Palghar/Mumbai, 27 June 2025

 

The Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Disability Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, organized the “Purple Fair 2025” on June 27, 2025, at the Collector Office, Palghar, Maharashtra, to foster empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Under the guidance of Director Dr. Suman Kumar, the event featured 17 stalls by Divyang entrepreneurs, an art exhibition, food stalls and Purple Sports with 120 students participating in indoor games. The Cultural programmes engaged 178 students and 80 teaching and non-teaching staff from 18 schools, including Omkar Blind School (Zadapoli), Divya Vidyalaya (Jawhar), Umang Special School (Vasai), Sanjeevani School (Vasai), J.V Shaparia Karnabadhir School (Palghar) and Swami Parinanashram School (Virar) with all participants receiving certificates and 14 beneficiaries receiving aids like wheelchairs, CP-Chairs and hearing aids from ALIMCO.

The event was graced by Additional CEO Shri Ravindra Shinde, Residential Deputy Collector Shri Subhash Bhagade, Divyang Rehabilitation Officer Shri Nitin Dhage, District Social Welfare Officer Dr. Prakash Hasanlkar and Member of Maharashtra State Commission for SC and ST Smt. Vaidehi Vadhan, who felicitated Smt. Pramila Kokad for her National Award. Organized with support from District Administration, Palghar, District Disability Rehabilitation Centre, Virar and various NGOs, the fair included an Employment Mela by Youth4job and information stalls by Zilla Parishad and AYJNISHD(D), Mumbai, attracting over 500 participants.

The Purple Fair 2025, held in an aspirational block of Maharashtra, reinforced the commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through inclusive activities, cultural heritage celebration and social inclusion promotion.

 

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PIB Mumbai | NJ/ YR/ DR

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(Release ID: 2140222)