Shri A. Narayanswamy Highlights Government Initiatives at Transgender Leadership Conclave hosted by PHDCCI

Shri A. Narayanswamy, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India Highlights Government Initiatives at Transgender Leadership Conclave hosted by PHDCCIPHDCCI successfully organized the 2nd Edition of Transgender Leadership Conclave (TLC) on 26th May 2023 at PHD House, New Delhi.

TLC is a unique platform that enriches the substance for community members to take the plunge for transgender rights through enlightening workshops. This was a great opportunity to discuss health, well-being, legal and listen to some of the eminent personalities from the transgender community.

It is an essential step towards appreciating the efforts of our transgender community who have shown courage and paved the way for the coming generations.

The Chief Guest Shri A. Narayanswamy Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India in his address mentioned the government initiatives towards the transgender community and how important it is to have a gender-neutral environment. He appreciated PHDCCI for taking up such an important issue.

Transgender rights can help foster a more inclusive and accepting culture, and they create a sense of belonging by embracing differences and motivating people to strive for greatness regardless of their gender. We need to have honest conversations about gender diversity and make sure that all transgender people are able to live their lives freely and without discrimination, added Hon’ble Minister.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Adrian Haack, Director, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, India Office in his address mentioned how important it is to have the third gender community come into the mainstream. He also mentioned that he is still learning about the inclusivity of the transgender community and felt honored to address the transgender audience.

Shri Rajkamal Sehgal, Sr Dy Mayor, Rohtak talked about the works he has done in the past for the transgender community and how blessed he felt to be part of the *2nd edition of Transgender Leadership Conclave 2023*

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar (Dr) Laxmi Narayan Tripathi mentioned the on-ground reality of the transgender community. She mentioned that basic things like a toilet for the transgender community are missing from all the major corporate and public places. She also discussed the pain points of the transgender community and threw light on the way forward.

The welcome address was given by Mr. Vijay Sheoran, Co-Chair International Affairs Committee Europe & CIS and CEO of Dalmia Healthcare. He mentioned the importance of the transgender community since time immemorial. He emphasized the talent and potential each transgender possesses which need to be nurtured and need to get into the mainstream.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Col. Saurabh Sanyal, CEO & Secretary General, Ph.D. Chamber Of Commerce and Industry.

The event had two elements, which were Transgender Leadership Talk and Transgender Talent Hunt.

TLT 1 (New Identity)- Moderator: Ms. Uzmi Aktar, Senior Correspondent, PTI, The trans-panelist was Simran Arora.
TLT 2 (Family preference/Household Reaction)- Moderator: Ms. Fareeha Iftikhar, Principal Correspondent, HT, The trans-panelist was Rudrani Chettri.
TLT 3 (Community Acceptance)- Moderator: Ms. Rica Roy, Sports Editor, NDTV, The trans-panelist was Nakshatra Rajput.
TLT 4 (Story of survival to existence)- Moderator: Prof. Namita Rajput Professor, Department of Commerce, Sri Aurobindo College University of Delhi, The trans-panellist was Satvik Sharma.

The Panel Discussion on Diversity and Inclusion in WorkPlace really set the tone of the entire event.

Other speakers at the conclave were:
Ms. Pavitra Singh, CHRO, PepsiCo India; Mr. Rinkesh Satija, Sr. Director, Supply Chain, Foods Operations, India Region, PepsiCo India; Mr. Shrey Deepum, Marketing Strategist, Google; Ms. Tanu Sinha, Director – Head of Design & Innovation, PepsiCo India BU; Ms. Sheeba Tyagi, Vice President- Transformation, Inclusion & Diversity, Smartworld Developers Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Rajneesh Tomar, Head Of Human Resources, Bikano; Ms. Surya Omar, Vice President, TAC

The conclave was moderated by Mr. Naveen Seth, Assistant Secretary General, and Mr. Mayank Chhatwal, Secretary.

The Transgender Talent Hunt winners were announced post the storytelling, poetry, and dance performance.

There was a jaw-dropping cultural community performance by Mahi Dance Troop

The event was sponsored by Pepsi Co India and sponsored by Lalit Hotels, Keshav Suri Foundation, Kineer, Gaurav Foundation, Lloyd Business School, and Rukmani Devi Institute of Management.

The total turnout from the transgender community and the general public was 228.

The event was also live on youtube and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waq1hzdAz24

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