Tag: persons with disabilities

Social

DRAG Hosts EMPOWER 2026 Annual Get-Together for Persons with Disabilities

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA: In a heartfelt initiative to promote inclusion and empowerment, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) organised its Annual Get-Together, EMPOWER 2026, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shubham Jinn Ashram, Agacaim — a meditation and holistic healing centre run by the Pilar Fathers. The programme was held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and brought together persons with disabilities for a day filled with learning, interaction, and celebration.
More than just an event, EMPOWER 2026 was envisioned as a safe and welcoming space where participants could feel included, heard, and empowered. The day featured interactive sessions on personality development, kitchen gardening, health awareness, mental well-being, and disability rights. Fun games, shared meals, and engaging activities further encouraged bonding and confidence-building among attendees.
Participation in the programme was free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder anyone from attending. To enhance accessibility, transport facilities were arranged from Panjim Bus Stand and Agacaim Market for participants who required assistance.


Fr. Hilario Fernandes, SFX, Director of the Centre, inaugurated the programme by reminding participants of their importance as God’s creations. Through religious reflections and quotes, he emphasised that their relationship with God and their inherent dignity matter far more than their disabilities or societal perceptions.
Mithali Naik and her daughter Gargi from Giggle Gardeners, Borim, conducted an engaging session on kitchen gardening. They demonstrated hands-on techniques, including the correct proportion of soil mixing for a healthy and sustainable garden.
Ms. Terrency Luis and Ms. Vivian highlighted the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. They also conducted health check-ups for all participants as part of the awareness initiative.
Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG, elaborated on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, urging participants to understand and assert their rights.
Fr. Ivan D’Mello, SFX, delivered an insightful session on mental health, guiding participants through simple breathing exercises to help them let go of past experiences. He explained that dwelling on past challenges can affect the present and future, encouraging everyone to focus on healing and self-growth.
The programme concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, where participants expressed gratitude for the Association’s continued support since its inception.
Through EMPOWER 2026, DRAG reinforced the message that self-growth, dignity, and belonging are rights — not privileges — and that true empowerment begins when communities come together to learn, support, and uplift one another.

Events in Goa

National Petalists Day Celebrated in Goa, Marking 10 Years of Inclusive Livelihoods for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral 

Goa | Craftizen Foundation celebrated National Petalists Day in Goa at the Museum of Goa, marking 10 years of the Petalists Livelihood Programme — a pioneering initiative that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in meaningful, creative livelihoods.


The event brought together Petalists, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and government representatives to celebrate a decade of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. National Petalists Day is envisioned as a two-month celebration that began on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continues with events across Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Goa, highlighting the abilities, talents, and contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Launched in 2016, the Petalists Livelihood Programme focuses on creating structured and dignified livelihood opportunities through craft-based work. Across vocational centres, Petalists create handcrafted products using recycled temple flowers and other craft forms, combining therapeutic engagement with skill development and income pathways. Over the past decade, the programme has grown into one of India’s largest collaborative livelihood models in the disability sector, supporting more than 3,000 adults with intellectual disabilities across 100+ partner organisations in 11 states.

In Goa, the programme has created sustained livelihood opportunities through strong partnerships with local organisations, trainers, and caregivers. These collaborations have enabled adults with intellectual disabilities to participate meaningfully in creative work while building confidence, skills, and social inclusion.

The Goa celebration was graced by Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening inclusive livelihood ecosystems.

Other dignitaries and special guests included Prakash Kamat, senior journalist and social worker; Avelino de Sa, Founder and President, Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG); Mayura Balasubramanian, Founder and CEO, Craftizen Foundation; Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage; and Kumaraswamy, Director – Livelihoods, Craftizen Foundation. Leaders from partner organisations, parents, caregivers, trainers, and Petalists were also present.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Petalists, caregivers, and partner organisations, who shared their journeys and experiences with the programme. Creative group activities, artisan engagement, and a celebratory cake-cutting marked the milestone, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of National Petalists Day.

Aligned with International Flower Day on January 19, National Petalists Day is envisioned as a month-long national movement rather than a single-day event. The 2026 campaign began with an online launch on December 3 and continues with celebrations across Hyderabad, Goa, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.

Speaking at the event, Mayura Balasubramanian expressed gratitude to partner organisations whose continued commitment has enabled the programme to scale and sustain its impact over the past decade.

The Goa celebration concluded with closing remarks by Kumaraswamy and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, Zonal Manager – Goa, Craftizen Foundation, who thanked the Petalists, partners, caregivers, and guests, reaffirming Craftizen’s belief that inclusive livelihoods thrive through collaboration, shared ownership, and community engagement.

Social

Ritesh Narayan Vaigankar Conferred State Award for Best Employee – Persons with Disabilities

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Ritesh Narayan Vaigankar, Vocational Instructor at the Bicholim Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) under the Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Goa, has been conferred the State Award for Best Employee – Persons with Disabilities.


The award was presented during the Republic Day celebrations held at the Goa University Ground, St. Cruz, Goa, on January 26, 2026.

The recognition acknowledges Vaigankar’s professional commitment, dedication, and contribution to public service. Reflecting on the honour, he stated that the award reaffirms his belief that ability, hard work, and passion define an individual, rather than disability.

Along with his professional role, Vaigankar has actively pushed personal boundaries through marathon running, mountain trekking, sports, and advocacy for inclusion. These experiences, he noted, have played a significant role in shaping his journey and motivating others to pursue their goals with confidence.

He dedicated the award to his family, mentors, the Principal of ITI Bicholim, colleagues, students, friends, and all those who supported him throughout his journey. He also expressed hope that the recognition would promote greater inclusion and representation for persons with disabilities across all sectors.

Vaigankar expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to serving with integrity, excellence, and purpose.

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.

Travel

Goa Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Boat Cruise to Mark International Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark celebration of International Tourism Day 2025, Goa took a historic step toward inclusive tourism by hosting its first-ever Inclusive Boat Cruise on September 26, 2025. Organized by the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, this unique initiative offered persons with disabilities the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mandovi River—a privilege often denied due to both physical and attitudinal barriers.

The cruise, which began from the Santa Monica Jetty in Panaji, welcomed over 60 participants with disabilities, despite heavy rains. Around 15 volunteers without disabilities joined them, not as aides but as equal participants, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere. For many, especially adult participants with disabilities from diverse professions such as teaching, entrepreneurship, government service, and para sports, this was their first time on a boat cruise—an experience both joyful and empowering.

Unlike previous efforts that largely focused on school students with disabilities, this event broke new ground by engaging adults, reflecting a broader and more inclusive vision. It emphasized that persons with disabilities are not just recipients of support but contributors to social and cultural life. This shift in narrative is critical in building a society that sees inclusion as a norm, not an exception.

Director of the Department of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, highlighted that the enthusiastic response to the cruise was a powerful indicator of the growing interest in community-based, inclusive tourism in Goa. He affirmed the department’s commitment to continue curating such experiences across the state, which reflect Goa’s dedication to diversity, accessibility, and sustainability.

The concept of the Inclusive Cruise was initiated by Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, whose vision and commitment turned an ambitious idea into a heartwarming reality. His leadership, along with the backing of key tourism stakeholders, ensured that the event was not only accessible but dignified and celebratory.

Shri Vishant Nagvekar, member of the State Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities and a participant in the cruise, expressed deep gratitude to the organizers. He emphasized that this event went beyond symbolic inclusion. It created a rare and much-needed platform for persons with disabilities to connect, share life experiences, and feel genuinely seen and valued. Such events, he noted, are essential for building inclusive communities where stories of resilience, courage, and everyday victories can be shared and celebrated.

As the cruise sailed through Goa’s scenic river under cloudy skies, the participants laughed, danced, and connected with one another. The rain could not dampen the spirit of what was clearly more than just a ride—it was a statement. A statement that accessible tourism is not just desirable but absolutely achievable when intention meets action.

Goa’s first Inclusive Boat Cruise is not the final destination but the beginning of a new journey—one where every person, regardless of ability, has the right to explore, participate, and enjoy the world around them.