Tag: Empowerment

National

Spotlight Workshop Champions Inclusive and Intersectional Disability Reporting in Indian Media

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 22, 2025, the media sensitisation workshop Spotlight was held in New Delhi to focus on inclusive and intersectional disability reporting in India. Organised by Rising Flame in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India), the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the UN in India, and UN Women, the event brought together over 50 journalists, editors, and media professionals to discuss the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception around disability.

The first session, led by Rising Flame, titled Disability-inclusive and Intersectional Media Representation and Reporting, explored the significant impact of language and framing in news stories. The interactive format encouraged participants to rethink how narratives of persons with disabilities are told, moving away from reductive portrayals and towards more nuanced, respectful, and authentic storytelling.

Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Flame, co-facilitated the session and shared a powerful insight: “Too often, the media paints us people with disabilities as either heroes or objects of pity. We need to go beyond both. There is a need to amplify disabled voices and build nuanced, human-centred stories. Since media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and influencing policy, journalists can ensure disability is covered with accuracy, dignity, and a rights-based lens.”

The second session, organised by UN Women, featured a panel titled Senior Journalists Share Experiences on Reporting Gender and Disability. Moderated by Sudeshna Mukherjee, Head of Communications at UN Women India, the panel featured experienced media professionals: Uzmi Athar, Chief Correspondent at PTI; Parvinder Singh, Head of Communications at the World Food Programme in India; Pooja Pande, former Co-CEO of Chambal Media; and Bhanupriya Rao, Founder of BehanBox. The discussion highlighted how disability should not be treated as a niche beat but be integrated into broader news narratives with the same importance as health, education, and climate.

Uzmi Athar shared a thought-provoking example: “When we speak about natural disasters, we need to include how persons with disabilities are impacted. When we frame a story that someone ‘braved’ difficulties to reach a polling booth, we should instead ask: why were those difficulties there in the first place?”

Through its sessions and exchanges, Spotlight urged media professionals to play an active role in shifting disability narratives from charity-based to rights-based, from isolated stories to integrated coverage. It reinforced the idea that accurate, inclusive reporting is a powerful tool for societal change—one that upholds the dignity and agency of persons with disabilities.

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.

Sports

Goa State Chess Championship for Persons with Disabilities Sets the Stage for International Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a powerful showcase of resilience, intellect, and inclusive spirit, the Goa State Chess Championship for Persons with Disabilities was held on September 21, 2025, at Hotel Menino, Ponda. The event served as an official prelude to the International Purple Fest – Goa 2025, setting the tone for a celebration of abilities, accessibility, and empowerment.

Organized through a collaborative effort between the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Office of the State Commissioner for PwDs, Goa Chess Association for PwDs, Bhatikar Charitable Trust, and the Goa Cricket Association, the championship welcomed participants from across the state in a spirit of friendly competition and community.

Participants displayed exceptional strategy and focus, reminding us all that chess is a game where mental prowess takes center stage, regardless of physical ability. The atmosphere was one of solidarity and support, filled with applause for every thoughtful move and every resilient spirit.

This event wasn’t just a competition—it was a movement. A reaffirmation that platforms like the Purple Fest are not just about showcasing talent but about creating systems of inclusion that allow every individual to shine.

As Goa prepares to host the much-anticipated International Purple Fest 2025, this championship stands as a testament to the state’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equality in all spaces—including sports.

Social

Aamir Khan Meets Minister Subhash Phal Dessai to Support Purple Fest & Disability Inclusion

Tanisha Cardozo

Hon’ble Minister Shri Subhash Phal Dessai recently engaged in a productive and meaningful conversation with one of India’s most respected film personalities, Mr. Aamir Khan, to discuss the upcoming Purple Fest and the broader vision for empowering Persons with Disabilities. The meeting marked a significant convergence of government initiative and influential advocacy, setting the tone for impactful collaborations.

Mr. Aamir Khan, often hailed as the “Mr. Perfectionist” of Indian cinema, is known for pushing creative and social boundaries through his films. With titles such as Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal under his belt, Khan has long used his platform to raise awareness about critical societal issues. His alignment with the goals of the Purple Fest — a unique celebration dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility — is both timely and inspiring.

During the interaction, Minister Phal Dessai shared insights into the various programs being implemented to ensure greater inclusion and support for Persons with Disabilities in Goa and beyond. He emphasized that platforms like Purple Fest are not merely celebratory events but catalysts for long-term change and awareness. The Minister expressed optimism that with Mr. Khan’s encouragement and visibility, these efforts would gain wider reach and deeper resonance across the country.

Aamir Khan expressed genuine interest and support for the mission, reiterating the importance of community participation, systemic inclusion, and dignity for all citizens regardless of ability. His involvement is expected to bring nationwide attention to the festival and reinforce the message of inclusive development.

The collaboration between thought leaders in governance and culture reflects a shared commitment to building a society that leaves no one behind. As preparations for the Purple Fest gather momentum, this meeting is a promising sign of the impactful conversations and actions yet to come.

Fit & Fabulous

Runway to Paris Brings the Magic of Paris Fashion Week to India

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Mumbai recently played host to a spectacular fashion event that brought the spirit of Paris Fashion Week to Indian shores. Titled Runway to Paris, the showcase was more than just a glamorous evening—it was a celebration of empowerment, individuality, and Indian creativity meeting global fashion.

Aligned with the global theme “Walk Your Worth” from the L’Oréal Paris show Le Défilé, the event championed the message of self-expression and confidence. Each fashion presentation was paired with the launch of L’Oréal Paris’s latest beauty innovation—the Infallible Laque Resistance Liquid Lipstick—under the campaign “What’s Your Shine Statement.” The high-shine lipstick perfectly captured the bold, fearless energy of the night.

Runway to Paris was created in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris and Tira Beauty, offering a unique platform where fashion students from across India could bring their vision to life. The event embraced the synergy of fashion and beauty, encouraging participants to craft designs that reflected personal empowerment and artistic innovation.

The Mumbai showcase mirrored Parisian elegance while infusing it with India’s rich cultural and design sensibilities. It stood as a symbol of inclusivity, nurturing the next generation of fashion leaders. The evening culminated in a moment of excitement and promise—the announcement of the winning team who will now attend Le Défilé at Paris Fashion Week.

This exceptional opportunity not only recognizes the immense talent within India but also reinforces the commitment of L’Oréal Paris and Tira Beauty to elevate local voices on a global stage.

With Runway to Paris, the worlds of fashion, beauty, and empowerment converged—reminding us all to walk our worth and let our shine be our strongest statement.