International Purple Fest 2025

Source: DD News

Context: The International Purple Fest 2025 was recently concluded in Goa, showcasing India’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).

About International Purple Fest 2025:

• What is the International Purple Fest 2025?

• A global inclusion festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities. The 2025 edition was held in Goa from October 9–12, focusing on the theme “Inclusion as a Movement.” Serves as a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and cultural expression that recognizes PwDs as equal contributors to society.

• A global inclusion festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities.

• The 2025 edition was held in Goa from October 9–12, focusing on the theme “Inclusion as a Movement.”

• Serves as a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and cultural expression that recognizes PwDs as equal contributors to society.

• Hosted by: Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India.

• Organised by: Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa. In collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and United Nations India.

• Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa.

• In collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and United Nations India.

• Aim: To mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.

• To mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.

• To foster empathy-based awareness and encourage universal design in public spaces.

• Major Initiatives Launched:

• IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities:

• Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support. First inclusive self-study and teaching manual for IELTS aspirants with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities. Includes ISL-linked videos, grammar guidance, time management tips, and accessible practice modules.

• Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support.

• First inclusive self-study and teaching manual for IELTS aspirants with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities.

• Includes ISL-linked videos, grammar guidance, time management tips, and accessible practice modules.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ISL Interpretation

• Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD. Certified SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), strengthening the pool of skilled ISL interpreters. First batch trained in August 2025; certificates to be awarded on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).

• Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD.

• Certified SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), strengthening the pool of skilled ISL interpreters.

• First batch trained in August 2025; certificates to be awarded on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).

• Specialized Basic Training Programme in ASL & BSL

• Launched by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in American and British Sign Languages. Enhances cross-cultural communication and international job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.

• Launched by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in American and British Sign Languages.

• Enhances cross-cultural communication and international job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.