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Transgenders are emerging from the shadows of the margins. They are proactive and are working for the wellbeing of the society, reports Shormita. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Kaushalya Nand Giri, popularly known as Tina Maa is one of the leading transwomen, who is doing well for the betterment of her community as well as the society. Recently, she became Mahamandeleswar of Kinner Akhada, in Prayagraj, in 2020. Laxminarayan Tripathi, Aacharya Mahamandeleswar of Kinner Akhada has appointed her as Mahamandeleswar. According to the Times of India, Laxmi said, “The akhara now has presence in 22 states, up from 15. Our members have also increased to 35,000 from 18,000 earlier.”
Kaushalya Nand Giri aka Tina Maa has fought for the rights of transgender and recognition.
Kaushalya Nand Giri aka Tina Maa has fought for the rights of transgender and recognition. She has raised voice to include Kinner Akhada as a 14thaddition in the Akhada Parishad. She has appealed for establishing Transgender Welfare Board in the state, so that the transgenders could have the access to welfare programmes, pension schemes, health beneficiaries, etc., under the government-oriented schemes. She has rightly pointed out the needs and problems of the transgender community, which they are facing. The society has always kept them on the margins, and hence, they could not get proper recognition of their gender identity.
Recently, Tina Maa organised Lokoutsav Holi Mela Talent Hunt Show in Prayagraj. This event was organised from March 21 to March 25, this year, in the city. The aim of the show is to discover new talents and to provide them encouragement to enhance their creative skills. This show was open for all people, regardless of their gender identity. People from various fields participated in this talent hunt show. Tina Maa encouraged the participants with her presence and awarded them with tokens of appreciation for their distinctive art forms. It was an attempt to provide the youngsters and skilled workers showcase their artistic skills.
Pushpa Maai, is an activist and Mahamandeleswar of Kinnar Akhada in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She works for the betterment of her community.
Pushpa Maai, is an activist and Mahamandeleswar of Kinnar Akhada in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She works for the betterment of her community. She runs her organisation which is known as Nai Bhor (New Dawn). She has also campaigned for spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS under the project Pehchan. Also, she works with RSACS (Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society). Pushpa Maai raised voice against molestation and rape of transgenders, which are unreported as the victims are ridiculed by the police officials and the society. Such kind of scenario is horrible. She aptly explained the ill behaviour of the society towards the transgender community.
Gauri Sawant, a transgender right activist, lives in Mumbai. She has challenged a social taboo in the society by adopting a girl child. She has changed a life of a girl by providing her with education, food, and other necessities of life. She has not bothered about the society, rather raised the girl with love and care as she has a motherly instinct for her like any other mother. Moreover, she spreads awareness among the transgenders for safe sex. Also, she demands for separate restrooms for transgenders, as the transgenders are not allowed to use male/female washrooms. She has established a care shelter home for the trans children, who are forcibly dragged into prostitution, it is known as ‘Nani ka Ghar’ (Grandmother’s Home).
…the transgenders are an integral part of the social system, as they also doing good for the wellbeing of the society.
Thus, the transgenders are an integral part of the social system, as they also doing good for the wellbeing of the society. They need equal esteem and respect from the people and hence, inclusion of transgender is much needed in this era.
Works Cited
· Admin. ‘JWB’S First Transgender Story: Pushpa’s Soul in Pradeep’s Body.’ Indian Women Blog: June 26, 2-15.
· Amar Ujala Network. ‘Prayagraj News.’ Amar Ujala: September 4, 2020 03:45 PM IST.
· HT Correspondent. Saints pitch in for inclusion off ‘Kinnars’ as 14th addition to Akhada Parishad. Hindustan Times: January 9, 2021 10:40 PM IST.
· Lal, Parineeti. ‘Gauri Sawant- Transgender with a Heart of Gold.’ Swadesh: December 24, 2019.
· TNN. ‘Prayagraj: Kinnar Akhara members eye more followers.’ Times of India: May 9, 2020, 12:06 IST.
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