Mukhyadhara : A Skill Development Centre for the Transgenders

Author: Nirmitee Yatinkumar Hule
Site Location: Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra
Institute: S.B. Patil College of Engineering and Design
Advisor: Ar. Rujuta Pathak

Description

According to Census 2011, India has nearly 4.9 lakh transgender persons, though the figure remains uncertain due to lack of acceptance within families. Transgender communities have existed in South-East Asia for over 4,000 years, referenced in ancient texts, temple carvings, and traditions. Despite their cultural recognition, they continue to face widespread discrimination today. Vocational Training Centres play a vital role by offering technical education in fields such as IT, nursing, and automotive repair, along with professional skills like communication and teamwork, linking practical training directly with future employment opportunities.
In the Western view, eunuchs are “made” through castration, often employed in palaces or harems. In contrast, the Indian perspective considers them “born, not made”—individuals lacking distinct sexual characteristics (Saxena, 2011).
The project aims to empower transgender individuals through education and skills, creating opportunities for economic independence in a safe and inclusive environment. It seeks to promote equality, diversity, and inclusive architecture while addressing needs such as social inclusion, access to basic amenities, legal rights, emotional well-being, and sustainable development.
The scope includes providing basic amenities, healthcare, vocational training, scholarships, legal advocacy, and awareness campaigns. However, deep-rooted stigma, lack of sensitivity, financial constraints, weak policy implementation, limited healthcare access, and community resistance remain major challenges, requiring sustained support for long-term impact.

Drawings

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