Mahendergarh, 18.03.25-The Department of Psychology and Department of Sociology of the Central University of Haryana (CUH), Mahendergarh organized a sensitization workshop on transgender persons (Protection of Rights, 2019) on March 18th, 2025. The workshop received sponsorship from the National Institute of Social Defense, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India.
The program started with the lighting up of lamp by the faculty and esteemed guests of the program. Mr. Nityanand Yadav, District Youth Officer, Mahendragarh Haryana, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of India, Yashwinder Singh (Transgender Welfare Board, Chandigarh) and Manpreet (Program officer, Pahal foundation), Dr. Geeta Mishra, Nodal Officer, Delhi University Transgender Centre and Dr. Abhiranjan Kumar, member of Transgender Complaint Authority. 78 students, Scholars and Faculty participated in the Programme.
The program started off with welcome note by the Dean Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Payal Chandel who oriented the audience towards the subject of the workshop. Prof. (Dr.) Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of University congratulated both the Departments and appreciated the collective efforts. Prof. Kumar highlighted the need to talk about such an important yet under talked about topic, he assured the participants of providing a safe space for all genders in the University. He also talked about Wellness Clinic, run by the Department of Psychology and underscored their contribution for the cause. Dr. Abhiranjan Kumar, member of Transgender Complaint Authority, spoke about the underlying challenges faced by transgender children in coming out, which results in low applications from the transgender persons in educational institutions. Mr. Nityanand talked about Career opportunities for a gender-neutral world.
Yashwinder Singh and Manpreet, the two key-note speakers, mapped the rich history of transgenders in ancient India and discussed the evolution of transgender laws in our legal system which helped participants in grasping knowledge about transgender persons and their struggle and challenges. Dr. Geeta Mishra, talked about the historical background of transgender persons, highlighting the laws in the constitution of India which protect the rights of transgender persons. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Reema Gill, Co-convener of the program.