An all encompassing Christmas celebration

The government is committed to work for the welfare of transgenders and efforts will be made to ensure that they get all facilities from the government, MLA J R Lobo said.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Christmas celebrations, organised by Parivarthan Charitable Trust (PCT), in association with the School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, he lauded the efforts of the Trust in organising such a unique programme for transgenders.

"It is a good initiative started by Violet Pereira in forming this Trust which caters to the needs of the transgenders and also helps bring them on to the mainstream in society," Lobo said and appealed to people not to discriminate against transgenders because they too are human beings just like any other person. He also assured help so that the Trust can grow and reach greater heights and also benefits the transgender community.

MLA Moideen Bava in his message said that the government has already started Maithri scheme for transgenders. He too offered his help for the welfare of transgenders.

District-in-Charge Minister B Ramanath Rai said that the previous deputy commissioner had prepared a list for sites to transgenders but the same could not be implemented due to some reasons. However, efforts will be made to solve the issue, he assured.

Presiding over the programme, Roshni Nilaya, former principal Dr Jacintha D'souza said that Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with those around us but that sharing is not limited to those whom we love and care for. "It is also for the person whom we have never met and will never see," she said.

Trust Founder Violet Pereira said that the aim of the first ever Christmas celebration with transgenders was to show that transgenders too are not neglected and to also show that they have someone who really cares for them.

Transgenders Sanjana, Srinidhi and Chandrakala were felicitated on the occasion.