President Droupadi Murmu has said that sensitivity towards the deprived class determines the reputation of a country or society. Addressing the Purple Fest event at Rashtrapati Bhavan last evening, the President said, compassion, inclusiveness, and harmony have been the values of Indian culture and civilization.

The ‘Purple Fest’ aims to raise awareness about different disabilities and their impact on people’s lives and to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within society.

Speaking at the event, the President said, the preamble of the Constitution speaks about social justice, equality of status, and dignity of the individual. President Murmu expressed happiness that the Government is striving to empower and ensure equal participation of Divyangjan through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.

A day-long ‘Purple Fest’, celebrating the talents, achievements, and aspirations of divyangjan, was organised at the Amrit Udyan at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi yesterday by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. President Droupadi Murmu also visited the Fest and witnessed the cultural performances by Persons with Disabilities. Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar presided over the inaugural session of the event.

Talking to the media, the Minister said that since the inception of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, the legislation has significantly enhanced accessibility, confidence, and self-reliance among Persons with Disabilities, ensuring their empowerment.

He further shared that this year’s Purple Fest saw 65,000 registrations, with nearly 25,000 actively participating. During the event, the Minister also visited an exhibition-cum-sale featuring products created by Persons with Disabilities and engaged with the participants.