The pre-event activities for Purple Fair 2026 commenced in Sri Vijaya Puram with the inauguration of sports events for Persons with Disabilities, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusion, empowerment and equal participation across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Purple Fair is positioned as an inclusive flagship initiative aimed at providing a common platform for Divyangjan to showcase their abilities, talents and potential across multiple domains including sports, culture, skills and social participation. The term “Purple” symbolises dignity, inclusion and empowerment, aligning with the broader national vision of creating an inclusive society.
The two-day pre-event was inaugurated at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, and formed part of a phased build-up towards the main Purple Fair scheduled later this month. The initiative brought together participants from schools, institutions and regions across the islands, underlining the expanding reach of inclusion-focused programmes in the territory.
The sports events were organised by the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under NIEPMD, Chennai, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Directorate of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The collaborative approach was aimed at ensuring coordinated planning, accessibility and participation across disability categories.
A range of sporting activities were conducted, designed to accommodate different age groups and types of disabilities. Track and field events such as running races, shot put and discus throw were organised alongside adapted sports including adaptive cricket for persons with hearing impairment. Team and indoor games such as adaptive ludo, table bowling, ball and track, and tug of war were also conducted for persons with visual impairment.
The events were structured to encourage participation rather than competition, focusing on confidence-building, physical activity and social interaction. Volunteers from Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya assisted participants and supported coordination during the events, ensuring smooth conduct and accessibility.
Participants included clients of the Composite Regional Centre as well as students from the South Zone schools under the Directorate of Education. Teachers, special educators and parents were actively involved, providing logistical and emotional support to participants. In total, 395 participants took part in the pre-event, reflecting growing engagement with inclusive sports initiatives in the islands.
Organisers noted that inclusive sports play a critical role in enhancing independence, confidence and social participation among persons with disabilities. The pre-event also served as an awareness platform, highlighting the capabilities of Divyangjan and challenging stereotypes associated with disability.
The Purple Fair 2026 is designed as a multi-phase initiative, with the pre-event sports activities laying the foundation for the grand culmination scheduled for January 30, 2026. Officials indicated that the final event will further expand opportunities for participation and visibility across cultural and skill-based activities.
By placing inclusion at the centre of its design, the Purple Fair aims to move beyond symbolic representation and towards sustained engagement. The pre-event in Sri Vijaya Puram marked an early milestone in this effort, signalling a continued push towards building an inclusive and participatory environment for persons with disabilities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
