Lucknow: Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday emphasised the importance of providing transgender children with affection, education and equal opportunities, as this would help in developing an inclusive and empowered India.She was speaking during the conference on breaking barriers, women in leadership, and entrepreneurship organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce at a private hotel.“Entrepreneurs should employ transgenders and provide them with training. This will not only help them in the direction of self-reliance, but their families and society will also start accepting them,” she said. She said in Kashi and Basti, there are many educational institutions for the transgender community.“Women today are moving ahead by overcoming all barriers. They need to be made aware and provided the benefits of the govt’s welfare schemes. The day is not far when only women will be seen in the highest posts in the country,” said the governor.On the occasion, Patel honoured 14 women entrepreneurs. Appreciating their achievements, the governor said their work is an inspiration for other women. “Whenever such programmes are organised in future, those women from rural areas should also be honoured who are bringing change in society with their hard work, courage, and innovation despite limited resources,” she said.She urged the people present to take a pledge that they will provide training, security, and employment to women and will help in providing quality education opportunities to their children.State horticulture, agricultural marketing, agricultural foreign trade and agricultural exports minister Dinesh Pratap Singh was the chief guest while folk singer Malini Awasthi and social activist Namrata Pathak were the guests of honour.Malini Awasthi shared her mother’s profound joy when the inaugural International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1975, noting its significant meaning to their generation.
