PANJIM: The State is set to host the second edition of International Purple Fest- Goa 2024, from Monday, January 8 till 13.
The fest anticipates over 8,000 delegates from across the globe, promising a global celebration of diversity and inclusivity. (Related report on Pg 3)
The fest is organised by the State Commissioner’s Office for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The opening ceremony will begin at 4.30 pm at Dayanand Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panjim.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant will be the chief guest and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale will be the guest of honour.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Union Minister of State for Tourism, Ports, and Waterways Shripad Naik will be the special invitees.
Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister of Social Welfare, Sadanand Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha and Dr Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS), Chief Secretary, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haaziq, State Secretary of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and others will attend the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony promises a captivating display of talent with entertainment, song, and dance performances by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), including children.
“As we usher in the New Year, there’s a unique and special atmosphere in Goa as we extend a warm welcome to delegates for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest-Goa 2024. It’s a moment to celebrate Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) here in Panjim, Goa. To all participating delegates, I extend my heartfelt welcome and wish you a fulfilling week immersed in the vibrant spirit of Goa,” said Minister of Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities emphasised: “The International Purple Fest-Goa 2024 is not merely an event; it is a resounding movement, a collective effort to empower and integrate Persons with Disabilities into the fabric of our society. Through this festival, we aspire to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and a profound sense of belonging. It goes beyond celebration; it’s a transformative journey towards a more inclusive and empowered tomorrow for every person with disabilities.”
The highlight of the opening ceremony will be the Purple Anthem titled ‘Dhumal’. Mannan Shaah, the Music Director of the Purple Fest Anthem, said, “The best thing about this anthem is that it is sung and performed by persons with disabilities all across Goa, alongside creators who are living legends of the Indian Music Industry. That, in itself, is a pure example of the inclusiveness that the anthem sets.”
Adding another layer of significance, the festival marks the launch of PURPLE TV BHARAT, a dedicated channel for Persons with Disabilities. The channel aims to showcase their ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements globally, creating an inclusive media platform to empower them.
ANOTHER LAYER OF SIGNIFICANCE
The festival marks the launch of PURPLE TV BHARAT, a dedicated channel for Persons with Disabilities. The channel aims to showcase their ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements globally, creating an inclusive media platform to empower them