Tag: DEPwD

Social

CM Visits MOHAN Foundation’s Organ Donation Stall at Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

From October 9 to 12, 2025, the International Purple Fest transformed Panjim into a vibrant hub of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Among the many highlights was a life-changing initiative by the MOHAN Foundation, where organ donation ambassador Mr. Gabriel Pereira hosted a four-day awareness stall at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) complex.

Organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and United Nations India, Purple Fest 2025 drew participation from across the country. Within this larger event, the MOHAN Foundation’s presence offered a vital platform to educate and encourage citizens about the importance of organ donation.

Gabriel Pereira, with quiet determination and passion, managed the stall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. He distributed over 500 flyers and personally engaged with visitors, addressing common concerns and misconceptions around organ donation. His efforts bore fruit as 30 individuals pledged to become organ donors—a significant achievement during a four-day awareness campaign.

The stall gained special attention when the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, visited and interacted with the team. Accompanying him were Mr. Subhash Phal Desai, the Minister of Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives, and Archaeology, and Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, the Superintendent of Police for North Goa. Their presence underscored the state government’s support for such social impact initiatives.

Mr. Pereira also acknowledged the support and encouragement of Mr. Prakash Kamat, a senior journalist, the National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the First Sutra Foundation, and a key member of the Goa State Advisory Board on Disability. His advocacy for inclusive initiatives continues to be a driving force in the state’s social ecosystem.

The organ donation awareness campaign at Purple Fest 2025 stands as a shining example of how individual commitment, institutional support, and public engagement can come together to create lasting impact. It wasn’t just about pledges; it was about spreading hope and empowering people with knowledge that could one day save lives.

Sports

Goa Hosts 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament; Set to Welcome Nationals in October

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Sports Council of the Deaf (GSCD), in collaboration with Rudhra Sports Club, Comba-Margao, hosted the 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament at Fatorda-Margao. In an exciting final, North Goa triumphed over South Goa with a decisive 3-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance in the local deaf football circuit. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Sanjil Parab winning Best Goal, Nitin Sonshikar securing the Golden Boot, and Kalpesh Ghadi being named Best Goalkeeper.

Gracing the event were key dignitaries including Vivekanand R. Tambi (TSO/Quepem), John Justine Fernandes (Executive Committee Member, AISCD), Prasad Joshi (General Secretary, GSCD), and the GSCD Board Members. Their presence underscored the growing importance and recognition of inclusive sports platforms in the state.

The tournament wasn’t just about accolades—it served as a critical scouting opportunity ahead of the upcoming National Football Championship for the Deaf (Junior Boys category), scheduled for October 9–12, 2025. In a historic first, Goa will host this national-level event at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Organised by GSCD and Rudhra Sports Club under the aegis of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD), the event is being supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa, as part of the International Purple Feast, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

This moment marks a major milestone in GSCD’s 28-year journey, as the organisation steps into the national spotlight as a host for the first time. Adding to Goa’s growing pride in the sports arena, local swimming talent Aahil Sheikh has been selected to represent India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, which will take place from November 15–26. Aahil’s selection signals the rising wave of deaf athletes from the state making their mark on international platforms.

As Goa prepares to host the nation and send its best abroad, the message is clear: inclusivity in sports is no longer a footnote—it’s center stage.

Events in Goa

Goa Police Leads the Way with First-Ever Sensitisation Training on Disability Rights

Tanisha Cardozo

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.