MAHENDERGARH, 31.01.25-The two-day Capacity Building and Sensitization Program, jointly organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Central University of Haryana (CUH), Mahendragarh, and the NSID Department of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, concluded on Friday. On the second day, a special training session was conducted for journalists.

Presiding over the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar emphasized that securing the rights, dignity, and social recognition of India’s five lakh transgender individuals is the responsibility of every citizen. He stressed that when society becomes more sensitive, this marginalized community will also be empowered and contribute to nation-building. He further added that media must approach transgender issues with sensitivity to raise awareness effectively.
The event was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the constitutional right to equality and the need to raise awareness for marginalized communities. He emphasized the crucial role of media professionals in this mission.
Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar stated that India is progressing positively towards gender inclusivity, following the philosophy of Antyodaya, as advocated by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, ensuring the welfare of the most deprived sections. He acknowledged the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, as a key step toward safeguarding transgender rights. He emphasized the media’s pivotal role in the successful implementation of these efforts.
The event featured Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan, Former Vice Chairman, Haryana Granth Academy, transgender activists Deepika and Amrita, who discussed India’s cultural acceptance of transgender individuals. Dr. Chauhan highlighted examples from Indian epics like the Mahabharata, explaining how discrimination against transgender people began during British rule. Deepika elaborated on the National Transgender Portal, emphasizing its importance in documenting transgender communities nationwide. Activist Amrita provided insights into the Transgender Protection Act, 2019.
The workshop also included technical sessions by Dr. T. Longkoi, Dr. Pradeep Singh, and Dr. Kashmira Khanam. The event concluded with felicitations for journalists by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar and Dean of Research Prof. Pawan Kumar Sharma. Dr. Surendra Kumar delivered the vote of thanks, and Dr. Neeraj Karn Singh moderated the session. Several media professionals and faculty members, including Prof. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Mona Sharma, Dr. Sriram Pandey, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Kamaraj Sindhu, Dr. Jaswant Kumar, Dr. Alekh S. Nayak, Dr. Pankaj, and Dr. Bharti Batra, attended the event in large numbers.