President Droupadi Murmu underscored that compassion, inclusivity, and harmony form the foundation of Indian civilisation, emphasising that a nation’s true progress is measured by its commitment to uplifting the marginalised.

Speaking at Purple Fest 2025, a cultural event organised on 21 March by the Social Justice Ministry at Rashtrapati Bhawan to empower persons with disabilities (PwDs), she reaffirmed India’s constitutional values of social justice, dignity, and equality.

The president highlighted the government’s dedication to empowering PwDs through initiatives such as the ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan,’ which enhances both physical and digital accessibility.

Commending the creation of a national database for PwDs through the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card scheme, Murmu expressed satisfaction with initiatives in skill development and entrepreneurship that are enabling disabled individuals to become equal stakeholders in India’s growing economy.

The event featured cultural performances and exhibitions, celebrating inclusivity and empowerment. Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, reinforced its commitment to inclusivity by partnering with National Purple Fest 2025. 

Reaffirming its commitment to Inclusivity, Tata Power showcased its ongoing efforts through ‘Pay Autention – India’s First Phygital Autism Support Network’ experiential zone and launch of Dance Movement Yog therapy foundational course; leveraging its unique, open access learning platforms of Pay Autention & E-Sanidhya co-developed with Tata Elxsi.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of Tata Power’s Phygital (physical + digital) Dance- Movement-Yog course; being co-developed in collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE), and Pay Autention network partners. Recognizing the impact of movement-based therapies in enhancing motor skills, improving attention, regulating emotions, and fostering social connections, Dance & Movement Therapy (DMT) has been integrated into the company’s Pay Autention initiative, delivering multiple online and offline sessions through the E-Sanidhya Portal and has proven to be energizing, engaging and impactful – not just for the neurodiverse but also for care-givers and several other segments.

The course was announced by esteemed leaders from DePWD  & NIEPID, including Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar; Secretary, DePwD, Rajesh Agarwal; Joint Secretary DePwD, Raju Sharma; Joint Secretary, DePwD, Manmeet Kaur Nanda; DDG, DePwD, Richa Shankar; and Minister of State, Social Justice & Empowerment, Banwari Lal Verma along with senior leaders of Tata Power – Himal Tewari – CHRO, Chief Sustainability and CSR , Pankaj Kumar Singh – Chief Community Impact, Foram Nagori – Head CSR, Programme governance, Shreyas Desai, GM, Affirmative Action Program, Tata Sons.

Speaking on the occasion, Himal Tewari, CHRO, Chief Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power, said, “We are honoured to partner with the National Purple Fest for the second year. Last year, alongside MSJE and Tata Elxsi, we launched and successfully mega-piloted E-Sanidhya neurodiversity support platform. This year we have committed to co-create a short, hybrid foundational course in Dance-Movement-Yoga therapies with DePwD; bringing together experts in ‘arts in health’ domain including yoga alongside Tata volunteers.”

Children from Tata Power communities near Ahmednagar delivered inspiring cultural performances, showcasing their talents and also highlighting the company’s commitment to strengthening educational and learning initiatives for communities. Pay Autention network partner Victory Arts Foundation led a Dance and Movement Therapy workshop, engaging special kids, youth and regular audiences alike in a fun session. 

The Pay Autention Experiential Zone, another major highlight at the event, offered interactive exhibits designed to educate and engage visitors. The zone featured the Adhikaar initiative of Tata Power, providing information on various government schemes for PwD empowerment; an Interactive Gaming Zone featuring a LEGO Corner by Sunday Bricks to foster cognitive and motor skills in children; nutrition therapy by Iyurved and yog therapy by SRCC; and merchandise Anokha Dhaaga special youth entrepreneurs.