Svayam Partners with CII to Promote Inclusive Tourism & Sports at Purple Fest 2025

Published on October 8, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Svayam, India’s foremost accessibility organisation, has significantly advanced its commitment to inclusive development through its active participation in the Purple Fest 2025 in Goa. On October 8, 2025, Svayam played a pivotal role in shaping the future of accessible tourism, hospitality, and sports in India by hosting a Consultative Roundtable in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This roundtable, chaired by Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and Chair of CII’s India Business Disability Network, was a precursor to the Purple Fest itself, which officially opens on October 9, 2025. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Subhash Pal Dessai, Minister of Social Justice, Government of Goa, and Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, Chief Disability Commissioner of Goa.

The consultative roundtable brought together influential voices from government, policy, industry, and advocacy groups to address critical issues surrounding accessible tourism, hospitality, and sports for persons with disabilities. A central topic of discussion was how Goa can build environments where people with disabilities can engage in travel, leisure, and competition without barriers. The dialogue set the stage for Purple Fest, which is poised to make a significant impact on India’s inclusive tourism landscape.

Key Insights from the Consultative Roundtable on Inclusive Tourism

As the Chair of CII’s India Business Disability Network, Ms. Sminu Jindal led the discussions with passion, focusing on the economic and social benefits of inclusive tourism. “Lack of accessibility remains one of the biggest barriers for persons with disabilities, but more than just a social concern, it’s an economic priority,” she stated. Ms. Jindal emphasised the role of accessible tourism in creating massive employment opportunities, particularly in India, where human interaction and service are at the heart of the hospitality sector.

She highlighted the importance of practical, long-term measures that go beyond symbolic gestures. The goal, as outlined by Svayam, is to create environments that are inherently inclusive, where individuals with disabilities can participate in travel, sports, and leisure activities just as easily as anyone else. Ms. Jindal also lauded the efforts of the Government of Goa, which is taking proactive steps to make adventure sports such as paragliding and scuba diving accessible for people with disabilities.

The discussions also examined how inclusive tourism can contribute to Goa’s economy by fostering a more inclusive hospitality and sports ecosystem. These efforts are not merely about accommodating people with disabilities—they are about fostering dignity, respect, and independence, empowering a broader segment of society to engage in tourism, sports, and recreation.

Goa’s Vision for Accessible Adventure Sports

A significant part of the conversation focused on Goa’s ambitious plans to make adventure tourism, such as paragliding, scuba diving, and heritage walks, accessible for persons with disabilities. The state’s leadership, particularly the Goa government, is taking crucial steps to make Goa a more inclusive destination. Goa’s commitment to accessible adventure tourism is a key takeaway from the Purple Fest discussions.

Participants at the roundtable emphasised the need for accessible infrastructure, including ramps, specialised equipment, and trained staff to cater to the needs of individuals with mobility challenges. This forward-thinking approach is expected to open up new avenues for tourism in the state, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy Goa’s beaches, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. Svayam’s involvement in this initiative aligns with its mission to ensure that public spaces, services, and opportunities are accessible for everyone.

The Role of Purple Fest in Advancing Disability Rights

Purple Fest, which was first launched in 2023, has quickly become one of India’s leading platforms for advancing disability rights and inclusive practices. The event is organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and has garnered significant attention for its focus on accessibility in tourism, hospitality, and sports. The festival brings together persons with disabilities, policymakers, artists, sportspersons, technologists, and civil society groups for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.

At Purple Fest 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities designed to foster inclusion, including heritage walks, parasailing, and scuba diving, all adapted for people with disabilities. These experiences are intended to break down the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from enjoying the same leisure activities as their able-bodied counterparts. Svayam’s participation in Purple Fest 2025 underscores the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that accessibility is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all citizens.

Raising Awareness for Inclusive Tourism and Sports

A recurring theme throughout the roundtable was the need for awareness among business owners and stakeholders in the sports sector about the importance of accessibility. According to Carlos De Sousa, Convenor of Tourism for CII Goa, one of the key takeaways was the urgent need for businesses in the tourism and sports sectors to raise awareness about accessibility. The discussion highlighted that making infrastructure more accessible would not only benefit individuals with disabilities but also the elderly and those with invisible disabilities.

The roundtable stressed the economic benefits of making tourism and sports more inclusive, as greater participation in leisure and sports activities by persons with disabilities will lead to increased economic activity and job creation. By making spaces and activities more accessible, Goa can tap into a growing market segment and contribute to the nation’s GDP while also advancing its reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism.

Svayam’s Commitment to Accessibility in India

Svayam’s active participation in Purple Fest and the Consultative Roundtable demonstrates its unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to accessibility in public spaces, services, and opportunities. Through its initiatives, Svayam seeks to ensure that dignity and independence remain non-negotiable for persons with disabilities. The organisation advocates for change that goes beyond symbolic measures, focusing instead on practical, real-world solutions that address the needs of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Svayam’s involvement at Purple Fest is part of a broader effort to build an inclusive India, where accessibility is embedded in all sectors, from tourism and hospitality to sports and digital spaces. As India continues to grow as a global tourism destination, the need for inclusive infrastructure and services has never been more urgent. Svayam’s advocacy plays a crucial role in driving this change.

Conclusion: Towards an Accessible Bharat

The Purple Fest 2025 marks a critical step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a more inclusive nation. The event serves as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration on disability rights, with Svayam playing a key role in shaping the future of accessible tourism and sports in India. As Goa leads the way in creating inclusive environments for persons with disabilities, the rest of the country can look to this initiative as a model for progress.

Through partnerships like the one between Svayam and CII, and with ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve infrastructure, India is on track to become a truly accessible and inclusive destination for all. As more states and regions embrace accessibility, India will not only enhance its tourism sector but also create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate and enjoy all that the country has to offer.