Pune, July 12

A two-day national seminar was jointly organised by the School of Education, Department of Education, and Department of Gender Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, along with the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, on July 11 and 12, 2026.

The seminar featured in-depth discussions on transgender identity, educational inclusivity, socio-cultural aspects, legal rights, government welfare schemes, and the policy measures needed to build an inclusive and equitable society. These discussions highlighted the need for public awareness, dignity, equal opportunity, and institutional support for transgender individuals.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. Maharashtra's Minister of State for Social Justice, Madhuri Misal, was present as guest of honour, while Simran Arora, Advocacy and Training Officer with Project Saksham at Alliance India, delivered the keynote address. The dignitaries emphasised the importance of inclusive education, social acceptance, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes for the transgender community.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar welcomed the guests on behalf of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Dr. Aparna Lalingkar, an expert member of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) and a senate member of the university, presented an overview of the seminar. Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Shinde, Head of the Department of Education and Extension and seminar coordinator, introduced the dignitaries, while Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Adhav, Director of the School of Education at the university, proposed the vote of thanks.

Also present on the occasion were Management Council member Ravindra Singanapurkar, Bageshri Manthalkar, Senate members Prasenjit Fadnavis, Krishna Bhandalkar, Shantanu Lamdade, Adv. Baste, Prof. Dr. Vijay Khare, Deputy Mayor of Pune Municipal Corporation Parshuram Wadekar, Sanjay Sonawane, Shailendra Chavan, and other dignitaries.

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