Panaji, Jun 26 (PTI) — The International Purple Fest-2025, a premier global event dedicated to celebrating inclusivity and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs), is scheduled to be hosted in Panaji from October 9 to 12, as announced by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Sawant highlighted the festival's objective of shifting public perception towards differently-abled individuals from one of "sympathy to empowerment." Joined by Subhash Phal Desai, Goa's Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of empowering PwDs. "Awareness alone is insufficient," Sawant stressed, advocating for decisive actions to bolster their empowerment. The International Purple Fest is recognized as a significant global platform that champions inclusion and accessibility. Organized annually by the Goa Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event is held in partnership with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the United Nations. Sawant noted that the 2024 edition attracted participants from 15 countries, with expectations for an increased turnout this year. He revealed that approximately 12 percent of Goa's population comprises either physically or psychologically differently-abled individuals. Addressing educational challenges, Sawant acknowledged the hurdles faced by those with intellectual disabilities, distinguishing them from their physically disabled peers who often pursue formal education. In response, the Goa government plans to offer skills training to differently-abled individuals, with their training being recognized as equivalent to Class 10 or 12 education by the state board. "Skilled individuals will receive a certificate equivalent to Class 10 or 12, facilitating their job applications," Sawant explained. Furthermore, he assured that a 4 percent reservation for differently-abled persons in government jobs is already in place.
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