Tag: DRAG

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Team Udaan Makes Goa Proud at the 25th Anjali International Children & Youth Festival 2025

allycaralgoa

Team Udaan from Keshav Seva Sadhana School for Special Children, Bicholim, has once again proven that talent knows no boundaries. Representing Goa at the 25th Anjali International Children and Youth Festival, held from 12th to 16th November 2025 at Adivasi Bhavan, Odisha, the young performers delivered an unforgettable showcase of music and artistry.

The team—Vibha Ajit Kanekar, Rudresh Kishore Gad, and Yash Sukado Kalangutkar—performed under the expert guidance of Guru Mrs. Manjiri D. Jog, whose dedication shaped their soulful and captivating presentation. Their expressive voices and confident stage presence left the audience in awe, earning appreciation from across the festival community.

Team Udaan’s participation was made possible through the support of Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) President Avelino De Sa, who generously funded their travel, enabling the students to experience this national platform. The school also acknowledges the remarkable efforts of Dr. Sruti and Swabhiman NGO, organizers of the festival, for curating a celebration of art, culture, learning, and inclusivity.

Beyond their performance, the students immersed themselves in various workshops—music, origami, pottery, fun games, and the vibrant carnival, each activity adding joy, skill, and cherished memories to their journey.

Keshav Seva Sadhana School expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements and believes these talented young artists will continue to shine and inspire.

Meanwhile, the Disability Rights Association of Goa has appealed to the Government to formulate a dedicated scheme to offer financial assistance to persons with disabilities for the promotion of art and culture—ensuring that many more gifted individuals get the opportunities they deserve.

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Disability Rights Association of Goa Marks 22 Years with Cyber Crime Awareness Session

Tanisha Cardozo

The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) recently marked its 22nd year of service to persons with disabilities in the state. The milestone was commemorated with a session focused on Cyber Crime Awareness, conducted by Cyber Yoddha Sahil Awasthi and PC Anmol from the Panaji Police Station. The session educated attendees about the various types of cyber frauds and urged vigilance before clicking on suspicious links.

DRAG President Avelino de Sa thanked the members for their steadfast support over the years and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into mainstream society. He encouraged members to follow the Cyber Dost 14C WhatsApp channel and the Goa Police Cyber Crime team’s social media handles to stay updated on cyber fraud prevention.

The event also featured the distribution of food grains to 90 families of persons with disabilities, highlighting the community spirit and support that DRAG has fostered over the past two decades.

The celebration reflected DRAG’s ongoing dedication to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities in Goa, combining awareness, education, and tangible support for the community.

Events in Goa

Celebrating Inclusion: International Week of the Deaf & Sign Languages at Caculo Mall

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartwarming and impactful celebration, Caculo Mall in Panjim transformed into a hub of inclusivity as it hosted the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages. Held from September 22, 2025, the event marked the beginning of a three-day initiative that highlighted empowerment, accessibility, and the importance of communication inclusion.

The celebration was coordinated by Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar, a dynamic entrepreneur and Purple Ambassador for the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025. The event also served as a prelude to the anticipated Purple Fest scheduled for October 9th to 12th.

Jointly organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Goa Association of the Deaf, and Mrs. Bandodkar herself, the event brought together stakeholders, performers, and the community under one inclusive roof.

The inaugural day began with an engaging Indian Sign Language awareness session aimed at sensitizing attendees and encouraging more inclusive communication. A key highlight of the evening was a Navratri-themed dance performance by a group of deaf women, which captivated the audience with its grace and energy, drawing admiration and thunderous applause.

The event welcomed prominent guests including Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Smt. Varsha Naik, Director of the Department of Empowerment of PwDs; Shri Mangesh Dalvi from Caculo Mall; Shri Prasad Joshi, General Secretary of the Goa Association of the Deaf; Shri Avelino D’Sa, President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), and Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar.

In his address, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar emphasized that such initiatives must not be limited to a week, but should act as catalysts for continuous advocacy, awareness, and systemic change. Mrs. Bandodkar, expressing her gratitude, thanked all collaborators for making the event a success and for supporting efforts to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Throughout the three days, the pop-up market continues to be a major draw, with stalls managed by entrepreneurs with disabilities, offering everything from handmade crafts to innovative products. It’s not just a market; it’s a message — that talent knows no bounds and inclusion starts with opportunity.

This celebration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government bodies, private partners, and individuals come together to champion accessibility. It sets the tone for the upcoming Purple Fest Goa 2025 and reaffirms the commitment to a more inclusive, aware, and empowered society.