TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 11 OCTOBER 2025
Svayam, India’s leading accessibility organisation, reinforced itscommitment to inclusive development through active participation at the Purple Fest2025 in Goa. As the Chair of CII’s India Business Disability Network, Ms. Sminu Jindal,Founder-Chairperson of Svayam chaired a Consultative Roundtable on InclusiveTourism, Hospitality and Sports today. The roundtable, hosted in collaboration with theConfederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Purple Fest was a precursor to the Purple Fest setto be inaugurated on 9th October and was graced with the presence of Shri Subhash PalDessai, Minister of Social Justice, Govt of Goa, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, ChiefDisability Commissioner of Goa and Shri Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Disability Commissionof Goa.
The discussions gathered voices from policy, industry, and advocacy groups, focussing ondesigning environments where persons with disabilities experience travel, leisure, andcompetition without barriers. Svayam joined the Inaugural Session of Purple Fest 2025 whereMs. Jindal addressed the audience as a guest speaker. Key discussions ranged on criticalissues pertaining to accessible tourism in Goa including the state’s plans to make adventuresports like paragliding, scuba diving and other similar activities accessible for people withdisabilities.
Emphasizing practical measures and collective responsibility in building a culture of inclusionthat transcends symbolic gestures, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam andChair of India Business Disability Network, CII said, “Lack of accessibility is still one of thebiggest barriers for persons with disabilities, but more than a social concern, it is an economicpriority. Inclusive tourism and hospitality has the potential to generate massive employment,especially in a country where human touch defines service. AI may grow, but inclusivehospitality will always need people. We at Svayam are steadfast in our commitment toadvocating for change that goes beyond symbolism and it is heartening to witness Goa pavingthe way toward an Accessible Bharat, having not just created an event but a vibrant platformwhere dignity, talent, and participation speak louder than policy. By embedding accessibilityacross tourism, hospitality, sports, and digital spaces, the state is laying the groundwork for anew 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 pointunanimously raised by all participants was the urgent need to raise awareness among businessowners and stakeholders in the sports sector. The focus was on making infrastructure moreaccessible, enabling individuals who are differently abled, elderly, or have invisible disabilities toactively 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 disabilityrights and inclusive practices. With heritage walks, parasailing, and scuba diving experiencesdesigned for persons with disabilities, the Fest first launched in Goa in 2023 is organised by theOffice of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, in collaboration with theGovernment of India and international partners. The event brought together persons withdisabilities, policymakers, artists, technologists, sportspersons, and civil society groups for adynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Svayam’s involvement across sessions underlinesits mission to eliminate barriers in public spaces, services, and opportunities, ensuring thatdignity and independence remain non-negotiable for all citizens.
About Svayam:
Svayam is a leading accessibility organization that aims to reform infrastructure andtransportation to make it accessible for people with reduced mobility. Accessibility aidsindividuals and gives them the freedom to independently explore the built environment aroundthem, irrespective of their physical capabilities. This was on philanthropist-business visionarySminu Jindal’s mind when she founded Svayam in October 2000. An initiative of the SminuJindal Charitable Trust, Svayam is a not-for-profit accessibility pioneer that focuses on creatinga barrier-free world for all.
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