The ongoing International Purple Fest has approximately ten thousand plus participants every day and that number is expected to increase in the days ahead. The scope of this fest is staggering with various issues being faced by people with disabilities being tackled in depth. The intent of the government can be gauged by the fact that CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated the spinal cord injury rehab centre in Bambolim. The centre will be free for everyone using its services and it can house up to 30 patients at a time. This will help Goan patients who would have to go to centres around the country.
It was a busy day with various events held. A national conference on invisible disabilities was held. Led by Chronic Pain India and Believe in Invisible, the conference, in collaboration with Purple Fest and the State Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Goa, sought to bring awareness and solutions to the often-overlooked realm of invisible disabilities.
“These are disabilities you can’t see with your naked eyes,” explains Dr. Anubha Mahajan, founder of Chronic Pain India, herself an invisible disability warrior. “People with chronic pains, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions – their struggles are real, their limitations debilitating, yet they often lack access to essential healthcare and social support.”
The conference delved into the complex world of these hidden battles, highlighting the need for clearer definitions, specialized doctors, and improved healthcare options. The government’s recent focus on invisible disabilities through the G20 and this conference itself were seen as positive steps towards a brighter future.
The conference focused not only on numbers and policy, but also on storytelling. The audience, a diverse group of people with invisible disabilities and concerned professionals, shared their stories, providing insight into the unseen battles and everyday achievements. The audience also included 40 BA.Ed students from Vidya Prabodhini College, Porvorim.
From chronic fatigue to debilitating pain, from cognitive impairments to social isolation, the stories resonated, challenging stereotypes and reminding us that disabilities come in many forms.
The National Conference on Invisible Disabilities marks a significant step forward. It’s a beacon of hope for the millions living in the shadows, a call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers, and a reminder that even the hidden battles deserve to be seen and understood.
Another interesting event was the 12th matrimonial get-together. Around 63 persons with disabilities came to look for life partners at the fest. Gracing the occasion were esteemed guests like Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare, and Dr Mallika Nadda, Chairman of Special Olympics Bharat and others.
But the true heroes of the day were the participants themselves. Skillfully guided by volunteers, they met, interacted, and formed connections, with families joining in to share the warmth and support.
Two inspiring success stories added a special touch to the event. Rajesh Mehta and his partner, who met at Voice Vision’s computer training programme, shared their journey of love and marriage. Shridal Zohail also captivated the audience with his personal story.
More than just a matchmaking platform, the event served as a powerful campaign against disability stereotypes. “Match your abilities, not your disabilities,” emphasized Sushmeetha Bubna, highlighting Voice Vision’s mission to sensitize the society towards inclusivity and acceptance.
A film festival held at the Inox multiplex featured an array of films like ‘Post Dark’, ‘I am Special’ and other thought provoking short films. A total of 10 schools, including Mushtifund High School, Panaji, St. Anne’s High School, Pernem, Holy Cross Institute, Quepem, and others, contributed to the vibrant audience.
Among the short films, ‘Hingbagee Lambi’ by L. Amarendra Sharma stood out by emphasizing the rights of Persons with Disabilities, steering away from a charity-centric narrative. ‘Attitude,’ a South Indian short film, told a compelling story of a man with a leg disability who, despite facing challenges, excels in academic pursuits and secures a job. The poignant ‘Butterfly Circus’ took centre stage, featuring international motivational speaker Nic Vujicic. This film portrayed a circus troupe uplifting spirits during Depression-era America, inspiring hope in a limbless man from a sideshow.
The presence of key figures, such as Liby Mendonca, a special educator from the Gujarati Samaj Special School, Margao, added depth to the event. In her address to the students after the screenings, she emphasised, “Disabled people don’t need sympathy; they need empathy.” The film festival left a lasting impact with its thoughtful selection of films, fostering awareness, and promoting a more empathetic understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Another interesting workshop was held on the second day of the fest. A national summit on inclusive education was held. The panel for the discussion included Dr. Sandhya Limaye from TISS, Mumbai; Martin Matthew, representing the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute Of Speech And Hearing Disabilities; Taha Haaziq, Secretary of the Office of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Avelino De Sa, president of the Disability Rights Association of Goa. Dr Sandhya Limaye highlighted the inclusive education conference that has been ongoing for over 10 years. Martin Mathew discussed the relevance of the uses and gratification theory, which explores the effects of media on people. Taha Haaziq spoke about the importance of AI. A key takeaway was the work being done by young Indian start-ups in the assistive technology space. Encouraged by government initiatives, these startups have developed low-cost, effective, and culturally appropriate devices, positioning India at the forefront globally.
Today a discussion will be held on promoting new leadership, a panel discussion on assistive technology and a discussion on the challenges in inclusion for persons with deaf and blindness. In addition there will be a conference on blood disorders, an international summit on inclusive education and a convention by the Down syndrome federation will be one of many seminars and discussions that will be held. In addition the various Purple Experience zones will be functioning. The Human library, Antarchakshu, Inclusive Classroom, Experience the Invisible, Sensory Heritage Hub and many others will be functioning. In the exhibition zone various activities will be held that will provide the individual with skills to live life. Sporting activities will be held in addition to fun activities like yoga for all, drum circle and cruise ride on the Mandovi River to name just a few. Later in the evening there will be performances by well known artists. On Friday there will be Panel Discussion on Disaggregated data and Disability followed by another discussion on Political Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. A leprosy convention will be held that day. A convention on STEM education will also be held that day. The experiences and the exhibition zone will function as usual. The film festival will continue and so will the South and West Zone Region Abilympics. And yes the sporting competition will continue. On Saturday there will be panel discussions on Social Inclusion and on reforming advocacy. The convention on stem education will continue. The Purple Experience Zone will be held with the various zones functioning. The various zones will function and it will end with a closing ceremony at 4.30 pm followed by Purple Rain, a performance by a renowned artist.