#JAMMU: Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College  for Women hosted a programme and interactive activity titled “Transgender: Representations and Realities.” The event was organised by the Electoral Literacy Club, Rainbow Club, and Department of Social Work in collaboration with IQAC to raise awareness about the issues faced by transgender individuals and to promote understanding and acceptance of the transgender community.

The event began with lamp lighting. A formal welcome address was given by Dr Pooja Charak, HOD Political Science and Convenor of Electoral Literacy Club. Prof Minu Mahajan, Principal of the College spoke about the challenges the transgenders face in accessing healthcare, education, and employment. She also highlighted the importance of representation in the media and the need to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about transgender individuals.

Resource Persons of session were Jaspreet Singh, Research Scholar, Central University of Jammu and Ms Jyoti Sharma, Advocate Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Jammu.The event also featured an interactive session, where resource persons had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about transgender issues with staff members and students.

Prof Yash Paul,Convenor IQAC, Dr Rupinder kour HOD, Department of Education, Dr Bhagwati and Dr Poonam were also present during the event. Prof Paramjeet Singh, Dr Harmeet Singh, Dr Varun Sharma, Dr Sunita, Dr Vandana Sharma, Dr Ujjwal Sharma, Dr Syed Shehna, Dr Suraj Mohani Jamwal and Dr Ashok Kumar organised the event.

Prof Eisha Gohil, HOD of Department of Psychology and Convenor of Rainbow Club, presented a formal vote of thanks.

Meliha Mushtaq and Shaheen Kotwal of Semester Vth and IVth respectively moderated the event.

#POONCH: The vaccination of Haj Pilgrims has started in Poonch district under the supervision of District Development Commissioner Poonch, Yasin Mohammad Chowdary.

265 Haj pilgrims have been vaccinated so far, including 167 males and 98 females. The vaccination drive includes OPV, Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, Meningococcal Vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine. All Haj Pilgrims underwent a health check-up and their Covid-19 vaccination certificates for all doses, including the precautionary dose, were checked as per SOP.

The vaccination process is being supervised at the district level by Chief Medical Officer, Anis Altaf Nabi; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Parvaiz Ahmed Khan and District Immunisation Officer, Zoohra. At the block level, the vaccination process is being supervised by Block Medical Officers.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Poonch, Parvaiz Ahmed Khan informed that the vaccination drive includes 128 Haj Pilgrims in Block Mendhar, 52 in Block Surankote, 22 in Mandi and 63 in Urban Haveli Poonch. Out of the total number of Haj Pilgrims, 39 are above the age of 65 years.

The district administration urges all eligible people to get vaccinated and follow Covid-19 protocols to stay safe from the pandemic.