PANAJI
The upcoming three-day-long Purple Fest 2023 which has so far registered around 4,000 delegates, will have the presence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr DY Chandrachud as the keynote Speaker.Minister of Social Welfare Subhash Phaldesai has confirmed the presence of CJI for the event slated to begin on January 6, 2023. “Met Dr DY Chandrachud, the CJI, and invited him to the Purple Fest. Dr Chandrachud (will be) the keynote Speaker @ ‘Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity,” the minister tweeted, confirming the CJI’s presence at the national event.
The State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Social Welfare department are the prime organisers of the event along with the Entertainment Society of Goa.
Addressing a joint press conference with the minister on Friday, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, Guruprasad Pawaskar has termed it a landmark event. “There are over 4,000 delegates registered and we are hopeful it will be an annual event in Goa,” he added.
Secretary of the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Taha Haaziq, further stated that the event has been conceptualised keeping all fields in mind and “the best part is that we have ambassadors for 21 disabilities who will create awareness and who are truly an inspiration to all."
The fest will have events across multiple venues including ESG Complex, Maquinez Palace, Manohar Parikar Indoor Stadium at Campal, Sanjay School in Porvorim, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, Bambolim, Dharbandora, etc.
As per the schedule shared with the media, the Deaf-Blind Convention will be held from January 4 - 6 at Maquinez palace while also there will be the 10th Mr and Ms Deaf India, 2023 on January 8 at Gera School, Old Goa. The Access India convention is on January 5-6 at Sanjay School, Porvorim whereas Reach to Unreached will take place on January 8 at Maquinez Palace. There will be around 60 students with disabilities from Goa performing along with Shankar Mahadevan for the Purple Fest. Currently, students across the State are being trained by the Shankar Mahadevan Academy.
Inter-state Blind Cricket Match, All India Para Table Tennis championship, the Purple I- run Goa Marathon, and The Purple Think Tank consisting of over 60 speakers who will cover topics on education, employment and sports opportunities for People with Disabilities among various other events are also lined up.
