Assam: Dibrugarh Locals Bat for Gender-Neutral Toilets in Educational Institutions

DIBRUGARH: In an inspiring demonstration of solidarity, individuals from diverse backgrounds took to the streets of Dibrugarh in Assam, united in their call for gender-neutral toilets in the state's educational institutions.

Participating in a 'pride walk' held on Saturday, they collectively underscored the significance of access to safe and inclusive washrooms as a fundamental human right. The initiative was spearheaded by Rituparna, a prominent queer rights activist in the eastern town of Assam.

Rituparna, recently appointed as a member of the state Transgender Welfare Board, stressed, "For the transgender community, using a restroom should never be a source of anxiety. Access to hygienic and inclusive sanitation facilities is a fundamental right, and I hope all educational institutions in Assam will consider creating gender-neutral washrooms."

The 'pride walk' garnered the support of over 100 participants, all of whom joined forces to advocate for this crucial cause.

In other news from the city, preparation for the upcoming celebrations of Durga Puja have been making the rounds. Sudir Paul (68) is busy these days giving final touches to idols. Sudir Paul, who took up the idol-making profession from his father, Niti Paul, expressed his happiness to follow the family business but the third generation of the family did not show any interest to follow their traditional family business. In Dibrugarh, Rudra Shilpi, one of the oldest idol-making shops, does brisk business during Durga Puja and Kali Puja. The shop is situated at Ashit Nagar in Dibrugarh and most of the old Durga Puja committees in Dibrugarh gave orders to this shop.

Sudir Paul, who is a B.Com graduate, has taken up his father’s profession because since childhood he was asociated with this business and had seen his father making idols. Sudir Paul said, “This year our business is good. Last two years due to Covid-19, we faced many difficulties. We are back on track and this year we have made 21 idols. Due to price rise, most of the materials that we purchased from West Bengal has shot up. We have to engage 4-5 persons for making idols and most of them come from West Bengal. This time, five artisans have come from West Bengal and they are living with us.”

Also Read: Assam: Dead Body Recovered in Biswanath, Triggers Panic Among Locals

Also Watch: