Ranjita Sinha Asks CM Mamata Banerjee to Support Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja
Ranjita Sinha, a transgender activist, has requested West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to support the annual Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja organized by their NGO, Association of Transgender (ATHB). This celebration is a cornerstone event for the transgender community, serving as a platform for advocacy and visibility.
Speaking about the event, Sinha said, “For the past eight years, our flagship initiative has been the Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja, a landmark event in the transgender community. This celebration has become a heritage for us, offering a rare and invaluable opportunity for collective celebration and public outreach.”
Sinha expressed gratitude for the support received in 2021 but mentioned that applications in 2022 and 2023 were unsuccessful. She highlighted the challenges faced by the transgender community in securing funds and emphasized the importance of government support.
“As citizens of India, we turn to you, our esteemed Chief Minister, for assistance. Government support for marginalized communities like ours sends a powerful message of inclusion and recognition,” Sinha urged.
The activist also noted that the puja is celebrated to create awareness and bring marginalized communities to prominence. “In 2014, the Supreme Court made a landmark judgement on transgender rights, after which we received the respect we deserved,” she said.
Sinha added that the puja is not just a regular celebration but a social awareness event. “Thousands of people come here and celebrate this puja as a family. This is an effort to bring the communities of the marginalized class in front of society and give them recognition,” she said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced Rs 85,000 for this year’s puja, with plans to increase the allowance to Rs 1 lakh next year.
Doubts Revealed
Ranjita Sinha -: Ranjita Sinha is a person who works to help and support transgender people. She is called an activist because she fights for their rights and needs.
CM Mamata Banerjee -: CM stands for Chief Minister. Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which means she is the head of the government in that state.
Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja -: Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja is a special celebration of the goddess Durga, where she is shown as both male and female. This is important for the transgender community because it represents both genders together.
Transgender -: Transgender people are those whose gender identity is different from the one they were given when they were born. They might feel like a boy even if they were born a girl, or feel like a girl even if they were born a boy.
Association of Transgender (ATHB) -: The Association of Transgender (ATHB) is a group that works to support and help transgender people. They organize events and activities to bring attention to the needs and rights of transgender people.
Advocacy -: Advocacy means supporting a cause or proposal. In this case, it means working to get more rights and acceptance for transgender people.
Visibility -: Visibility means being seen and recognized. For the transgender community, it means making sure people know about them and understand their needs and rights.
Government support -: Government support means help from the government, like money or other resources. This support can help make events like the Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja possible.
Rs 85,000 -: Rs 85,000 is a sum of money. ‘Rs’ stands for Rupees, which is the currency used in India. This amount is being given by the Chief Minister to help with the Durga Puja celebration.
