Pune: SPPU Concludes National Seminar on Transgender Identity, Calls for Inclusive Education and Equal Rights
Pune, 13th July 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) concluded a two-day national seminar on “Transgender Identity and Issues: Public Awareness” on Saturday, bringing together policymakers, academicians, researchers and social sector representatives to deliberate on issues concerning the transgender community and the need for a more inclusive society.
The seminar, held on July 11 and 12, was jointly organised by the School of Education, the Department of Education and Extension, and the Department of Gender Studies at SPPU in collaboration with the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of the Government of Maharashtra.
The discussions focused on transgender identity, inclusive education, socio-cultural challenges, legal rights, government welfare schemes and policy interventions aimed at ensuring dignity, equal opportunities and institutional support for transgender persons. Speakers highlighted the importance of public awareness and effective implementation of welfare measures to build an equitable and inclusive society.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale attended the valedictory function as the chief guest.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Social Justice Madhuri Misal was the guest of honour, while Simran Arora, Advocacy and Training Officer with Project Sahas by Alliance India, delivered the keynote address. The dignitaries stressed the need to strengthen inclusive education, enhance social acceptance and ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes for the transgender community.
SPPU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar welcomed the guests. Dr. Aparna Lalingkar, expert member of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) and Senate member of the university, presented an overview of the seminar and its objectives.
The seminar was coordinated by the Head of the Department of Education and Extension. Dr. Geeta Shinde introduced the dignitaries, while Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Adhav, Director of the School of Education at SPPU, proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Management Council members Ravindra Singanapurkar and Bageshree Manthalkar; Senate members Prasenjit Fadnavis, Krishna Bhandalkar, Shantanu Lamdade, Adv. Baste, and Prof. Dr. Vijay Khare; Pune Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar; Sanjay Sonawane, Shailendra Chavan, and several academicians, researchers and social activists.
