Punjab’s first transgender activist, jurist Mohini Mahant honoured on Republic Day in Amritsar

Mohini Mahant, Punjab’s first transgender activist and jurist at National Lok Adalat, was honoured for her contributions to the upliftment and empowerment of transgenders at a Republic Day event in Amritsar.

Mahant, a PhD doctorate and double master’s degree holder, has been working tirelessly in the fields of health and educational reforms, particularly for her community. She runs a non-profit organisation, Mansa Federation Welfare Society, which provides educational, social, and economic support to transgenders.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney presented Mahant with an award of excellence, highlighting her efforts to provide healthcare services to the community. Mahant’s non-profit has set up a 25-bed shelter home and support clinic for transgenders.

“It’s been a decade since we have been working to create awareness campaigns and self-help groups to support transgenders, who are denied basic rights of access to education, healthcare and protection against social stigma. We provide vocational training as well as awareness regarding HIV through members of our non-profit organisation. There is a long way to go before we attain inclusivity in the mainstream society.”

Currently, Mahant and her team are working to ensure that registered members of the community have access to essential documents like Aadhar cards, voter cards, and PAN cards, which will enable them to avail welfare benefits under central schemes.