The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Aravanis keen on political rights

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 05, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Aravanis keen on political rights

By Our Special Correspondent

VILLUPURAM, MAY 4. Aravanis, drawn from various parts of the country, who gather here to participate in the 10-day annual Koovagam festival, are assertive about getting political rights.

One of the participants in a workshop on "Rights of Aravanis" held here, Khalade Naik, who is said to have contested in a Gujarat parliamentary constituency, called upon the Aravanis to contest from all States so that their voice could be heard in Parliament and State Assemblies.

The speakers said though Aravanis were given the option in the elections to choose the gender — male or female — they wanted to be recognised as a "third gender."

This would solve their practical difficulties.

Some of the Aravanis told this correspondent that they wanted government jobs for their livelihood and to overcome a stigma.

While in the north, Aravanis enjoyed social respect, in the south they faced social ostracism.

The festival provided them the occasion to share their experience and cement their bonds and also to take stock of their present status, they said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu