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.
As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.
Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.
What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.
The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.
Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.
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.
