PANAJI
The State government is hopeful that Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, along with the cast of his film Sitare Zameen Par -- a story about intellectually challenged basketball players -- will attend the International Purple Fest 2025 scheduled in Goa from October 9 to 12.
Minister for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai, accompanied by Secretary of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities Taha Haaziq and others met Khan at his residence to brief him about the festival and extend an invitation to grace the annual event.
“He gave us two hours of his time, took detailed information about the Purple Fest and even called up his actors from Sitare Zameen Par to encourage them to participate. He told us that though his schedule is tight, he would try to come at least for a day to attend the festival in Goa,” Dessai told reporters at Porvorim on Tuesday.
The event will also see the presence of Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, who has assured full support of the Centre for strengthening PwD-friendly infrastructure in Goa.
Dessai, who extended a formal invitation to Nadda, briefed him on the success of the previous two editions of the Purple Fest, describing it as a pioneering initiative to celebrate and empower PwDs.
“The Union Minister was impressed with the commitment and innovative approach of the Goa government. He praised the exemplary work in promoting the welfare and inclusion of PwDs and expressed keen interest in attending the Purple Fest. He also lauded Goa’s efforts in setting a national benchmark for disability inclusion,” Dessai said.
Nadda also underlined the importance of health-focused programs for PwDs and promised coordinated support from various Central ministries to further the cause of inclusion.
Dessai further stated that they are committed to making Purple Fest 2025 a global platform for advocacy, inclusion, and celebration of diversity.
