Panjim, Goa | August 21, 2025: In a landmark step toward inclusive governance and accessible law enforcement, the Goa Police, in partnership with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, successfully concluded its first-ever four-day sensitisation and awareness training on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Organised from August 18 to 21 in Panjim, under the theme “Inclusive Policing for a Barrier-Free Goa,” the initiative was a collaborative effort that included iProbono India as knowledge partners. The program aimed to equip police officers with the necessary legal and interpersonal tools to support persons with disabilities in a dignified, lawful, and empathetic manner.
The program trained over 650 police personnel from the State Police Control Room, Traffic Police, and Pink Force. The sessions were interactive and practical, covering areas such as:
Legal rights under the RPwD Act
Communication strategies with persons with disabilities
Real-life disability narratives
Accessibility challenges and systemic solutions
Speaking at the valedictory session, Smt. Varsha Sharma, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, expressed heartfelt admiration:
“This training touched me deeply. We are all equal—we live in the same society. It is our duty to support persons with disabilities, even in our busiest schedules.”
DySP Roy Pereira extended gratitude on behalf of the Police Control Room and awarded mementos to trainers and partner departments.
Senior officers including SP Pramod Shirvoikar and Dr. Mriselda Montero, Deputy Director, DEPwD, added powerful personal insights and institutional perspectives. Shirvoikar emotionally shared the journey of a visually impaired relative, emphasizing that persons with disabilities often achieve more when given the right support and dignity.
Mr. Taha Haaziq, Secretary to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that Goa is the first state in India to publish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for police engagement with persons with disabilities—marking it as a national leader in inclusive policing.
Key Resource Persons Included:
Adv. Kaurvaki Mohanty, iProbono India
Mr. Vishant Nagvekar and Mr. Mahadev D. Sawant, Advisory Members
Adv. Amla Shejwadkar, Legal expert
Mr. Prasad Joshi, Deaf Association of Goa
Ms. Zehra Naqvi and Ms. Jamila Haaziq, Office of the State Commissioner
Ms. Josephine Fernandes, Sign Language Interpreter
The success of this initiative has set the stage for further expansion, with calls to replicate the training at taluka-level police stations across Goa. As expressed by multiple officials, this training isn’t just timely—it’s necessary. With over 5% of Goa’s population living with disabilities, this training supports a more inclusive, just, and empathetic Goa.
Goa has positioned itself not only as a tourism leader but also as a pioneer in inclusive governance and law enforcement.
Goa takes a major stride toward accessible public infrastructure with the launch of the ‘Freedom from Physical Inaccessibility’ campaign.
On the sidelines of a State-Level Advocacy Programme on Deafblindness, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) and Caritas Goa launched the Freedom from Physical Inaccessibility campaign on August 14th, 2025. The highlight of the event was the official launch of the YES TO ACCESS mobile application — a digital tool empowering citizens to rate the accessibility of public places across Goa.
The app was unveiled by Ms. Varsha Naik, Director, Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of Goa. The launch marks a significant moment for accessibility advocacy in the state, putting power directly into the hands of the people — both disabled and able-bodied — to assess and demand accessible infrastructure.
“Accessibility is not just a right, it’s a necessity for an inclusive society,” said Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG.
The YES TO ACCESS app is available on the Google Play Store and allows anyone to:
Conduct access audits of public and private establishments.
Rate facilities based on accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
View ratings to decide whether a place meets accessibility standards before visiting.
Drive social accountability for establishments to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Under the RPWD Act, it’s mandatory for all public spaces — including private establishments — to ensure accessibility, yet implementation remains inconsistent. This app serves as a grassroots-level enforcement tool.
Also present at the launch were:
Ms. Shruti Singh, Sense International
Ms. Mriselda Monteiro, Deputy Director, DEPwD Goa
Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Director, Caritas Goa
The event signals a major push toward inclusive development in Goa and sets a precedent for civic-driven accessibility movements in India.
📲 Download the YES TO ACCESS app today and be a part of the change.
Goa | July 25, 2025 — In a landmark move ahead of the highly anticipated International Purple Fest 2025, Dr. Ketan Bhatikar has been officially appointed as the Sports Director for the event. The appointment letter was personally handed over by Shri Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Recognised for his unwavering commitment to disability sports, Dr. Bhatikar played a pivotal role in organizing inclusive sports events — most notably wheelchair cricket, which has become a symbol of empowerment for persons with disabilities across Goa and beyond.
As Sports Director, Dr. Bhatikar will oversee planning, curation, and execution of inclusive sporting activities at the Purple Fest — a global platform known for championing accessibility, talent, and the spirit of unity.
The 2025 edition promises to be the most impactful yet, and with Dr. Bhatikar at the helm of the sports segment, it sets the stage for breaking new ground in inclusive sports.
Curchorem, Goa – In a commendable stride toward inclusive education, Chetna School for Special Children has inaugurated a dedicated Braille library for its visually impaired students. This initiative, backed by the Directorate of Social Welfare, aims to provide equitable access to reading and educational materials for children with visual impairments.
The Braille library was formally inaugurated by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, who praised the school’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility, and dignity in learning.
The newly launched facility is equipped with a wide range of Braille books, tactile materials, and tools designed to enhance the learning experiences of visually impaired children. It not only supports the academic curriculum but also promotes recreational reading and independent exploration — key components of holistic development.
The initiative reflects a strong partnership between government departments and educational institutions striving for equal opportunities for all children, regardless of physical ability. It aligns with the state and national goals for inclusive and accessible education under the Right to Education Act and the National Education Policy (NEP).
Chetna School plans to expand the collection and introduce audio-visual aids, Braille printing facilities, and hands-on training for educators to further support students with special needs. They envision becoming a model for inclusive education in Goa and beyond.
This new Braille library is more than just a room with books — it’s a space where knowledge becomes accessible, and where every student is empowered to dream, read, and lead.
Goa, 26th June 2025: The International Purple Fest Goa 2025, one and only premier platforms celebrating the rights and achievements of persons with disabilities, is scheduled to be held from 9th to 12th October 2025 in Goa. Organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and the United Nations in India, the 2025 edition will spotlight the theme of Think Inclusive – Advancing Inclusion through Universal Design for Everyone”. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) joins as the official venue partner for the event.
The commencement of registration for this event was announced in the distinguished presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa; Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Shri. Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Secretary, Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Shri. Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Mrs. Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; and Shri. Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Registrations for the International Purple Fest 2025 – Goa edition are exclusively through the International Purple Fest Goa mobile app, available for download through web link https://purplefest.goa.gov.in/ on both Android and iOS platforms. Participants are encouraged to register early and stay updated through the app for event schedules, venue details, and other exclusive content. This year, the Fest will spotlight on Think Inclusive — the idea of creating spaces, products, technologies, and services that are usable by all people, regardless of age or ability, without the need for adaptation. From ramps in schools and clear signage in hospitals to websites accessible to those with visual impairments, Universal Design ensures ease and inclusivity for everyone. Through this initiative, we aim to showcase how thoughtful, inclusive design can help shape a world that leaves no one behind. Speaking during the announcement, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa stated that “Purple Fest has become a platform where the voice of every individual is valued. This year, with the focus on Universal Design, we aim to redefine inclusion not just as a goal, but as a design philosophy that touches every part of daily life. Our commitment to persons with disabilities must extend beyond policy to practical solutions. Through Universal Design, we want to empower change at every level—from the metro cities to the smallest rural villages”.
“A unique highlight of Purple Fest 2025 will be its strong focus on rural inclusion,” said Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. “We recognize that persons with disabilities in our villages face distinct challenges—limited access to healthcare, education, and transportation. Through dedicated sessions and the Rural Inclusion Conference, we aim to bring these issues to the forefront, while creating a platform for grassroots voices to share real stories and practical, scalable solutions. It’s time we ensure that no one is left behind, no matter where they live.” “Purple Fest 2025 is more than an event—it’s a movement,” said the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri. Guruprasad Pawaskar. “It brings visibility to the lived experiences of persons with disabilities and pushes the conversation beyond urban boundaries. With a dedicated focus on rural inclusion this year, we are not just listening—we are learning, engaging, and taking actionable steps. The voices we hear at the Fest will guide our approach in shaping policies that are inclusive, responsive, and rooted in real needs across Goa.” To bring this year’s theme to life, Purple Fest 2025 will feature interactive zones and exhibits that highlight real-world applications of Universal Design. A dedicated Universal Design Pavilion will demonstrate how everyday aspects of life—like physical infrastructure, transportation, education, and banking—can be made accessible to all. Adding a creative twist, the Design for All Challenge will invite students and innovators to develop simple, impactful ideas to make public spaces more inclusive and user-friendly. The Fest will also feature a special Rural Inclusion Conference, providing a platform for individuals from rural areas to share their lived experiences and innovative ideas. The aim is to listen, learn, and explore practical ways to make life more inclusive for everyone, regardless of where they live. In addition to this, the Fest will continue to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and support leadership, employment, and progressive policy-making for persons with disabilities. It will also highlight the latest innovations, spark new partnerships, and offer a vibrant space for creativity, enjoyment, and community engagement. As with every edition, Purple Fest 2025 will offer a diverse range of tracks that make the event truly unique. The Purple Think Tank will gather experts to explore Universal Design and discuss practical ways to implement it across sectors. The Purple Conference will delve into critical topics such as government policy, rural inclusion, and community leadership. Meanwhile, the Purple Experience Zone will feature interactive, hands-on spaces that demonstrate how inclusive design can be applied in everyday areas like banking, transport, education, and digital access. The Purple Exhibition will showcase over 100 stalls featuring innovative products, aids and appliances, and services designed by and for persons with disabilities. Purple Kaleidoscope will celebrate creativity through vibrant expressions of visual art, music, dance, and more. Adding to the cultural richness, Purple Rain will present powerful performances by persons with disabilities alongside popular artists. For recreation and wellness, Purple Fun will include inclusive Zumba sessions, scenic cruise rides, astronomy walks, and energetic drum circles. Purple Sports will highlight inclusive sporting events, including a special women’s cricket match, while Purple Street will bring music, art installations, creative workshops, and live performances to public spaces, bringing the Fest’s inclusive spirit into the heart of the community. The International Purple Fest Goa 2025 is not just a fest; it’s a movement of celebration of inclusion, creativity, and possibilities. By focusing on Universal Design and giving space to rural voices, this year’s Fest aims to bring real change. It’s about building a future where everyone no matter who they are or where they live can live with dignity, access, and equal opportunity.
