12/10/2025
Nafeesa, President of Boccia Rajasthan, had the honor of meeting Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat and wife of Shri J.P. Nadda, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India in the Purple Festival, GOA.
During the meeting, they discussed the development of Boccia and Special Olympics programs in Rajasthan, emphasizing inclusion, empowerment, and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Dr. Mallika Nadda appreciated the efforts of Boccia Rajasthan in promoting para-sports and encouraged continued collaboration to strengthen the Special Olympics movement across the state.
During her visit, she played and enjoyed a game of Boccia while learning its rules. She was delighted to participate, congratulated the players, and wished them a bright future.
Shri Ashok Bedi, Chairman of Boccia India, and Dr. Smt. Aashu Grover (Sr. Deputy Director General and Head Extramural Research Program, ICMR) were also present on the occasion.
What is Purple Fest Goa?
Purple Fest (also known as the International Purple Fest Goa) is India’s first major inclusive festival dedicated to celebrating and empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It is organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, together with the Directorate of Social Welfare, along with support from national bodies like the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
What is Purple Fest Goa?
Purple Fest (also known as the International Purple Fest Goa) is India’s first major inclusive festival dedicated to celebrating and empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It is organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, together with the Directorate of Social Welfare, along with support from national bodies like the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Mission & Theme
The festival is built on the idea of “Celebrating Diversity”—promoting inclusion, accessibility, dignity, and independence for people with disabilities. It aims to showcase their talents, encourage societal awareness, and build a world designed for everyone.
Highlights & Activities
Some of the core components of Purple Fest include:
Purple Exhibition Zone: Innovations, aids, appliances, and products by and for PwDs.
Purple Sports: Adaptive sports like blind football, para athletics, etc.
Purple Convention / Think Tank: Talks and panel discussions on education, health, employment, accessibility, gender issues, etc.
Experience Zones: Designing simulated experiences to help participants better understand the challenges PwDs face in everyday life.
Cultural programs: Music, dance, live performances (with and without disabilities), film festivals, etc. For example, the Purple Anthem ‘Dhumal’ was performed by PwDs along with established musicians.
Accessibility & Inclusivity Measures
Purple Fest makes a point of being truly accessible: features such as ramps, accessible toilets (including unisex), sign language interpretation, live captions, tactile interpretation, indoor navigation, etc., are built into the infrastructure.
Impact & Significance
The festival has helped in raising public awareness about disability rights and the need for universal design.
It provides a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their skills, network, express themselves artistically, engage in sports, etc.
It is also a policy‐dialogue space: stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, etc., discuss what practical measures are needed for accessibility and inclusion.
Mission & Theme
The festival is built on the idea of “Celebrating Diversity”—promoting inclusion, accessibility, dignity, and independence for people with disabilities. It aims to showcase their talents, encourage societal awareness, and build a world designed for everyone.
Highlights & Activities
Some of the core components of Purple Fest include:
• Purple Exhibition Zone: Innovations, aids, appliances, and products by and for PwDs
Purple Sports: Adaptive sports like blind football, para athletics, etc.
• Purple Convention / Think Tank: Talks and panel discussions on education, health, employment, accessibility, gender issues, etc.
• Experience Zones: Designing simulated experiences to help participants better understand the challenges PwDs face in everyday life.
Cultural programs: Music, dance, live performances (with and without disabilities), film festivals, etc. For example, the Purple Anthem ‘Dhumal’ was performed by PwDs along with established musicians.
Accessibility & Inclusivity Measures
Purple Fest makes a point of being truly accessible: features such as ramps, accessible toilets (including unisex), sign language interpretation, live captions, tactile interpretation, indoor navigation, etc., are built into the infrastructure.
Impact & Significance
The festival has helped in raising public awareness about disability rights and the need for universal design.
It provides a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their skills, network, express themselves artistically, engage in sports, etc.
It is also a policy‐dialogue space: stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, etc., discuss what practical measures are needed for accessibility and inclusion.
