Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India), the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the United Nations in India, and UN Women, today at We the Peoples Hall, United Nations House, New Delhi, host a high-impact media sensitization workshop on inclusive and intersectional disability reporting. Organized in the run-up to the International Purple Fest 2025, India’s largest celebration of disability to be held in Goa from 9–12 October 2025, the workshop will convene journalists, editors, and media professionals to collectively reimaging how disability is represented in public discourse. Calling upon the media to join this transformative journey.

On the occasion, Shri Subhash Phal Desai, Minister, Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, underlined that “The International Purple Fest is more than an event — it is a movement to bring visibility, dignity, and pride to the lives of persons with disabilities. We urge the media to join this global movement led by the Government of Goa and embrace diversity and inclusion in every narrative.” Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, added that “The media holds immense power to influence perceptions and inspire social change. Ahead of the International Purple Fest, this workshop is an opportunity to ensure that stories of persons with disabilities reflect rights, dignity, and inclusion. The UN is proud to partner in shaping journalism that leaves no one behind and advances India’s leadership in inclusion.” Emphasizing India’s leadership in inclusive innovation.

Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India, remarked, “The International Purple Fest Goa 2025 is not just a celebration, but a movement to transform mindsets and systems. By bringing together global experts, innovators, policymakers, and communities, the Fest will showcase how Inclusive Thinking and Universal Design can reshape our societies. New research, pioneering technologies, and creative ideas unveiled here will open doors to empowerment, independence, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. As joint partners with the Government of Goa and the United Nations, we are proud to make India a hub of inclusive innovation, reaffirming our commitment to a future where no one is left behind.” Echoing this spirit, Ms. Richa Shanker, Deputy Director General, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, noted that “This festival is about changing the narrative — and indeed, that is the need of the hour. We must collectively shift the discourse towards empowerment and inclusion. The International Purple Fest is not just an event, but a movement we are proud to be part of, and we call upon everyone to join this journey.”

This Workshop will feature interactive sessions designed to strengthen disability-inclusive journalism by challenging stereotypes, encouraging gender-sensitive and intersectional storytelling, sharing insights from disability rights leaders and veteran journalists, and building meaningful collaborations between the media and the disability rights movement. With participation from policymakers, journalists, and disability advocates, the workshop will serve as a catalyst to ensure that stories about persons with disabilities are reported with dignity, accuracy, and a rights-based lens. International Purple Fest is India’s largest and most vibrant celebration of disability, promoting empowerment, visibility, and inclusion. With participation from across India and the world, it serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and transformation.

****

KV

(Release ID: 2169855)