PANAJI
Day 2 of the International Purple Fest 2025 in Goa showcased how inclusion, innovation, and creativity can come together to build a more accessible society. The day saw educators, corporates, artists, and visitors uniting through conferences, experiential zones, and interactive art experiences.
The day began with the Global Inclusive Teachers Summit – From Policy to Practice, where education experts discussed how inclusive education can move beyond theory. Sessions highlighted the role of teachers in building inclusive classrooms, improving communication between parents and schools, and supporting neurodiversity. Dr Nandita, Director of Sethu, said, “Mother is the first teacher, and family becomes the first school. As educators, we have the power to make a difference.”
This was followed by a session on Disability and the World of Work, which focused on making workplaces more inclusive. Panellists discussed the need for corporates to follow Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, provide skill training for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and use assistive technology. Technology experts demonstrated AI tools that convert speech to text for deaf individuals, simplify language for those with cognitive difficulties, and aid real-time communication.
The Purple Pragati – Corporate Seminar, organised by the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with Sethu and Nishtha Vigyan Pvt Ltd, discussed creating a ‘Goan Model’ for corporate inclusion. Speakers shared real-life stories of workplace inclusion. Capt Utpal Datta spoke about his autistic son’s experiences, pledging to place PwDs in Goan corporates. Representatives from companies such as IHCL, Marriott St Regis, Microsoft, and Google shared their inclusion initiatives.
Beyond conferences, the Purple Experience Zones drew hundreds of visitors. The Calm Room offered quiet reflection and mindfulness, while Purple Street buzzed with food stalls, crafts, and live performances.
The Purple Spectrum featured the cast of Sitaare Zameen Par, introduced by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza. Meanwhile, Purple Kaleidoscope, curated by accessibility consultant Siddhant Shah, encouraged visitors to explore tactile art, including “Sculpt in the Dark,” where participants sculpted blindfolded to understand visual impairment.
Emerging assistive technologies were also on display. Ketan Kothari of DeepVision Tech said, “You can now talk to a person with deafness on the phone like anyone else. It’s revolutionary.”
Through conferences, art, and technology, Day 2 of Purple Fest 2025 celebrated the power of inclusion and innovation, inspiring participants to build a society where everyone belongs.
