PANJIM: As many as 47 differently-abled delegates at the just concluded ‘Purple Fest’, got a taste of the sea and sand at the Miramar beach, with lifeguards coming to their assistance, in this one-of-a-lifetime opportunity.
Miramar Beach was specially outfitted with a special ramp for the festival, allowing Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in wheelchairs to visit the shore. The delegates were then transferred to specially modified wheelchairs with inflatable wheels. The special wheelchairs were supplied by a Mumbai-based company. Two lifesavers escorted each delegate into the water, where they were free to enjoy the waves and cool sea water. The tyres of the specially modified wheelchairs had adequate buoyancy to float in the water. The lifesavers helped the individuals wade into the water, giving them an opportunity to feel the sea and its joys for themselves.”
Pooja, a delegate from Delhi, who has been in a wheelchair for 10 years, shared her experience in the waters of Miramar. “I’ve had a really enjoyable time being able to experience water in the manner I have. I felt free and very much alive,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stated that the government will ensure that the entire State will be accessible for PwDs.
He was speaking at the concluding function of three-day Purple Fest 2023: Celebrating Diversity, at the Inox Courtyard, Panjim. Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik presided over the function.
Sawant said that the festival has led to better understanding of issues related to PwDs. Though the government wanted to make it an annual event in the State, he said that the Haryana State has expressed its willingness in holding the festival next year. But the Goa government will be more than willing to host it if the need be, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Government of India supported the festival and 50 per cent of the total cost of the festival will be borne by the Centre.
Benetech, USA, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ayan Kishore was the keynote speaker.
