
About PurpleFest
The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa is proud to present the Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity. Brought to you in association with the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Entertainment Society of Goa.
A first-of-its-kind inclusive festival in India that embraces, expresses and celebrates persons with disabilities. The Purple Fest aims to showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone.

Shri. Narendra Modi
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
The Purple Fest was an extraordinary event that resonated deeply with the essence of our nation's inclusive spirit. It provided a remarkable platform for Persons with Disabilities to showcase their remarkable abilities across a wide range of fields. The Purple Fest is not just an event; it's a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we come together to support and uplift every segment of our population.
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Dr. Virendra Kumar
Hon'ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Purple Fest stands as an exemplary step taken by the Goa government in its unwavering commitment to the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. In alignment with the vision of our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), Purple Fest embodies a significant stride towards inclusivity, equal opportunity, and self-reliance for all. I wholeheartedly commend the Goa Government for its tireless efforts in fostering a society that truly understands and values the importance of inclusion.
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Dr. Pramod Sawant
Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa
As the Chief Minister of Goa, I am proud to support initiatives like the Purple Fest that align with our government's commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. This festival represents a giant step forward in our mission to ensure that every individual, regardless of their disabilities, has the opportunity to shine and contribute to our nation's growth.
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Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai
Hon'ble Minister for Social Welfare, Govt of Goa
I am deeply honored and immensely proud to be part of Purple Fest, Goa - 2023, as the Social Welfare Minister of our state. The Purple Fest is not just an event; it's a movement. It's a platform where voices that were once marginalized are now heard loud and clear. It's a celebration of diversity and a powerful reminder that we must strive for a world where every individual, regardless of their disabilities, is treated with dignity and respect.
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Shri. Rajesh Faldessai
Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Cumbharjua Constituency
Purple Fest was a game-changer in how society perceived and interacted with individuals with disabilities. The festival's tagline, 'Celebrating Diversity,' was not just a slogan but a lived reality at Purple Fest.
Having witnessed firsthand the celebration of diversity at Purple Fest, I am deeply inspired by its profound impact and significance. Kudos to Purple Fest for leading the way in this transformative journey!
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Smt. Deviya Rane
Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Poriem Constituency
Purple Fest - 2023 was a phenomenal platform that united persons with disabilities from across the nation, delivering a powerful message that an inclusive society is indeed achievable when we all stand together and support one another. My experience at this mega event left me utterly awestruck. Kudos to Purple Fest - 2023 team!
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Shri. Mahesh Sonak
Hon’ble Justice, High Court of Bombay at Goa
Purple Fest was an eye-opening experience for me, and I am immensely grateful to the organizing team for orchestrating such a remarkable event. It stands as the most effective way to sensitize people about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with a disability. Kudos to Purple Fest for its profound impact and its role in fostering a more compassionate and informed society.
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Shri. Gaurav Kumar Gupta
Sr. Consultant, DEPwd, New Delhi
I must commend the Government of Goa for the exceptional initiative like Purple Fest - 2023. This event served as a beacon of progress and inclusivity, with its Purple Think Tank and Purple Convention sessions. These discussions, covering a wide array of topics like education and employment, added immense value by fostering meaningful knowledge exchange between experts and beneficiaries. I am confident that Purple Fest will continue to inspire positive change for years to come.
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Smt. Rakshita Shekhar
Autistic Individual, Purple Fest 2023 Ambassador
I am absolutely thrilled to witness the beginning of such a transformative movement like Purple Fest in India. I was very happy to see so many disabled people everywhere during the Purple Fest. It made disabled people look normal. What touched me even more deeply was how my 4-year-old son absorbed valuable life lessons naturally. He began creating space for wheelchair users, guiding blind individuals, and offering assistance like providing a straw for people with cerebral palsy to drink water. These are lessons we never explicitly taught him; he learned them through his experiences at Purple Fest. What can be made better is how to make the event autism friendly.
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Dhanya Ravi
Person with Locomotor Disability, Purple Ambassador 2023
I was deeply touched by the accessible Miramar beach and the remarkable efforts made by the Goa Government to ensure that Purple Fest was an inclusive event for all. The Purple Fest model is nothing short of inspiring, and I wholeheartedly believe it should be replicated in different states across the country. It warms my heart to see disability being celebrated for the first time.
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