Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 01: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, successfully conducted a day-long Purple Fair 2026 on 30th January 2026 at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and the Directorate of Education, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Purple Fair 2026, a Prime Minister’s flagship initiative, was conceptualized to celebrate the abilities, talents, and potential of Divyangjan, while creating a single-window, inclusive platform for direct access to welfare schemes, health services, skill development, and livelihood opportunities.
As a precursor to Purple Fair 2026, the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, organized a Pre-Event Sports Meet for Divyangjan on 16th and 17th January 2026 at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The sports meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from Divyangjan across age groups and promoted physical fitness, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Various sporting events were conducted in an inclusive and accessible manner, and medals, trophies and certificates were distributed to the winners and participants, celebrating the sporting spirit and abilities of Divyangjan.
The Purple Fair was inaugurated by Mr. L. Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare & Education, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Social Welfare, Mr. Srinivasan, Director, Labour, Employment & Training, and Mrs. Sumitha Mol. S, Director, CRC, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasized that true inclusion goes beyond infrastructure and policies and must reflect in attitudes, opportunities, and equal participation. He lauded the Purple Fair as a meaningful initiative that bridges departments and communities, ensuring that Divyangjan are able to access government services with dignity, ease, and confidence. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to strengthening inclusive education, employment, and social security mechanisms across the Islands.
In her Welcome Address, Mrs. Sumitha Mol. S, Director, CRC A&N Islands, highlighted the vision of Purple Fair as a platform that recognizes abilities rather than disabilities. She underscored CRC’s role in facilitating rehabilitation, skill development, and empowerment of Divyangjan through coordinated efforts with line departments, NGOs, and community stakeholders, and expressed gratitude for the strong inter-departmental collaboration that made the Fair impactful.
The Purple Fair was further elevated by the presence of Programme Ambassador Mrs. Bhavani, a Para Athlete and Special Educator, whose interaction inspired participants and reinforced the importance of confidence, ability, and active participation. More than 400 Divyangjan participants from across Andaman & Nicobar Islands actively engaged in various activities throughout the day.
The Purple Fair witnessed active participation from various departments, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity, including Education Department, Social Welfare Department, Department of RD, PRIs, & ULBs, Industries Department, Labour, Employment & Training Department, Directorate of Health Services (Tele-MANAS), AYUSH Hospital and CRC, A & N Islands among others. Altogether these 20 stalls provided information, guidance, and on-the-spot facilitation to Divyangjan and their families.
Eligible beneficiaries were facilitated with Niramaya Health Insurance Cards, and assistive aids and appliances under the ADIP Scheme were distributed, promoting health security, functional independence, and empowerment. Participants were also oriented towards various Prime Minister’s flagship schemes, skill development programmes, and livelihood initiatives.
The event was further enriched with sports competitions, cultural performances, and creative expressions by Divyangjan, showcasing their confidence, talent, and determination. Special performances by the Department of Art & Culture and an inspirational Fitness and Martial Arts demonstration by Shihan M. S. Murugan, Ex Sub-Inspector of Police, IRBN, drew wide appreciation.
Prizes and certificates were awarded by Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Social Welfare, and Dr. Kalyan, Deputy Director, AYUSH, acknowledging the achievements and participation of Divyangjan.
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Mr. Dakshin Bhaskar, Director, TSG Hotels & Resorts, along with Mrs. Tanisha, Mr. Aziz Ur Rahman, Councillor, SVPMC with Mrs. Protima Banerjee, Mr. Abdul Rasheed, Director, Rasheed Foundation and Mrs. Komal Anand, President, PANKH NGO. The organizers expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participating line departments, volunteers, Special Educators from SIE, IED Cell, and the District Administration for their invaluable support in making Purple Fair 2026 inclusive, impactful, and memorable.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Kishore Kumar Saha, Assistant Professor (Special Education), CRC A&N Islands.
Purple Fair 2026 stands as a significant milestone in the empowerment of Divyangjan in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, reaffirming CRC A&N Islands’ unwavering commitment to inclusion, accessibility, skill development, and equal opportunities, ensuring that every Divyangjan is recognized, empowered, and enabled to realize their full potential.
