Walk for Arcause 6.0

The International Purple Fest, Goa — India’s flagship celebration of diversity and inclusion — echoes the belief that accessibility is not a privilege but a right. For the Ethos Foundation, this aligns deeply with UDita—our action area on Universal Design and Accessibility as a Right, which is rooted in empathy and inclusive design. In this spirit, the APNA Purple Walk for ARCAUSE 6.0 was conceived — a 100-kilometer journey from the Karwar border to Panjim that brought the conversation on accessibility into the public realm. Over five days, this walk became more than a physical journey; it explored how people build, live, and belong. It revealed the divide between design and daily life, where accessibility is often overlooked. Through interactions with citizens, children, architects, and policymakers, the initiative sought to bridge this gap and inspire collective responsibility toward inclusive environments. This note captures that journey — its experiences, insights, and commitments — and reaffirms Ethos Foundation’s pledge to make accessibility the default language of design through open-source tools, sensitisation programs, and collaborative action for a truly inclusive future.

Day 2 : 05th October 2025

On Day 2, the walk continued through Barcem, where meaningful pauses were made at the Government Library and the Primary Health Centre. These visits offered more than just rest stops—they became opportunities to interact with the local community, understand their everyday experiences, and discuss the importance of accessibility in public spaces. Conversations with staff, residents, and children helped highlight how inclusive design can positively impact learning, healthcare, and community life. The engagements also allowed the team to share the broader purpose of the APNA Purple Walk and reinforce the message that inclusion must begin within neighbourhoods and public institutions.

Day 4 : 07th October 2025

Day 4 featured a scenic stretch of the walk and a meaningful visit to the Senior Citizens Park in Miramar, where the group connected with community members and experienced genuine warmth and mutual respect. Along the route, a stop at a local bus stand highlighted everyday mobility challenges and the impact of non-accessible design approaches on people’s lives. The day also included an engaging meet-up with Team APNA, where both groups exchanged thoughts, shared observations from the journey, and discussed ways to strengthen accessibility initiatives. These interactions added reflection, learning, and collaboration to an already memorable day.

Day 5 : 08th October 2025

Finally, on Day 5, the journey reached its destination at Campal Garden, culminating in a vibrant closing ceremony at the International Purple Fest, Goa 2025. The final stretch was filled with moments that reinforced the purpose of the walk—from spotting an accessible washroom along the route, symbolising progress in public infrastructure, to the emotional satisfaction of arriving at the endpoint of the Purple Walk. The concluding ceremony brought together participants, supporters, and the wider community in a collective celebration. This five-day journey became far more than a physical endeavour; it was an experience of walking, learning, and honouring unity, awareness, and accessibility for all.

Closing of Walk for Arcause 6.0

The closing picture captures the essence of the APNA Purple Walk — a moment filled with gratitude, reflection, and quiet triumph. It marks the end of a five-day, 100-kilometer journey that brought conversations on accessibility into everyday spaces and among everyday people. This final frame holds the spirit of everyone who walked, supported, listened, and shared. It represents the strength of collective belief: that inclusion is possible, necessary, and urgent. As the journey ends at the International Purple Fest, the image stands as a reminder that every step taken now becomes a step forward for a more accessible and empathetic future.