Tag: Inclusive Infrastructure

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.

Social

DRAG & Caritas Goa Launch ‘Freedom from Physical Inaccessibility’ with YES TO ACCESS App

Tanisha Cardozo

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.