The Aravanigal Day 2008 programme was celebrated on 19.01.2008 at Salem. The inauguration programme held on 19.01.2008 at POOMALAI Vaniga Vallagam, an exclusive shopping complex run by District Rural Development for Self Help Groups. Her worshipful Mayor Mrs.RekhaPriyadharshini and Mr.Veerapandi A. Raja, MLA were the chief guests. As an effort of adding value to the Aravanigal Day concept, “We too for Healthy Society”, a free eye camp was organized. The District Blind Control Society had sponsored the eye camp. Her worshipful Mayor Mrs.RekhaPriyadharshini in her address encouraged the Transgender population to get trained in various skills and utilize it for their livelihood needs.
Mr.Veerapandi A. Raja, MLA inaugurated the eye camp and purchased the craft items, food and handloom saris etc the products made by the Transgender. His words were very much encouraging. To quote a few, he asserted that
Mr.Veerapandi A. Raja, MLA inaugurated the eye camp and purchased the craft items, food and handloom saris etc the products made by the Transgender. His words were very much encouraging. To quote a few, he asserted that
“Aravanis are also human beings and there is no need to discriminate them, the discrimination towards them is also a social evil. We have to accept them as our sisters”.
“It is the responsibility of every one to buy the products made by Aravanis and encourage their effort”. He also added that as a member of Legislative assembly he will support PDI’s effort to get a permanent shop in Poomalai Vaniga Vallagam for Aravani [transgender] SHGs.
"He added that media should focus the positive side of Aravanis and highlights their efforts instead of highlighting the mishappening or unhappy aspects, which are very few in number. He added that if the 90 percentage of good things are highlighted by the media then automatically the remaining 10 percent evil aspects will go away. "
He concluded his speech with his heartiest wishes to the Aravanis.
Working along with Anganwadi workers is an important programme of this year Aravanigal Day. Three blocks of Salem districts were prioritized and around 341 Anganwadi workers were trained by PDI. The three blocks include Tharamangalam, Omallur and Ayothia patinam. 30 Aravanis joined hands with the Anganwadi workers in creating awareness to the general public regarding Tuberculosis, Cancer, importance of women education and health insurance. 17 villages were covered and nearly 5000 women were educated by the Aravanis. A team from “CARE - SHAKSHAM” Rajamundhiri, Andhra Pradesh came for an exposure visit to observe the Aravanigal utsav and field work of Aravanis with Anganwadi workers.
Along with this team, the trained cultural troupe had performed Street Plays in three blocks during the evenings from 21st to 23rd January. They disseminated the messages related to Tuberculosis, Cancer, importance of women education and health insurance. The messages were carried out through puppet shows, street theatre and folk arts. The messages were well taken by the general public.
On 22.01.2008 a special programme was arranged in continuation with the Aravanigal Day 2008 celebration. Mr.N. Mathivanan, District collector of Salem was the chief guest. The products made by the Aravani Self Help Groups were exhibited. A free dental camp was arranged. A team of dentists from Ryan Dental Hospital served the community. Dr.Vijayaraman, Senior Program Manager, TAI and Mr.C.Swaminathan, Associate Program Manager TAI attended the programme.
The District collector in his address appreciated the PDI for its initiatives in uplifting the Aravanis and assured the following,
Conducting special Grievance day for Aravani
Joining the special SHGs of PDI under Women Development Corporation.
Providing a shop in Poomalai Vaniga Vallagam in consultation with the DRDA Project officer.
Necessary steps for issuing the Ration cards and Voters Identity Cards for Aravanis.
