Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 18: The Purple Fair is an inclusive flagship initiative aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities by providing a common platform to showcase their abilities, talents, and potential across multiple domains such as sports, culture, skills, and social participation. The term “Purple” symbolizes dignity, inclusion, and empowerment, aligning with the national vision of creating an inclusive society for Divyangjan.
Sports Events for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) was successfully inaugurated as part of two-day Pre-Event for Purple Fair 2026 at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. This marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities through sports for Divyangjan across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Organized by the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Island under NIEPMD, Chennai, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the event collaborated with the Directorate of Social Welfare and Directorate of Education, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, inaugurated the event as chief guest. He stressed how inclusive sports build confidence, independence, and social participation among PwDs.
Mr. Vikram Singh, Director of Education, joined as guest of honor, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to Divyangjan welfare highlighting sports’ role in holistic development. The program opened with a welcome address by Mrs. Sumithamol S., Director, CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands, who shared Purple Fair 2026’s objectives and vision.
Events featured track and field like running races, shot put, and discus throw; adapted sports such as Adaptive Cricket for persons with hearing impairment; and team & indoor games including Adaptive Ludo, Table Bowling, Ball and Track, and Tug of War for persons with visual impairment. All were designed for participation across ages and disability categories.
JNRM College volunteers assisted participants and coordinated events. Organizers thanked the media for raising inclusion awareness and spotlighting PwD abilities. The sustained patronage provided by Mrs. Komal Anand, President, PANKH NGO, and her team, to the Divyang society fosters greater dedication to empowering the Divyang community in the A&N Islands
Participants included CRC clients and South Zone school students under the Directorate of Education. Teachers, special educators, and parents offered strong cooperation. In total, 395 participants from schools, institutions, and regions across Andaman & Nicobar joined enthusiastically. The grand culmination of Purple Fair 2026 is set for January 30th January 2026, capping this multi-phase drive.
