International Purple Fest, Goa 2024 all set to celebrate Inclusivity

Panaji, January 7, 2024: Goa is set to host International Purple Fest- Goa 2024, from today for the entire week till January 13. The second edition of the fest is being organised by the State Commissioner’s Office for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the opening ceremony will begin at 4.30 p.m. at D.B. Grounds, Campal, Panaji.

Distinguished guests for the opening ceremony include Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, as the Chief Guest, and Shri. Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, as the Guest of Honour. Special invitees encompass Shri. Vishwajit Rane, Hon’ble Minister of Health, and Shri. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Ports, and Waterways.

The event will also witness the presence of Shri. Subhash PhalDessai, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare, Shri. SadanandTanavade, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha and Dr. PuneetKumar Goyal (IAS), Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Shri. Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri. Taha Haaziq, State Secretary of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and other dignitaries, adding to the festive spirit.

The Opening Ceremony promises a captivating display of talent with entertainment, song, and dance performances by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), including children.

“As we usher in the new year, there’s a unique and special atmosphere in Goa as we extend a warm welcome to delegates for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest-Goa 2024. It’s a moment to celebrate Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) here in Panaji, Goa. To all participating delegates, I extend my heartfelt welcome and wish you a fulfilling week immersed in the vibrant spirit of Goa,” stated Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister of Social Welfare.

Adding on, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissionerfor Persons with Disabilities emphasised: “The International Purple Fest-Goa 2024 is not merely an event; it is a resounding movement, a collective effort to empower and integrate Persons with Disabilities into the fabric of our society. Through this festival, we aspire to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and a profound sense of belonging. It goes beyond celebration; it’s a transformative journey towards a more inclusive and empowered tomorrow for every person with disabilities”.

The highlight of the Opening Ceremony will be the Purple Anthem titled ‘Dhumal’. Mannan Shaah, the Music Director of the Purple Fest Anthem, says, “The best thing about this Anthem is that it is sung and performed by persons With disabilities all across Goa, alongside creators who are living legends of the Indian Music Industry. That, in itself, is a pure example of the inclusiveness that the Anthem sets.”

Adding another layer of significance, the festival marks the launch of PURPLE TV BHARAT, a dedicated channel for Persons with Disabilities. The channel aims to showcase their ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements globally, creating an inclusive media platform to empower them.

International Purple Fest – Goa 2024 anticipates over 8,000 delegates from across the globe, promising a global celebration of diversity and inclusivity.