Chennai: In being given the responsibility to take charge of conducting Aadi temple festival in a temple in Kodambakkam, by the Hindu religious endowment charitable trust department, a transgender in the city has broken a barrier.
The 59-year-old ‘Adhi thulir kavanathu amman’ temple on Kodambakkam high road, which attracts thousands of devotees across the city and from neighbouring districts, was so far managed by political leaders in the neighbourhood. This year, residents of Kodambakkam chose transgender Ragini (24) to take charge of the temple and conduct the three-day festival.
Ragini has already raised Rs 2 lakh as donations from the public. “Our target is to raise RS 5 lakh for the three day festival next week,” she said with an air of confidence. She said that she felt honoured when the locals chose her to head the festival committee.
“For many years society looked down upon transgenders. I am glad I have an opportunity now to be in the forefront to conduct the temple festival. I interacted with the committee members and planned the festival in such a way that our residential area is kept clean even after the festival,” she said.
She said that her family has been supportive of her to take up the task.
Kodambakkam resident P. Ramachandran said, “Ragini is a known face here. We have a lot of regard for her. We believe that Ragini, who is between jobs, has good managerial skills and will conduct the festival with gusto. The fact that she is worried about the environment makes her stand out.”
Transgender rights activist Swetha said Ragini would inspire other transgenders to lead a dignified life and earn respect from society.
