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March 14, 2026

Purple Fest at Rashtrapati Bhavan: Championing Inclusion for Divyangjan

K
Kalpana SharmaCurrent Affairs Editor & Content Lead

Key Highlights

  • Over 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan during the day‑long Purple Fest.
  • President Droupadi Murmu addressed the gathering, emphasizing constitutional guarantees of dignity and equality.
  • Cultural showcases by disabled artists highlighted music, dance and innovative performances.
  • Stalls by NGOs delivered practical guidance and resources for the disabled community.
  • The event reinforced the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning Divyangjan as equal partners.

Detailed Insights

Purple Fest was staged on 13 March 2026 within the precincts of Rashtrapati Bhavan to honour the aspirations, talents and achievements of persons with disabilities, commonly referred to as Divyangjan. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment opened Amrit Udyan exclusively for the occasion, drawing more than eight thousand participants who engaged in interactive games, educational kiosks, and exhibitions curated by advocacy groups.

Evening proceedings shifted to the Open Air Theatre, where President Droupadi Murmu presided over a series of artistic presentations. Disabled performers delivered a spectrum of acts—classical and contemporary music, choreographed dances, and creative demonstrations—underscoring both skill and self‑confidence. The audience’s applause reflected a collective appreciation for the participants’ resilience.

During her address, President Murmu articulated a broader philosophy: a nation’s progress is measured not merely by the wellbeing of its privileged segments, but by how it uplifts its most vulnerable citizens. She invoked the Indian Constitution’s commitment to social justice, stressing that true inclusivity demands active participation from every individual, organization, and institution.

The President linked these themes to the long‑term agenda of "Viksit Bharat 2047," envisioning a fully developed India by the centenary of independence. Within this framework, Divyangjan are presented as indispensable partners whose equal access to education, employment and public life will propel the country toward that goal.

Concluding remarks encouraged Divyangjan to pursue personal growth with confidence, assuring them of sustained governmental and societal support. The festival’s overarching aim—to heighten disability awareness, foster respect, and cultivate equal opportunity—echoed throughout the day’s activities.

Key Concepts

  • Divyangjan: A respectful term used in India to denote persons with disabilities, emphasizing their inherent abilities.
  • Viksit Bharat 2047: A strategic vision aiming for a fully developed, inclusive India by the year 2047.
  • Social Justice (Constitutional Guarantee): Legal and moral obligations enshrined in the Indian Constitution to ensure dignity, equality and non‑discrimination for every citizen.
  • Inclusive Society: A community where barriers—physical, attitudinal or systemic—are removed so that all members can participate fully.

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