Haridwar: In a "first-of-its-kind initiative" in Uttarakhand, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation on Wednesday appointed a transgender woman, Sonia Bua, as the brand ambassador of its citywide cleanliness drive, a move officials said was aimed at promoting inclusivity while strengthening public participation in sanitation campaigns.
Municipal authorities said that “the appointment of the 57-year-old social activist was intended to convey that transgenders are an integral part of society and that individuals contributing positively to the community should be recognised, irrespective of their gender identity”. As brand ambassador, Sonia will take part in awareness campaigns, public outreach programmes and community events to encourage residents to keep the holy city clean.
Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar, while handing over the appointment letter to Sonia, said cleanliness should be seen as a shared social responsibility rather than just a govt campaign. He added that the municipal corporation plans to involve other transgender groups in Haridwar in cleanliness awareness programmes in the coming months.
“The participation of the transgender community will send a strong and positive message to society and will give fresh momentum to the cleanliness drive. Their social circle is wide and influential, which will help us reach more people and make residents aware about the importance of cleanliness,” the commissioner said.
A resident of the Bahadrabad area of Haridwar, Sonia moved to the city at the age of 20. Speaking to TOI, she said, “Life as a transgender person is difficult as we are often abandoned by society and even by our families. My initial years, too, were very tough. Now that the municipal corporation has entrusted me with this responsibility, I will perform my role with full honesty.” She added that she would spread messages on cleanliness at religious and social functions where transgender groups traditionally go to offer blessings.
Welcoming the decision, social activist Ratan Mani Dobhal, said, “The move would help both the cleanliness campaign and social acceptance. It is a good initiative and will definitely help in spreading awareness in society. Making Sonia the brand ambassador will also increase acceptance of transgender persons.”
Courtesy : TOI
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