Tag: Accessibility

Social

Godrej DEI Lab Champions Disability Inclusion at Purple Fest Goa 2025

allycaralgoa

At Purple Fest 2025, India’s largest celebration of diversity and inclusion, the Godrej DEI Lab, the diversity, equity, and inclusion arm of the Godrej Industries Group, took centre stage with its powerful session titled “Lead Beyond Limits: Disability and the New World of Work.”

The session, held in partnership with Rising Flame and the United Nations in India, brought together changemakers, policymakers, and corporate leaders to rethink inclusion beyond policies and quotas — focusing instead on equity, accessibility, and opportunity.

Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab, led the dialogue emphasizing that accessibility must be integrated into design and strategy from the very start.

“We at Godrej believe inclusion fuels innovation. When we design for difference, we design better for everyone,” said Shahani. “True inclusion begins when we stop asking how people can fit into our systems, and start redesigning those systems to fit people.”

The discussion featured eminent voices such as Ms. Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director, Rising Flame; Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India; and Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Representing the Godrej Industries Group alongside Shahani were Pulakita Mayekar, Executive, Research and Media at Godrej DEI Lab, and Preetham Sunkavalli, Deputy General Manager, Brand at Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL).

Both highlighted how accessibility and empathy are not just social imperatives but strategic advantages that help businesses innovate and thrive. In a reflective post, GCPL MD Sudhir Sitapathi shared how his conversations with Preetham provided deep insights into observation, technology, and independence — redefining what ability truly means.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Pulakita Mayekar discussed the importance of designing inclusive spaces, systems, and products that serve diverse cognitive and physical needs.

The session reaffirmed Godrej DEI Lab’s belief that disability inclusion is not about doing more — it’s about doing better. By embedding accessibility into every aspect of work, Godrej continues to pave the way for a more equitable and empathetic India.

Learn more about their initiatives at www.godrejdeilab.com and watch their film on PwD inclusion here: Access/Ability.

Films

Rab Di Awaaz Screening Inspires Inclusion at Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.

What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.

The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.

Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.

Travel

GTDC Upgrades Miramar Residency with Accessible Rooms Ahead of Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In the run-up to the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has taken a major step forward in creating inclusive hospitality spaces. On Monday, GTDC inaugurated upgraded facilities at the Miramar Residency in Panaji, converting three rooms into specially abled-friendly accommodations.

The inauguration was led by GTDC’s Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing/Hotels) Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, and Senior Manager Shri Vishesh Naik.

These upgrades aim to provide greater comfort and accessibility for visitors attending the International Purple Fest, which is set to take place from October 9 to 12, 2025. Participants and guests will be hosted across GTDC’s Miramar and Panjim Residencies, both of which are now equipped with rooms designed to support the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Speaking at the event, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar emphasized that GTDC’s mission is to offer better hospitality while ensuring no guest is left behind. “These upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and provide better hospitality across our residencies,” he noted.

The move aligns with Goa’s larger vision of becoming a Divyang-friendly state, reinforcing the importance of accessible infrastructure in the tourism and hospitality sector. As the state welcomes visitors from across the country and beyond for Purple Fest 2025, these enhancements serve as a testament to inclusive planning, design, and execution.

GTDC continues to play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience for all, strengthening its commitment to accessible and barrier-free travel in Goa.

Events in Goa

International Purple Fest Goa 2025 Announced; Accessible Boardwalk Inaugurated at Miramar Beach

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The state of Goa is preparing to host the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, a celebration of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), scheduled from October 9 to 12, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister for Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai, during a press briefing attended by key stakeholders including State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Director of the Department of Empowerment for PwDs Varsha Naik, Secretary for PwDs Taha Haziq, and Advisory Board member Prakash Kamat.

In a powerful prelude to the fest, the Government of Goa also inaugurated an Accessible Boardwalk at Miramar Beach, a landmark initiative that reinforces the state’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure. The boardwalk will allow Persons with Disabilities safe and dignified access to the beach and even the sea—an experience many have previously been excluded from. The project, developed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state and is set to become a major highlight of the Purple Fest.

The inauguration was led by Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai and Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte, with senior officials from GTDC including Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar present. The effort demonstrates cross-departmental collaboration in pushing forward Goa’s vision for accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment.

With inclusive spaces like Miramar now better equipped to welcome all, and Purple Fest 2025 on the horizon, Goa continues to set the standard for accessibility and dignified participation for all citizens, regardless of ability.

Events in Goa

Celebrating Inclusion Through Sports: The Inclusive Run Comes to Panaji on 12 October 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

On 24 September 2025, a vibrant press conference unveiled The Inclusive Run, an inspiring sports initiative designed to celebrate inclusion and empower participants of all abilities. Set to take place on 12 October in Panaji, Goa, The Inclusive Run is a collaborative effort between the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation and the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.

This event aims to bring together over 500 participants—people with disabilities alongside those without—in a collective celebration of sport, accessibility, and community. By fostering an environment that encourages participation from everyone, The Inclusive Run seeks to break down societal barriers, promote empathy, and amplify the voices of differently-abled individuals through the universal language of sports.

The run is more than just a race; it is a movement to highlight the importance of disability inclusion and to demonstrate how sport can be a powerful tool for social change. Sign language interpretation, accessible facilities, and other supportive measures will ensure that all participants can engage fully and joyfully.

The Inclusive Run aligns with the broader goals of the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, which champions disability rights, accessibility, and universal diversity through a series of cultural and sporting events. Together with Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, the festival continues to pave the way for greater empowerment and visibility for disabled communities in India.

As excitement builds for the event, organizers invite the public, media, and sports enthusiasts to join in the celebration on 12 October, witness inspiring stories of courage and determination, and contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy the benefits and joy of sports.