Panaji: 9 October 2025

The third edition of the International Purple Fest begins today in Panaji, Goa with a grand and colorful inauguration ceremony. The inaugural event was attended by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale, Goa State Minister for the Department of Persons with Disabilities Shri Subhash Phaldesai, Secretary of the Union Department of Disabilities Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Commissioner of the Goa State Department of Persons with Disabilities Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, along with UN Resident Coordinator in India Shri Shombi Sharp.

The International Purple Festival, which encourages persons with disabilities to showcase their artistic talents, is being presented in a unique format. Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, while speaking at the inaugural session, said that the increasing number of participants, owing to the inclusion of various games and competitions, is truly commendable.

Such festivals provide opportunities not only for artists with disabilities but also for athletes with disabilities to find inspiration. Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that for building a developed India and for progress at social, educational, and cultural levels, the inclusion of persons with disabilities is necessary.

He further said that the remarkable achievements of persons with disabilities on national and international level over the past few years have added to India’s prestige. Drawing inspiration from the International Purple Fest being organised in Goa, many states have now started organizing similar festivals.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Goa for organizing the International Purple Fest. He stated that under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Social Justice is working for every section of society, and the Accessible India Campaign has been implemented at the national level for persons with disabilities.

At the inaugural ceremony, artists with disabilities enhanced the beauty of the festival by presenting cultural performances. During the four-day festival, from October 9 to 12, various information stalls and exhibitions featuring materials required for persons with disabilities have been set up in the premises of the Entertainment Society of Goa.

This festival, organized by the State Government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, has received special support from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the United Nations.

PIB Panaji | Ashish Sangle/ Riyas Babu/Priti Malandkar

 

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