Report of Training Workshop for Volunteers of International Purple Fest 2024

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda & The State Commission for Persons with Disabilities – Goa in collaboration with FiiRE conducted a one-day training workshop for volunteers of International Purple Fest 2024 on November 28, 2023 at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda.

The speaker for the day was Mr. Raghu Duth Degala, Founder & CEO of Kaitechi Innovations Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad. The team from the Office of the  State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa led by Mr. Vishal Naik were also present.

The workshop commenced with Dr. Neena Panandikar, Principal, Don Bosco College of Engineering welcoming the gathering and thanking the State Commission for Persons with Disability – Goa for selecting Don Bosco College of Engineering as a partner in organizing International Purple Fest 2024 which will be held in Goa from January 8-13, 2024.

The focus of the workshop was to create awareness in the hearts and minds of the participants on the different situations that a special needs person encounters in reality. He broached the idea of breaking the barrier that leads to stereotypical thinking in the direction of dealing with a special needs individual. The speaker asked the students to enact a scene that allowed participants to experience the challenges faced by individuals with special needs and how to be able to appropriately help them. This immersive exercise helped foster empathy and understanding in this regard. The workshop emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment during International Purple Fest 2024. By gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with special needs, volunteers learnt that they could better at supporting and engaging with them during the event. Mr. Raghu Duth Degala said “ do not think of an activity as competition or associate it with any word, but just do the activity, make life simple, live simple.”

The workshop served as a powerful reminder to embrace diversity and promote inclusivity. The students had many questions to ask, which exhibited an eagerness within them to make a difference in the life of a special needs individual. The questions centred mainly around the Purple Fest event and how they as individuals would be able to make a difference.

Seventy-five student volunteers and three faculty members from Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, attended the workshop.

The workshop was co-ordinated by Mr. Harison Cota, NSS Program Officer, Bosco College of Engineering.