As classes to the first year undergraduate courses in the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, opened on Monday, two youngsters who shared a particular struggle in their lives were among the hundreds who resumed their academic career.
Avanthika and Shana Navas, students of the first-year BA History and BA Economics respectively, have become the first transgender persons ever to join the 200-year-old CMS college here. The duo, on their arrival at the college in the morning, was accorded a warm reception by the students.
Validation
For 23-year-old Avanthika, from Pala who currently resides in Kochi, joining the college was a big validation of the person she was. According to her, their arrival on campus marks a quiet but momentous shift that is taking place in the State.
Having completed her Plus Two in 2014, she was forced to discontinue studies owing to the issues relating to her identity and acute financial crisis. “My life had hit a roadblock then. I had to leave my family and was living with my friends in Kochi till now,” Avanthika said.
Expressing her gratitude to the college authority for being trans-inclusive, Avanthika also did not hide her excitement about the friendly treatment she got on the first day of college. A member of the State Transgender Justice Board, Avanthika looks to try a hand at the Civil Service.
Shana, a native of Athirampuzha near here, had completed her Plus Two from a Vocational Higher Secondary School in Kaippuzha and resides currently in Thrikkakara, Kochi. A trained dancer, she also looks forward to showcase her talent in college- and university-level cultural events and competitions.
The duo got admission in the college based on the government decision to reserve two seats exclusively for trans persons in all courses run by universities and affiliated arts and science colleges. They are now planning to move to a shelter home for transgenders, to be opened near the Kottayam town in a month.
