Svayam reinforced its commitment to inclusive development through active participation at the Purple Fest 2025 in Goa. As the Chair of CII’s India Business Disability Network, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, chaired a Consultative Roundtable on Inclusive Tourism, Hospitality and Sports today. The roundtable, hosted in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Purple Fest was a precursor to the Purple Fest set to be inaugurated on 9th October and was graced with the presence of Shri Subhash Pal Dessai, Minister of Social Justice, Govt of Goa, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, Chief Disability Commissioner of Goa and Shri Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Disability Commission of Goa.
The discussions gathered voices from policy, industry, and advocacy groups, focusing on designing environments where persons with disabilities experience travel, leisure, and competition without barriers. Svayam joined the Inaugural Session of Purple Fest 2025, where Sminu Jindal addressed the audience as a guest speaker. Key discussions ranged on critical issues pertaining to accessible tourism in Goa, including the state’s plans to make adventure sports like paragliding, scuba diving and other similar activities accessible for people with disabilities.
Emphasizing practical measures and collective responsibility in building a culture of inclusion that transcends symbolic gestures, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and Chair of India Business Disability Network, CII, said, “Lack of accessibility is still one of the biggest barriers for persons with disabilities, but more than a social concern, it is an economic priority. Inclusive tourism and hospitality has the potential to generate massive employment, especially in a country where human touch defines service. AI may grow, but inclusive hospitality will always need people. We at Svayam are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for change that goes beyond symbolism and it is heartening to witness Goa paving the way toward an Accessible Bharat, having not just created an event but a vibrant platform where dignity, talent, and participation speak louder than policy. By embedding accessibility across tourism, hospitality, sports, and digital spaces, the state is laying the groundwork for a new India, where inclusion is foundational, not merely optional.”
Summing up discussions of the day, Carlos De Sousa, Convenor, Tourism, CII Goa, shared, “The roundtable generated several insightful and important suggestions. A key point unanimously raised by all participants was the urgent need to raise awareness among business owners and stakeholders in the sports sector. The focus was on making infrastructure more accessible, enabling individuals who are differently abled, elderly, or have invisible disabilities to actively participate in leisure and sports activities, ultimately contributing to the nation’s GDP.”
The Purple Fest has quickly become one of India’s foremost gatherings advancing disability rights and inclusive practices. With heritage walks, parasailing, and scuba diving experiences designed for persons with disabilities, the Fest first launched in Goa in 2023, is organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, in collaboration with the Government of India and international partners. The event brought together persons with disabilities, policymakers, artists, technologists, sportspersons, and civil society groups for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Svayam’s involvement across sessions underlines its mission to eliminate barriers in public spaces, services, and opportunities, ensuring that dignity and independence remain non-negotiable for all citizens.
