Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to Host ‘TRANSCENDING CONVERSATIONS’ to Highlight Gender Equality

Renowned panelists including Akkai Padmashali, K Prithika Yashini, Adv. Padma Lekshmi and Dr. Sundeep Vijayaraghavan to address the issue during the event

Mumbai, 3^rd May 2023: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, ranked as the 5th Best University by NIRF 2022 Rankings, will be hosting an enlightening discussion event titled ‘TRANSCENDING CONVERSATIONS’ on 4^th May at the Amritapuri Campus and will be part of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s national-level multi-fest, VIDYUT. The event will focus on the C20 theme of Gender Equality.

Prof. Bhavani Rao R, the India Coordinator of C20 Working Group on Gender Equality & Disability (GED) and the UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Amrita University said: "We believe that everyone, irrespective of gender or ability, deserves equal opportunities and a fair chance to succeed in life. The aim of ‘Transcending Conversations’ is to facilitate an open and honest dialogue about the various forms of inequality and disadvantage that exist in our society today. By promoting mutual respect and compassion as the foundation of global governance, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for all."

The event will be graced by the presence of renowned panelists including Akkai Padmashali, K Prithika Yashini, Adv. Padma Lekshmi, and Dr. Sundeep Vijayaraghavan, all of whom have extensive experience in the field. Each speaker will offer unique perspectives on the topic, based on their personal experiences and expertise.

Akkai Padmashali is an Indian transgender activist, motivational speaker, and singer. She has been honored with the Rajyotsava Prashasti and an honorary doctorate from the Indian Virtual University for Peace and Education; K Prithika Yashini is the first transgender woman to be a police officer in India and Padma Lakshmi is the first transgender woman to be enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Kerala. Dr. Sundeep Vijayaraghavan renowned expertise and professor at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, to being the pioneers in conducting gender affirmation surgery in the state and  known for vast number of surgeries performed and has been actively performing Sex reassignment and related surgeries since 2017.

The Gender Equality working group of Civil 20 (C20), one of the official Engagement Groups of the G20, was inaugurated at Bhubaneswar recently. The Working Group is deliberating on access to education, healthcare, financial and environmental resources, decent work, infrastructure, and decision-making; systemic issues such as discrimination based on gender or ability, gender-based violence, lack of representation, and economic disparities. The panel discussion will provide a valuable platform for attendees to learn about the importance of gender equality and disability, and network with other professionals in the field. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions to the panelists.

The G20 (Group of 20) is a forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It works to address major issues related to the global economy. C20 provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) around the world to voice people’s aspirations to the world leaders in G20. World-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) is the Chair of C20.