As an initiative towards creating awareness of transgender rights, National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India in collaboration with Uttaranchal Institute of Management (UIM), Uttaranchal University organised the Guest Lecture on ‘An Initiative to Create Awareness of Transgender Rights’ on March 10, 2023.
The guest lecture was held at 3 p.m. at UIM Seminar Hall, Uttaranchal University. Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice Chancellor, Uttaranchal University, was the Chief Guest for the event and Dr H.S. Grewal, Dean, UIM, Dr Poonam Rawat, HoD, LCD and Dr Lakshmi Priya Vinjamuri, LCD were among the distinguished guests.
Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna quoted that being member of the global society, peaceful life of human beings is unimaginable without specific rights known as human rights. He emphasized upon the vital role played by the third gender which has been visible and prevalent from ancient times. He also highlighted that in Uttarakhand alone, there are around 3000 transgenders while only 3 have declared themselves. With this as a concern, the Government of India under the aegis of National Institute of Social Defence and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with Uttaranchal University has taken initiative to include them in the society respectfully. He also iterated the need for sensitizing students so that they understand the pulse of society.
Keynote speaker, Dr Poonam Rawat empathised with the LGBTQ who have been ostracised by the society and that they should be able to enjoy basic rights such as right to education, etc. She impressed upon the modern civilized society to not be prejudiced against the transgender community.
Numerous students and staff members including faculty fraternity joined the guest lecture in the hybrid mode. The entire session was detailed and anchored by Dr Tillotama Singh, HoD, UIM.
