The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment today organized a day-long ‘Purple Fest’ at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

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 this evening, the President said compassion, inclusiveness, and harmony have been the values of Indian culture and civilisation. 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. The president today visited the fest and witnessed the cultural performances by Divyangjan.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar presided over the inaugural session of the event. The festival is primarily aimed at creating a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone.

Talking to the media, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar said that since the inception of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, the act has helped to bring accessibility, confidence, and self-reliance to the lives of persons with disabilities and ensured that they are empowered. He added that a total of 65 thousand people registered for the Purple Fest this year, and nearly 25 thousand participated. The minister also visited an exhibition cum sale of products by persons with disabilities and interacted with the participants.