Transgender Day of Remembrance at Satara, Maharashtra
By Pritesh Kamble, Head Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Supported by Bajaj Finserv
Satara, November 20, 2025 — Every year, November 20 is observed globally as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a significant day dedicated to honour transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to violence, hate, crimes and discrimination. It is also a moment to reflect on the persistent challenges faced by the transgender community and to advocate for a safer, more inclusive society.
To mark this global observance, the Social Justice Department aimed to sensitise the public and highlight the need to eliminate violence and injustice against transgender individuals.
In this direction, in Satara district, a special awareness programme on “Violence Prevention Against Transgender Persons” was conducted under the chairmanship of Mr.Sunil Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare. The programme witnessed the active participation of 44 individuals, including government officials, community leaders, civil society representatives and members of the transgender community. Their presence demonstrated strong collective support for the cause and highlighted the state’s continued commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of transgender persons.
Tribute to Transgender Lives
The event commenced with a deeply emotional candle-lighting ceremony in memory of transgender individuals who lost their lives due to acts of violence.
Discussions on Rights, Sensitisation and Government Support
Key speakers Adv. Meenal Gole and Arya Pujari, representing the Centre for Youth Development and Activities, delivered informative and impactful sessions. They spoke broadly about:
- Importance of gender sensitization in schools, workplaces and communities
- Persistent discrimination and violence faced by transgender individuals
- Legal rights guaranteed under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act
- Government schemes offering welfare, support, and protection
- The importance of community-based networks in preventing violence
- Strategies to build safer, more inclusive environments
Their sessions emphasized that while legal frameworks exist, strong implementation requires widespread awareness, empathy and collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and the public.
Strong Institutional presence from the Social Welfare Department
The presence of senior officials from the Social Welfare Office in Satara highlighted the state’s commitment to transgender rights. Attendees included:
- Mr.Deepak Shinde, Assistant Accounts Officer
- Mr.Mukida Gore, Office Superintendent
- Ms.Manisha Sawant, Block Coordinator
- Ms.Suwarna Salve, Social Welfare Inspector
- Mr.Sardar Khot, Senior Social Welfare Inspector
Their involvement signified the department’s dedication to strengthening protective mechanisms and addressing the grievances of transgender persons through official channels.
Leadership and Representation from the Transgender Community
The programme also witnessed strong participation from the transgender community. Members of the Social Welfare Transgender Grievance Redressal Committee attended the event, including:
- Ms.Kirti Rajguru, President, Republican Party of India, Satara District
- Ms.Ayesha Chavan, Vice President
- Ms.Renuka Pawar, Community activist
These leaders shared insights on the challenges faced by transgender people in areas such as employment, social acceptance, housing, and personal safety. They urged stakeholders to ensure that awareness programmes should lead to practical action that improves everyday lives.
A collective commitment to build a violence free society
Throughout the event, speakers stressed that transgender persons continue to face the risk of violence, exclusion, mental health burdens and lack of access to basic rights. They emphasized that remembrance must inspire responsibility, requiring society to confront prejudices, strengthen support systems, and uphold equality
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to:
- Promote gender sensitivity and awareness
- Strengthen implementation of welfare schemes
- Improve access to justice and grievance redressal mechanisms
- Foster acceptance, safety, and dignity for transgender persons
The event served as a powerful reminder that true remembrance lies not only in mourning lives lost but in ensuring that no transgender person becomes a victim of violence in the future.
