For transgenders, Yoga Day is about inclusion

Will go a long way in including the practice in their lives, says Trust

Over 100 transgenders participated in a Yoga Day event held specially for them in Vikhroli on Thursday.

The event, which included yoga lessons and lectures on the benefits of yoga, was organised by the Kinner Maa Ek Samajik Sanstha Trust, a non-government organisation that works for the welfare of transgenders.

Salma Khan, president of the Trust, said, “After the Supreme Court recognised us as the third gender in 2014, we see a change in society because people have become a little more accepting than before. There is a long way to go. Many members hold positions in government offices but private companies have not yet opened their doors to us.”

Priya Patil, Project Manager with the Trust, said the Trust has been working hard to convey to the people that transgenders, too, have a right to be included in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’ motto. “We want to tell society that ‘sab’ includes us too and that society will only prosper when everyone strives towards development together. As a result of continuous rejection from society, we have seen cases where transgenders face depression or get involved in illegal activities. This programme encourages them to adopt yoga in their daily lives and get rid of these emotional problems,” Ms. Patil said.

‘Having a clean mind’

She also made a reference to Mr. Modi’s Swach Bhaarat Abhyan, saying, “Cleanliness is not about cleaning your hands and feet. It is about cleaning the negative thoughts one has towards others and accepting everyone as a part of society.”

Yoga instructor Devang Shah demonstrated several asanas to the transgenders. “Yoga is not associated with a particular gender or religion. Transgenders face the same physical and emotional problems that anyone else does and yoga is the best way to relieve it,” he said.