International Purple Fest 2025
Syllabus: Social Justice, Governance, Society (UPSC Prelims)
Source: DD News
Context
The International Purple Fest 2025 concluded in Goa, celebrating India’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
About the International Purple Fest
- What it is:
A global festival for inclusion and accessibility, dedicated to celebrating diversity and empowering PwDs. - Theme (2025): “Inclusion as a Movement.”
- Venue & Dates: Held in Goa from October 9–12, 2025.
- Purpose: Serves as a platform for policy dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange, recognizing PwDs as equal contributors to society.
Organizers
- Host: 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.
Objectives
- Mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.
- Promote universal design in public spaces for accessibility.
- Build empathy and awareness towards the rights and dignity of PwDs.
Major Initiatives Launched
1. IELTS Training Handbook for PwDs
- Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support.
- India’s first inclusive IELTS self-study guide for persons with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities.
- Features ISL-linked videos, grammar aids, and accessible learning modules.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ISL Interpretation
- Conducted by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD.
- Recognizes SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) as certified interpreters.
- First batch trained in August 2025; certification on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).
3. Basic Training in American & British Sign Languages (ASL & BSL)
- Introduced by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in international sign languages.
- Aims to enhance cross-cultural communication and global job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.
Significance
- Reinforces India’s leadership in promoting inclusive governance.
- Strengthens international cooperation on disability rights.
- Empowers PwDs through education, skill-building, and representation.
Conclusion
The International Purple Fest 2025 highlights India’s evolving approach to inclusive development, where accessibility and empowerment are central to nation-building.
By combining policy innovation, technology, and empathy, India moves closer to realizing a truly inclusive and barrier-free society.
