PANAJI
The International Purple Fest will commence on January 8 in association with the Goa government, State Commission for PwDs, nine NGOs in Goa, and 200 organisers from across the country. Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, briefed that the fest would be accessible, inclusive, and educative for all.
“Purple Fest is a joint effort, and NGOs in Goa “ SETHU, SANGATH, National Association of Blind (NAB Goa), Goa Special Schools’ Association (GSSA), CARITAS, Goa Deaf Association (GDF), Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa (DAIG), and Hemophilia Society Goa (HSG) “ are active in creating awareness about persons with disabilities and fighting for their rights. The fest’s agenda has been chalked out by these NGOs, and the government of Goa is providing infrastructure and financial support to take the concept forward,” shared Pawaskar.
Pointing out that Miramar beach is made disabled-friendly, and ramps have been installed at prominent places in Panaji so that the city becomes accessible for persons with disabilities, the Commissioner said, “But it is for society to change its mindset and be considerate. The hotels and resorts have realized the potential and the need to have a disabled-friendly eco-system on their premises, and many have already begun to make the necessary changes and add ramps. However, the washroom doors at many places are still not wheelchair accessible.”
