New Delhi: AKS, run by Dr Chandana Raul, an eminent Odissi dancer & social worker recently organized a one-of-its kind program to honour some of the noted transgenders and recognize their contributions not just to the community but to the society as a whole.
Named Suryaprabha International Award 2022, the program was held at Delhi’s Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House on December 29.
Many achievers of the transgender community were honoured at the show. Among the noted ones included Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Meera Parida & more.
Despite all the progress in technology & human psyche, transgenders remain an ignored lot and rather a community that lives in isolation & seclusion. The award show, organized by Dr Chandana Raul, was aimed at assimilating the transgender community into the mainstream and also to make them an inherent part of society.
Many musical performances were organized at the award show. AKS chairperson Dr Chandana Raul herself led the show with her special Odissi tribute to the transgender community.
Following this, Dr Raul & her associates also dazzled the audience with Vande Matram dance.
A couple of other musical programs were held which included Kathak dance by Kathak Dance by Guru Mani Kumar Thapa, semi-classical dance by Patitapaban Kala Niketan group, Bollywood Fusion Dance by Purna Man Shrestha.
A group dance was performed by Nrityanjali Sai Foundation while Bharat Natyam group dance was brought to the audience by Nischintam dance group.
Transgenders, who won awards
Towards the fag end of the show, AKS honored a couple of noted transgenders from the community. Among those who won the honours included:
1) Dr Laxmi Narayan Tripathi , Transgender, Rights Activist, Internationally renowned activist & Bharat Natyam dancer
2) Sylvie Rodgers, Distinguished hair designer
3) Mani Kumar Thapa, Eminent Kathak exponent & Choreographer
4) Ms Meera Parida, Entrepreneur & renowned social activist & politician from Odisha
All of these people were awarded with Suryaprabha international Award 2022 for their outstanding contribution to the transgender community.
Speaking on the occasion, AKS chairperson Dr. Chandana Raul highlighted the issues related to transgender community and said that it was need of the hour to address their issues and bring them to mainstream of life.