Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, along with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Goa), initiated swift action after media reports highlighted the condition of a young person in Canacona requiring urgent intervention.
Within 24 hours, the mobile outreach unit Divyang Rath—launched during the International Purple Fest Goa 2025—was deployed to the individual’s residence on 12 November 2025. A home-based assessment and clinical evaluation revealed a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Therapeutic intervention began immediately at the residence. A customised physiotherapy regimen focusing on strengthening the upper and lower body, improving flexibility, reducing spasticity, and enhancing mobility has been put into place.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, stated:
“Our mandate is prompt, person-centred action. The Divyang Rath was designed to bring assessment and basic rehabilitation to the doorstep of those who need it most. And that is exactly what happened in Canacona. We will continue to ensure the youth receives ongoing therapeutic care, access to entitlements, and the support their family needs to help them thrive.”
The Office and Department are also coordinating with local healthcare and rehabilitation teams to ensure follow-up visits, assistive-device evaluation, and linkage to government disability schemes.
The Divyang Rath continues to visit old-age homes run by Provedoria, offering physiotherapy and other essential interventions.
Individuals requiring home-based therapy may contact the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) at +91 82089 35103.
