Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 29: In a splendid culmination on Friday, the inaugural two-day Purple Fest, a pioneering initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, organised by the Social Welfare Department brought boundless joy to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, this inclusive festival celebrated the diverse talents and resilience of PwDs and served as a platform for a myriad of activities aimed at showcasing their abilities.
During the two-day event, PwDs engaged in a spectrum of 15 sports events – both indoor and outdoor – exhibitions, live demonstrations, cultural shows, movie screenings, disability dialogue, a talent hunt, and a fashion show.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor bestowed recognition upon PwD ambassadors, particularly para-athletes and individuals who have brought honour to Jammu and Kashmir and India on national and international platforms.
More than 1000 beneficiaries from all the district of Jammu division were also provided motorised scooties, wheelchairs, hearing aids, smart phones, walking sticks etc targeting saturation of individual beneficial schemes.
Awards were also conferred upon PwDs who emerged winners and runners-up at the event.
Various NGOs were also acknowledged and appreciated for their commendable work in the field.
Inaugurating J&K’s inaugural festival of inclusion, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and safeguarding the rights of PwDs.
He highlighted the noteworthy accomplishments of PwDs across various domains like music, cinema, sports, arts, and literature, emphasising their invaluable contributions to society.
The LG said that these individuals, with their unique abilities, are pivotal in the nation-building process.
He expressed confidence that this inclusive festival marks a significant milestone in empowering PwDs in J&K.
“It serves as an inspiration for collective efforts towards their rehabilitation and the creation of an all-encompassing society,” the LG said.
Touching upon achievements, he mentioned the distribution of motorised scooters had reached its saturation, the administration’s takeover of Abhinandan Home for specially-abled students, and the increased reservation and job opportunities provided to PwDs.
Member of Parliament, Jugal Kishore also spoke at the event and laid emphasis on how the Government was widening the social space for the PwDs.
Joint Secretary Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Rajeev Sharma visited all the stalls and events.
Twelve Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities from other states apart from 16 other departments from the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development from all over the country participated in the fest.
Participating in the event, the PwDs said that this is for the first time that they had felt included at such a scale and been part of such a massive programme for the PwDs.
Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda welcomed the dignitaries for attending the event and boosting the morale of the PwDs as well as the department working for their welfare.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar was the chief guest at the valedictory function and prize distribution ceremony.
He appreciated the role of all the PwDs and lauded the Social Welfare Department for conducting such an exercise.
The event witnessed the participation of more than 5000 individuals including around 2000 students, reflecting a strong call to action for a more inclusive society that acknowledges the remarkable courage, resilience, and determination of those with special abilities.
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