New Delhi: ‘Ek Shaam Kinnaron Ke Naam’ was organised at the Shri Ram Centre auditorium in Mandi House, one of Delhi’s prominent cultural hubs. The programme aimed to bring forth the identity, life experiences, struggles and emotions of the transgender community through literature, art and theatre. The event featured a literary discussion, an art exhibition and a theatrical performance. It was organised by Rama Theatre Natya Vidya Sanstha (RATNAV).
As part of the programme, a literary discussion titled ‘Kinnar in the Eyes of Literature’ (Sahitya Ki Nazar Mein Kinnar) was organised, featuring Dr. Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai, Mr. Kanta Rai, Dr. Om Nishchal, Savita Nagar, Ms. Deepika and Dr. Mamta Kiran. The speakers shared their perspectives on the portrayal of the transgender community in literature, its social identity, struggles, challenges and emotional experiences.
The speakers emphasised the need to give greater prominence to transgender discourse in literature so that the lives, experiences and struggles of the community receive wider social acceptance. Referring to episodes and examples from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, they highlighted the presence and role of the transgender community in Indian traditions and society, as well as the changing perspectives towards it. They stressed that the community deserves to be treated with equality, respect and dignity rather than mere sympathy. The discussion made a meaningful attempt to understand the voice and identity of the community through literature.
An art exhibition titled ‘ASHTITVA’ was also organised on the occasion. Featuring contemporary artworks by artist Kashish, the exhibition sensitively explored various aspects of transgender identity, emotions, self-respect, acceptance and self-expression.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the staging of ‘Lallan Miss’, written, produced and directed by Rama Pandey. The play brought alive the lives of the transgender community, their personal experiences, social challenges, struggles and emotional journeys through a compelling theatrical presentation. It offered the audience an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of their lives and develop a more sensitive and inclusive perspective towards the community.
This year, Shri Purushottam Agrawal was honoured for his remarkable contribution to literature, while Padma Bhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra received the honour for his distinguished contribution to music. Both were conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by RATNAV in memory of Late Piyush Pandey.
Students from prominent colleges across Delhi also participated in the programme, presenting their thoughts and perspectives on the transgender community through stories and poems. Their presentations highlighted the younger generation’s role in changing societal perceptions, challenging existing prejudices and fostering a sense of equality and respect towards the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Rama Pandey said, “The transgender community is as important a part of our society as any other section. Their lives are filled with stories, dreams, struggles and emotions that need to be understood and brought to the forefront. Through ‘Ek Shaam Kinnaron Ke Naam’, our endeavour is to create a strong platform through literature, art and theatre, where members of the community can express themselves and assert their identity. We want society not just to see their lives and experiences but also to understand them and connect with the human emotions behind them. I firmly believe that art and theatre have the power to bring about positive social change and broaden people’s thinking and perspectives.”
Rama Theatre Natya Vidya Sanstha (RATNAV) is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of India’s traditional oral arts and spoken traditions. The organisation’s objective is not limited to preserving these art forms; it also aims to create livelihood opportunities for associated artists and provide their art with wider recognition through theatrical productions. RATNAV continues to encourage traditional artists and their art forms while working towards passing on India’s rich cultural heritage to the next generation.
Rama Pandey, a well-known name in the media industry and founder of RATNAV, is the visionary behind this initiative. She is also the storyteller, writer, producer and director of the play ‘Lallan Miss’.
