Panaji,9 October: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the International Purple Fest 2025 in Goa, in the presence of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Virendra Kumar, Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athavale, Social Welfare Minister Shri Subhash Phal Desai, MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Vasco MLA Shri Krishna Salkar, Bicholim MLA Shri Premanand Shetye, Curtorim MLA Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and other distinguished dignitaries.
Welcoming delegates, students, and participants from across India and abroad, the Chief Minister highlighted that this year’s theme — “Universal Design and Shifting Narratives” — embodies the government’s vision to build inclusive systems and accessible spaces for all. Dr. Sawant said that the Purple Fest has evolved into a true reflection of Goa’s compassionate spirit and India’s inclusive ethos, celebrating the strength, creativity, and leadership of persons with disabilities.
He further emphasized that the Government of Goa is making consistent efforts to transform the state into a model of inclusion and accessibility through various initiatives — including the Divya Niwaas Yojana for residential and halfway homes, a comprehensive state-wide disability survey leveraging real-time data, accessibility audits of government buildings, and the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra at GMC, which provides aids and assistive devices.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for their continued support, Dr. Sawant reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building an Inclusive Goa and contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.
