The Student Council of Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, Ludhiana organised an Interactive session with first transgender student of Panjab University, Chandigarh. The objective of the session was to spread awareness on the sensitive issues of Gender stereotypes, Gender Discrimination through the life and journey of Mx Dhananjay Chauhan, who fought for the rights of transgender community.
Mx Dhananjays’ acquiring Master degrees in social work and Human Rights and duties speaks volumes about her courage and awareness to raise a voice in the most appropriate manner. She fought legal battles and turned the tide in the favour of transgender community which led to many new amendments and provisions catering to the needs of the community. She has been an active member of various organisations such as Transgender Welfare Board Chandigarh, International Inter Pride – International Association of LGBTI Pride Organizers, South Asia Human Rights Association (Norway) etc. She serves as International Equality Officer of National Indian Students Alumini Union ( NISAU – United Kingdom), Master trainer of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy Phillor, Ludhiana and Master trainer of NACO and Drugs abuse (Ministry of Social Justice and employment Government of India). Mx Chauhan’s good work garnered a lot of appreciation from all corners of the country. She has been awarded with more than 150 awards and honours by different organizations and NGO’s across the nation. She has to her kitty the best social worker award by Hope foundation. She has been honoured by Governor of Punjab for good service for society, Chandigarh state award by Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, awarded by Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on 15th August 2023 for welfare of Transgender in the society. Her work has also been acknowledged by many educational organisations across the country.
While addressing the students Mx Chauhan deliberated upon the concepts of gender and identity, gender roles and gender expression. She says that, “ I am right gender in the wrong world” and highlighted the role of patriarchy that led to the hardships and turmoil for the other genders. She further emphasized that gender is a social construct and brings identity crisis for the transgender community. She narrated journey of her life and the struggles she faced as a transgender. She also appreciated the social involvement and inclusive attitude of the society in the present scenario.
The college Principal Dr. Iqbal Kaur extended gratitude and appreciation to the speaker of the day for her excellent work and contribution towards her community. She further congratulated the coordinators Dr. Khushdeep Kaur and Mrs. Poonam Pathak for organizing a talk on such an issue on the platform to sensitize students about the concerns of transgender community.