WORKPLACE INCLUSIVITY & LABOUR RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDER PERSON

The Department of Labour Law conducted a National Seminar on the topic “Workplace Inclusivity and Labour Rights of Transgender Persons under the New Labour Codes” on 30 December 2025, which unfolded as an engaging and thought-provoking academic event, marked by open dialogue and active participation. Three resource persons addressed the gathering by weaving together legal frameworks, personal narratives, and the battles they faced to gain recognition in society. Ms. Agni Pradeep, transwoman, writer, poet, and queer educator, opened the discussion by reflecting on workplace dignity and inclusion through her lived experiences in education, literature, and theatre, drawing attention to how creativity and identity intersect with labour rights. Ms. M. Mahesha Riti, Advocate and Research Scholar, provided a legal and academic lens, explaining the relevance of the new labour codes to transgender employment, while highlighting systemic barriers and the need for institutional accountability. Mrs. R. Nageswari, transgender activist, grounded the session in advocacy practice by sharing her work in legal assistance, awareness programmes, and community mobilisation aimed at securing enforceable rights for transgender persons. The session was notably interactive, with students actively engaging the speakers through questions, reflections, and scenario-based discussions. The resource persons responded with candid insights, encouraging empathy, legal awareness, and social responsibility among future professionals. The seminar, presided over by Dr. S. K. Kamalakhannan and Dr. B. Lavaraju, and convened by Prof. Asha Sundaram, was meticulously organized by Mr. R. Arun Kumar, Research Scholar, Saveetha School of Law.