Context: Purple Fest 2025 was organized by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) in collaboration with Amity University, Noida.
- It celebrated inclusion, dignity, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) through cultural, entrepreneurial, and educational activities.
About Purple Fest 2025:
- What It Is?
-
- A national-level festival celebrating the creativity, rights, and empowerment of Divyangjan.
- Aims to promote awareness, inclusivity, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Aim: Promote inclusion, raise awareness on assistive rights, empower Divyangjan through entrepreneurship & skill-building, celebrate talent via cultural & sports events, and strengthen capacity through ISL-focused training.
- Key Features:
-
- Art & Craft Exhibition: Display of products made by Divyangjan artisans.
- Entrepreneurship Stalls (22 stalls): Showcasing businesses led by Divyangjan.
- Cultural & Sports Events: Promoting participation and representation.
- Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE): Focus on Indian Sign Language (ISL) and professional knowledge sharing.
- Recognition of Achievements: Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Ms. Gurdeep Kaur Vasu, the first deafblind Indian to secure a govt. job under multiple disability category.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
- GS Paper II – Social Justice:
- Covers welfare of vulnerable sections and government policies for empowerment of Divyangjan.
- Linked to schemes like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India), Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- GS Paper IV – Ethics:
- Promotes empathy, inclusivity, dignity, and equality in public service.
- Case study material on rights-based approach to disability.
