ALT Image: This image features Hon’ble Minister Shri Subhash Phal Desai addressing the audience, with other dignitaries seated on stage during the session on International Collaboration and Globalization: Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.

ALT Image: This image features dignitaries on stage during the International Collaboration and Globalization, Political Participation of PwDs session under Purple Convention at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.

ALT The background is light peach. On top are the Rising Flame, Intl Purple Fest ‘25, Godrej Industries Group and UN India logos. In the middle, there is a large red exclamation point with an orange explosion graphic. On top of it, bold, light purple text in all caps reads: Are you an entrepreneur living with disability having a bold idea or a thriving business? PITCH YOUR DREAM AT International Purple Fest ‘25(the Intl Purple Fest logo)

ALT The background is light peach. On top are the Rising Flame, Intl Purple Fest ‘25, Godrej Industries Group and UN India logos. There is a graphic of three light orange exclamation points. Below that, center-aligned text that reads: On 10th October 2025, at the International Purple Fest in Goa, we’re hosting a first-of-its-kind Pitch Fest exclusively for entrepreneurs living with disabilities. This is your stage—to share your story, showcase your business, and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re building with tech or textiles, food, or fashion, or in any other industry—if you are an entrepreneur living with disabilities with a venture or well-developed idea, this opportunity is for you! In small italics text that reads: Swipe for application deets! and three arrowheads >>>

ALT The background is light peach. On top are the Rising Flame, Intl Purple Fest ‘25, Godrej Industries Group and UN India logos. A bold header highlighted by gray that reads: Why should I apply? Next to it is a graphic of a yellow exclamation mark and a question mark. Below that in bullet points reads: Pitch in front of a live audience and a jury of investors, funders, and changemakers. Get featured at an international platform celebrating disability, innovation, and leadership. The Top 10 Finalists will get a stall at the Purple Fest Exhibition to showcase their work. Three winners will receive award money to fuel their vision: 1. ₹80,000; 2. ₹60,000; 3. ₹50,000

ALT The background is light peach. On top are the Rising Flame, Intl Purple Fest ‘25, Godrej Industries Group and UN India logos. A bold header highlighted by gray that reads: Who can apply? Next to it is a graphic of 3 pink stars of different sizes. Below, text in bullet points: Applicants must: Identify as a person with a disability as defined under the RPwD Act, 2016. Be an Indian citizen. Be 18 years or older. Have an existing venture (product/service) or a well-developed, ready-to-launch business idea. (*Need to have a product or service to be eligible for this pitch fest) Have a significant /key role in the venture in case there are other co-founders.

ALT On top are the Insights, MHI and RF logos. The background is Van Gogh’s the Night Cafe: A dimly lit cafe interior with red walls, a green ceiling, a pool table in the center, a few scattered tables and chairs, and several people sitting or standing around the room. The header is in red: “Dinner Table Syndrome”. Below that in gray text and capitalised: “by Kanika Agarwal."

ALT On top are the Insights, MHI and RF logos. The background is Van Gogh’s the Night Cafe. Overlayed is a pink ovular text box with a quotation mark on top that reads: Watching her (my sister’s) attempts to juggle my access needs and her own ideas all at the same time made me feel guilty for robbing her of the opportunity to freely participate in the discussion. This made me wonder where I stood. If I relied on my siblings for access, they missed out on the actual conversations; but if I let them get on with their conversations, I missed out on what was going on. Choosing seemed so treacherous, and of course, there could be no middle ground.

ALT On top are the Insights, MHI and RF logos. The background is Van Gogh’s the Night Cafe. Overlayed is a pink ovular text box with a quotation mark on top: “I feel like an outcast in my own family. Nobody makes any effort to make me feel respected. Ritesh, my hearing brother, grew up with me signing. We gab a lot when we meet but, when it comes to social gatherings, he totally forgets me. It was only when his wife came into our family that I was able to ask her to interpret the talks in sign language.” — Manish

ALT On top are the Insights, MHI and RF logos. The background is Van Gogh’s the Night Cafe. Overlayed is a pink ovular text box with a quotation mark on top: “I have a better rapport with my mother-in-law than my own sisters. It does feel frustrating to see that despite having grown up with them, they still are so insensitive towards my needs. However, they are always there for me when they see me struggling monetarily. In fact, to this day, my sisters are the only ones with whom I can talk about my financial concerns and plans.” — Rohini