JK News Today
Jammu, 26th September 2024: The Department of Law, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, successfully organized a one-day workshop titled “Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: Genesis and Future Prospects” at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium. The workshop aimed to delve into the legislative framework for the protection of transgender rights and explore the future prospects of this landmark law.
The event began with a warm welcome address by Prof. Manju Jamwal, Programme Convenor, who highlighted the significance of creating awareness around transgender rights. Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean of Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and stressed the importance of inclusivity and equal rights in her address. Mr. Dinesh Singh Chauhan, and Mx. Sonia Mata graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The keynote address was delivered by Mx. Dhananjay Chauhan, President of the Saksham Prakriti Welfare Society, Chandigarh, and a prominent transgender rights activist. Mx. Chauhan shared their journey, underlining the progress and challenges the transgender community continues to face despite the enactment of the 2019 Act.
Kunwarani Ritu Singh made a special guest appearance and addressing the gathering she announced the opening of free legal aid cells for all who are deprived of justice due to high litigation costs under the title ‘Dastoor’.
Mx. Sonia Mata, a social worker from Jammu also shared her views on the social dynamics affecting transgender persons.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Satinder Kumar, acknowledging the contributions of the organizers, speakers, and attendees.
The post-lunch session featured engaging discussions led by eminent speakers including:
● Mr. Dinesh Singh Chauhan, Advocate, Supreme Court and J&K and Ladakh High Court, guided us through the historical timeline of transgender rights in the country, illustrating the resilience of the transgender community.
● Mx. Karan, Post Graduate Student of Law, Panjab University, Chandigarh underscored the vital role of legal aid in addressing the challenges faced by transgender community.
● Ms. Chaya, Social Worker, Chandigarh expressed the struggles faced by the transgender community through the prism of her own personal experiences and how awareness, acceptance and empowerment can pave the way for better life for the community.
● Ms. Vishipreet, Post Graduate Scholar in Fashion and Lifestyle Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh took the floor to illuminate the nuances of the topic complementing our previous discussions.
● Dr. Kartika Bakshi, Researcher and Academician initiated the address by highlighting the disparities in literacy rate of transgender across the Indian state and under the light of various judgments she further presented the issues and the stance maintained by judiciary to protect the rights of the transgenders.
● Dr. Sandeep Dogra, Professor and HoD, Department of Microbiology, GMC Jammu presented a profound and enlightening discourse on the topic, highlighting the key aspects of gender identity and shedding light on both biological and social dimensions.
In their presentations, the speakers analyzed various aspects of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, addressing its implications, current challenges, and the path forward for better implementation of the Act.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, scholars, and faculty members. LL.B, LL.M, and PhD Research Scholars of the Department of Law, along with faculty members including Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Satinder Kumar, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Prof. Savita Nayyar, Dr. Aarti Sharma, Dr. Vijay Saigal, Dr. R.K. Sandhu, Dr. Navdeep Kour Sasan (Programme Coordinator), and Dr. Sonia Aneja were actively involved in making the event a resounding success. The student coordination efforts were led by Mr. Sunny Singh. Student rapporteurs were Ms. Saria Shabir, Ms. Sanyogita Saini, Ms. Vatsalya Chada, Ms. Syed Ezza Shah, and Ms. Vasundhra Thakyal.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Prof. Savita Nayyar, marking the end of a day filled with insightful discussions and reflections on the rights and inclusion of transgender persons in India.
