PU Holds One-Day International Seminar on Gender Diversity and Transpersons’ Rights in Asia

Chandigarh, September 12, 2025: University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University in collaboration with the Centre for Trans Studies (Rainbow), today organised a One-Day International Seminar on “Socio-Legal Perspectives on Gender Diversity and Transpersons’ Rights in Asia” at the University.

Anuradha S. Chagti, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Students Welfare (Women), Dr. Palika Arora, PCS, Dr. Ravi Inder Singh graced the event with their presence.

In her welcome address, Director, UILS Prof. Shruti Bedi, emphasised the crucial role of inclusivity that needs to be inculcated in society. Highlighting the recent judgment, she emphasised the importance of empathy for a society grounded in inclusivity and harmony.

The scholarly discourse was delivered by Dr. Amira Paripurna, from UNAIR, who joined the event in online mode and discussed Transgender Rights and Social Inclusion, the comparative perspective in Indonesia and Thailand. She highlighted the struggles of Trans people in their daily lives, focusing on the biases and emphasising the importance of recognition, especially for an inclusive society.

The Guest Speaker, Sr. Siji Issac, Principal, St. Anne’s Convent School, Sector 32, Chandigarh, spoke on the pivotal role of compassion in transforming society and fostering social consciousness.

In an inspiring keynote address, Mx. Dhananjay Chauhan, President of Saksham and Member, Chandigarh Transgender Welfare Board, highlighted the importance of knowledge in empowering society, especially the Trans community. The speaker highlighted marginalisation, exploitation, and discrimination, and also focused on solutions to empower society, especially trans people.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Anuradha S. Chagti, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, who highlighted the child rights as well as the importance of gender diversity and gender fluidity. In her immersive address, she emphasised that the time to act is now.

The event commenced with the felicitation of guests, followed by an introduction to the Centre for Trans Studies (Rainbow) by Dr. Supreet Kaur, who elaborated on its vision, mission, and ongoing initiatives. Prof. Navneet Arora introduced the seminar's theme, emphasising the need to sensitise society to gender identity and the importance of creating a space for deliberation on social inclusion and transgender rights.

Scholars from various universities and institutions participated both in online and offline modes, presenting research papers and engaging in deliberations on legal, social, and cultural dimensions of gender diversity across Asia. A total of 12 technical sessions were held, each chaired by distinguished Professors from renowned institutions, fostering a dynamic and inclusive exchange of ideas.

The seminar was coordinated by Prof. Gulshan Kumar, Prof. Navneet Arora, and Dr. Supreet Kaur.

The seminar concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Gulshan Kumar, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, participants, and the organising team for their contributions in making the seminar a resounding success.