The first International Purple Festival 2024 was inaugurated on 8th January by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale at Panaji. The six-day festival vibrant celebration of inclusivity and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and is expected to see a global turnout of over 8,000 delegates.

The inaugural ceremony showcased the talents of PwDs through engaging performances in music, dance, and entertainment.

On the occasion, Dr Pramod Sawant hailed the International Purple Festival as a celebration of talent, resilience, and unwavering belief that disability does not define, but empowers. The Purple Fest offers a platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forging bonds, he said and encourages all “to break down the barriers, build bridges of understanding, and paint the world with colors of inclusivity.”

The program also witnessed the launch of India’s first cloud-based Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for Disability Information Line (DIL). The 24×7 service offers information on 21 disabilities, accessible through the toll-free number 1800222014.

Earlier, the day began with the Deaf blindness Conclave at Gasper Dias, addressing crucial topics like mental health, communication rights, and empowerment. A panel discussion on ‘Championing Inclusivity’ was also held at Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, focusing on experiences in employing persons with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in the workforce.

Further, the Purple Exhibition, a marketplace showcasing India’s cultural richness through the NDFDC’s Divya Kala Mela, will be run throughout the International Purple Festival which will culminate on 13th January 2024.

An International Blind Chess Tournament and a Wheelchair Cricket Invitational Championship are also being conducted as part of the festival.