From October 9 to 12, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, set up an Organ Donation Information Desk at the International Purple Fest held at the Entertainment Society of Goa, Panjim.
The event was organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and United Nations India.
At the heart of the International Purple Fest were 21 Purple Ambassadors, each representing one of the 21 disabilities recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. These ambassadors shared powerful stories of resilience and determination. Among them were three representatives from Goa — Sadiya Bandodkar, Sakshi Kale, and Xerif Shaik. The festival aimed to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, reinforcing the vision of a world that welcomes everyone.
The Fest featured panel discussions, artistic performances, interactive exhibitions, and immersive experience zones. The organ donation information desk functioned throughout the four-day event, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., where Mr. Gabriel interacted with visitors, distributed informational flyers addressing common queries, and explained the importance of organ donation. Over 500 flyers were distributed, and 30 visitors pledged to become organ donors.
The information desk also received visits from several dignitaries, including Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa; Mr. Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives and Archaeology; and Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North Goa.
Mr. Gabriel extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Prakash Kamat, Senior Journalist from Goa, National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the First Sutra Foundation, and Member of the Goa State Advisory Board on Disability, for his continued support towards promoting the cause of organ donation.
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