In a first, Delhi University’s Kalindi College sets up a transgender cell

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<strong>Delhi’s Kalindi College has taken a novel initiative as the institution has constituted a transgender cell. A first for a college of Delhi University, this cell will create awareness and educate students about the community and the issues related to them.</strong></p>
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Speaking to the media, the college Principal, Naina Hasija, said the idea for the cell was mooted by Prof. Anita Tagore, a faculty member. She said: "Initially, I was scared about society. But, we thought the society is slowly accepting them and we must educate our students about the community.”</p>
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Hasija went on to recall that it was a visit by a colleague from another institution that bolstered her decision. "Prof Namita Rajput, former Principal of Sri Aurobindo College (Evening) had come to our college for a talk. She told me that she had invited a transgender person for a talk and the teachers were against the event. But, the person's story left almost 80 per cent of the teachers teary-eyed. They later apologised to [Professor] Rajput and the speaker.”</p>
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So far more than 300 students and several teachers have become part of this cell.</p>
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Further, a five-day webinar will be conducted by the college during which members of the transgender community will share the stories about their struggles and lives.</p>
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Elaborating on the change in mindset required among the people, Hasija said: "Whenever we think of them, there are only two things that come to mind– that they come to dance at weddings and that they are involved in begging. There is a need to educate students. We have 4,000 women students and 200 staffers. These are substantial numbers and we are in a position to educate them.”</p>
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The college has tied-up with Nazariya, a not-for-profit queer feminist resource group and plans to hold counselling sessions for students.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/culture-news/transgenders-get-separate-toilets-in-delhi-metro-111250.html">Transgenders get separate toilets in Delhi Metro</a></strong></p>