Mere Legal Rights won’t help, Social Acceptance to Kinnars holds the Key

The Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, under the aegis of the Department of Sociological Studies, emerged as the first central government institute in the state of Bhar to organise a unique and timely National workshop for creating awareness about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and its accompanying Rules, 2020. The event featured distinguished guests, including the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Kameshwar Nath Singh, Head of the Department of Sociological Studies, Prof M Vijay Kumar Sharma, and the Chief Guest of the event, Rudrani Maa, a transgender activist and who leads the NGO Sakal Seva Sansthan.  Prof KN Singh on his part emphasized upon the way our very own Bharatiya traditions have given reverence to the Kinnar community since times immemorial.

The Guest of Honour for the event, Dr Ravendra Singh Jadaun, a Senior Advocate at the Allahabad High Court and a Consultant for international and national agencies discussed key legal rulings, legislation, and challenges faced by the transgender community. Dr Rudrani, who holds the rare distinction of being a history graduate and a doctorate in Astrology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi also shared her personal experiences, the historical significance of the "Kinnar" community, and the long-standing marginalization and exclusion of transgender individuals despite their contributions to Indian society.  Dr. Rudrani Maa also engaged in an interactive discussion with students and faculty, addressing their questions and concerns in a meaningful dialogue. 

The workshop served as an important platform to foster understanding and awareness about the rights and challenges of transgender persons in India. The workshop was instrumental in disseminating critical information about the legal rights, protections, and provisions available to transgender individuals among participants that including over 150 students and 30 teachers, university officials and 20 participants from other universities. The event was coordinated by Dr Haresh Narayan Pandey and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr Priya Ranjan, who are faculty members at the Department of Sociology.