ITANAGAR : The second edition of Purple Fest Arunachal 2026 concluded successfully at Delhi Public School (DPS), Jollang, following a two-day celebration of inclusion, accessibility and empowerment on June 20 and 21.

Supported by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and organised by the Paralympic Association of Arunachal (PAA), the festival brought together more than 350 Divyangjan, parents, teachers, educators, officials, volunteers and support staff from across the state.

Participants from 16 districts attended the event, which aimed to promote dignity, equal opportunities and social inclusion for persons with disabilities while providing a platform to showcase their talents, abilities and achievements.

The festival was inaugurated in the presence of SJETA Secretary Dani Salu, Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Neelam John, Paralympic Association of Assam Secretary General Rajib Dey, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union Women Affairs Secretary Techi Tannu, Mr Arunachal 2026 Lhakpa Tsering, Mrs Arunachal 2026 Leyu Abom Yekar, former Directorate of Health Services Director Dr M. Lego, Deepak Nabam Living Home Chairman Deepak Nabam and other distinguished guests.

A variety of activities were conducted during the festival, including sports competitions, cultural performances, literary events, drawing competitions, exhibitions, awareness programmes, skill development workshops, educational and career counselling sessions, and recognition of outstanding Divyangjan achievers.

Speakers on the occasion underscored the need to build an inclusive society where every individual is provided equal opportunities to participate, contribute and succeed. The event also served as a platform for interaction, learning, networking and empowerment among participants and stakeholders.

The PAA expressed gratitude to SJETA, particularly Director Yumlam Kaha and his team, for their support in ensuring the successful conduct of the festival. Appreciation was also extended to DPS Jollang for providing the venue and necessary facilities.

In the district-level competition, Papum Pare emerged champion, while East Siang secured the first runner-up position and East Kameng finished as the second runner-up.

Reaffirming the message that “Disability is Not Inability,” the festival concluded with a renewed commitment towards building a more accessible, inclusive and empowering society for all.