THE first transgender person, Manabi Bandyopadhyay, will join Krishnagar Women’s College as principal in India on June 9. She experienced several ups and downs in life but faced all her problems resolutely. This is why she is being acknowledged and commended despite the discrimination she faced.

The vice-chancellor of the Kalyani University to which Krishnagar Women’s College is affiliated, said, “Manabi is a fine human being, a good academician and an able administrator.

We are hopeful her appointment will empower other members of the transgender community.”

Her appointment as college principal is an excellent initiative to empower the transgender community and a step against gender discrimination.

It will not only bring better the status of transgender people in India but also give new hope to all transgender people around the world suffering because of gender discrimination.

The total population of transgender people in the world is in millions but they are deprived of basic rights and in the Third World are ignored despite their great talents.

In Pakistan, people mock and deride them, and treat them like animals. There are barely a few who support them for their rights. In fact, they are thought to be a social taboo compelled to live miserably on the fringes of society.

The authorities should empower the transgender community and give them equal opportunities.

Mohammad Hassam Siddiqi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2015

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