Tag: Purple Fest 2025

Social

CM Visits MOHAN Foundation’s Organ Donation Stall at Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Travel

GTDC Upgrades Miramar Residency with Accessible Rooms Ahead of Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In the run-up to the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has taken a major step forward in creating inclusive hospitality spaces. On Monday, GTDC inaugurated upgraded facilities at the Miramar Residency in Panaji, converting three rooms into specially abled-friendly accommodations.

The inauguration was led by GTDC’s Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing/Hotels) Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, and Senior Manager Shri Vishesh Naik.

These upgrades aim to provide greater comfort and accessibility for visitors attending the International Purple Fest, which is set to take place from October 9 to 12, 2025. Participants and guests will be hosted across GTDC’s Miramar and Panjim Residencies, both of which are now equipped with rooms designed to support the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Speaking at the event, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar emphasized that GTDC’s mission is to offer better hospitality while ensuring no guest is left behind. “These upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and provide better hospitality across our residencies,” he noted.

The move aligns with Goa’s larger vision of becoming a Divyang-friendly state, reinforcing the importance of accessible infrastructure in the tourism and hospitality sector. As the state welcomes visitors from across the country and beyond for Purple Fest 2025, these enhancements serve as a testament to inclusive planning, design, and execution.

GTDC continues to play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience for all, strengthening its commitment to accessible and barrier-free travel in Goa.

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

International Purple Fest 2025: Ponda to Host Blind & Wheelchair Cricket on Sept 29; Minister Ravi Naik Invited to Inaugurate

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Blind & Wheelchair Cricket to Shine at Purple Fest 2025 in Goa

Goa’s landmark celebration of inclusivity, International Purple Fest 2025, will witness a unique and inspiring sporting event – Blind & Wheelchair Cricket – to be held on 29th September 2025 at the Ponda Sports Complex.

Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, Sports Director of Purple Fest, officially extended an invitation to Minister Ravi Naik, who will inaugurate the match. The event will also see the presence of Rajiv Sahakari, further underscoring the commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports.

Purple Fest has always championed accessibility and empowerment, and this cricket event is no exception. Bringing together differently-abled athletes, the Blind & Wheelchair Cricket matches are a powerful testament to determination, talent, and the unifying spirit of sports.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Bhatikar emphasized how sports can break barriers and create new opportunities for all, while Minister Ravi Naik’s participation highlights the government’s support in fostering an inclusive society.

With such events, Purple Fest 2025 continues to reinforce its mission of creating a more accessible and equitable world, where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to shine.

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.