude to delegates, facilitators, and everyone involved in organizing the International Purple Fest 2025, Minister for Social Welfare Shri Subhash Phal Dessai said, “As we conclude this incredible edition of the International Purple Fest, we celebrate pride in Goa, pride in our people, and pride in this unstoppable Purple Movement.” He added that over the past few days, the festival has been more than a celebration — it has been the heartbeat of inclusion and the spirit of a confident, compassionate, and progressive India. “Goa has once again shown that inclusion is not just about celebration, but collaboration — where friendships are forged, innovations are born, and mindsets evolve,” the Minister noted. Highlighting one of the festival’s most inspiring moments, he said, “Purple Sports truly celebrated ability, courage, and determination, reflecting the essence of this movement.”
One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was the recognition of outstanding achievements through the felicitation of 21 Purple Ambassadors and the launch of the Purple Newsletter. The celebration also featured enthralling cultural performances by students from special schools, followed by captivating performances by Disability Alliance, Victory Arts Foundation, Basuri & Bliss, Miracle on Wheels, 7 Notes, Manasi Ghosh, and the Purple Rain concert, bringing the festival to a spirited close.
The final day of the festival, the convention on “Strengthening Rural Disability Ecosystem & Disability in CSR” curated by Tata Steel Foundation brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and changemakers committed to advancing inclusion across India’s rural heartlands. The gathering underscored the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities in rural communities are not left behind in the nation’s development.
Addressing the delegates, Guruprasad Gaonkar emphasized the need to bring disability initiatives beyond urban centres. “This is the time to start now,” he shared, noting the powerful network of NGOs spread across Goa and the opportunity to strengthen them to drive grassroots impact. He thanked Tata Steel Foundation for leading the conversation at the International Purple Fest and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reaching every village with inclusive services and support.
Setting the tone for the convention, Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation, reflected on the power of collaboration and shared purpose. “A rural India is not a distant dream, it’s already a movement in motion,” he said. He highlighted how platforms like the Purple Fest create spaces for honest dialogue, building collective strength to shape an inclusive ecosystem for persons with disabilities.
Echoing this sentiment, Subhash Phal Desai commended the foundation for extending its reach to remote communities, often beyond the access of government programs. “This initiative goes where sometimes the system does not reach,” he remarked, drawing from his own experience growing up in a rural village.
In addition to the main convention, the final day also featured a special press conference dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Organized in collaboration with Parkinson’s Mitramandal, a Pune-based organization, the session featured speaker Vijayalaxmi Revankar who shared lived experiences and shed light on the urgent need for stronger support systems. The discussion aimed to foster greater understanding of the condition and galvanize collective action for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
“Creating awareness is just the beginning,” said Vijayalaxmi Revankar. “What truly changes lives is when communities come together not just to understand, but to support, include, and stand beside those living with Parkinson’s.”
The success of the International Purple Fest 2025 is a powerful reflection of the collective efforts of government bodies, sponsors, volunteers, and most importantly, the community of Persons with Disabilities. As this year’s festival draws to a close, it continues to strengthen the legacy of unity, empowerment and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
