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Manabi gets Swarna Kalom

| | Aug 02, 2015, at 04:25 am
Kolkata, Aug 1 (IBNS) Getting the coveted 'Swarna Samman' award as the first such acceptance for a member of transgender community, Manabi Bandyopadhyay said she is happy that the society is gradually coming to terms with her existence.

"Being appointed as the Principal of a Nadia college was the first defining moment in my life. It was followed by media reports all of which were so positive and helped my cause. The long struggle is finally yielding some results," she ttold IBNS after getting the coveted honour at the Science City here.

"For all these days it had been my endeavour to get a platform to be accepted in the society. Now it seems there is this change in mindset. I am being accepted the way I am and not a small thing," she said.

Manabi, who was recently appointed as Principal Krishnanagar Women's College,  said flanked by thespian Soumitra Chatterjee at the programme.

The Dada Saheb Phalke awardee Soumitra, while acknowledging Manabi's honour, said the perception of society changes and he is
happy with the honour as well.

Director-actor-musician-magazine editor Anindyo Chattopadhyay said the recent Supreme Court verdict can be a catalyst for such acceptance.

"The award has been instituted by Senco Gold & Diamonds highlighting the cause and given me a platform where I can prove my existence as substantial," said Manabi.

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