10, Nov 2023
Virtusa Supports Restoration of Iconic B.J.P.C Institution, Preserving Mumbai’s Cultural Legacy
MUMBAI, 10th November 2023 – Virtusa Corporation, a leading provider of digital engineering, and technology services through its philanthropic arm, Virtusa Foundation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) Heritage School Restoration Project. The restoration of this iconic institution not only preserves a vital piece of history but also underscores Virtusa’s commitment to fostering education, empowering future generations, and contributing to a sustainable environment.
Furthermore, Swwapnil Joshi, renowned actor and an esteemed alumnus of the B.J.P.C.I, graced the event with his presence. In addition, Santosh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Virtusa Corporation, Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa Corporation, Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Virtusa Corporation, and the B.J.P.C.I trustees together unveiled the captivating Coffee Table Book – “Unwrapping The Story of a Landmark Restoration,” making the event a truly exceptional and meaningful occasion.
At the event, Santosh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Virtusa Corporation, emphasized, “It has been a great privilege for Virtusa to collaborate with the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) in the restoration of this historic structure. As a company that believes strongly in social responsibility, this project aligns with our corporate sustainability ethos.”
He continued, “The Virtusa Foundation has built a comprehensive program to foster access to education for over 15 years. These initiatives have benefitted over 20,000 students. Today, with the restoration of this 132-year-old beautiful structure, we are able to mark another milestone in this mission that will benefit students and society for generations. The opportunity to support the restoration of this iconic building and preserve a piece of history that will provide opportunity to young minds will always be cherished. It has been an honour to help the B.J.P.C.I safeguard this mission so that the dreams of countless students can be fostered for years to come.”
Founded in 1891, the B.J.P.C.I holds an esteemed position in the annals of Mumbai’s cultural and educational history. Nestled at 33, M. Karve Marg, this architectural masterpiece stands as a cornerstone of the city’s rich heritage. The B.J.P.C.I is recognized as a heritage structure in Mumbai and was the recipient of The Urban Heritage Award in 1993 for being the “Best Preserved Monumental Building”.
Key highlights of the B.J.P.C Institution and the restoration project include:
Historical Significance: With a legacy spanning 132 years, the B.J.P.C.I stands as one of Mumbai’s oldest educational institutions, making significant contributions to the city’s academic landscape.
Architectural Marvel: The institution’s heritage building, designed by Master Architect Khan Bahadur Muncherji C. Murzban follows the Gothic Revival style and boasts unique teakwood screens and coloured glass elements.
Academic Excellence: The B.J.P.C.I offers a comprehensive educational program spanning from kindergarten to senior classes, serving over 1400 students. The institution consistently maintains an impressive 100% success rate in board exams, which stands as a testament to its steadfast commitment to academic excellence.
Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa Corporation, echoed this sentiment, said, “Revitalizing a heritage school like the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) not only preserves its rich legacy but also empowers future generations.”
He further added, “Our participation in this initiative has brought us great satisfaction, and the accomplishment strongly aligns with the core pillars of the Virtusa Foundation: enhancing access to education, preserving our environment, and empowering society.”
Rustom N.B, Trustee of The B.J.P.C institution, expressed gratitude, said, “Virtusa, our collaborators, have generously financed the restoration and renovation of the building. Their patience and timely input of funds made the difference between the old and the freshly renovated appearance of our building. This building is a rarity in our city, and we are happy and honoured to say it will be sent as an entry for the UNESCO Heritage award by our architect. A resounding thanks to Virtusa Corporation from the trustees, staff, and students of The B.J.P.C.I.”
Through strategic partnerships and active community engagement, the Virtusa Foundation is dedicated to addressing societal challenges while paving the way for a brighter future. Virtusa employs an “Engineering First” approach to creative problem-solving, which empowers individuals and communities to enhance social outcomes for all. This approach is what Virtusa refers to as “Engineering with Purpose.”
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- By Rabindra
10, Nov 2023
Universal Music India and leading Indian talent management company REPRESENT announce strategic partnership to amplify Independent artist talent
Mumbai, November 10, 2023 – Universal Music Group India (UMGI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment and REPRESENT, a pioneering Indian independent talent management company, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the opportunities available for its artists. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO, Aayushman Sinha and its energetic team, REPRESENT has quickly earned a reputation for shaping the future of Indian pop culture, while nurturing independent artists to achieve global recognition.
Through the strategic collaboration, REPRESENT’s talented roster will gain access to UMG’s global footprint across distribution, publishing, brands and more, directly facilitating the growth and reach of their artists worldwide, empowering REPRESENT’s artists to create more music and an expanded ecosystem to foster their creativity. Some of the REPRESENT artists who will be distributed and supported under this strategic partnership include Anuv Jain, MC Stan, Zaeden, Lost Stories, Yashraj, Hanita Bhambri, Akanksha Bhandari, Kamakshi Khanna, Saahel, Savera, Kayan, OAFF and Jai Dhir.
The companies will work together on artist development, fan engagement and more. The alliance leverages the creative synergies, united in their commitment to push boundaries and support established, as well as emerging talent and help introduce new Indian music culture to a global audience.
This partnership between UMGI and REPRESENT, symbolizes another major milestone for the growth of Indian artists, combining REPRESENT’s blueprint for talent development with UMG’s expertise to develop artistry and elevate the independent music scene in India.
In making the announcement, Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia said, “We are delighted to announce this new strategic partnership with REPRESENT. Our combined efforts will empower their artists and fuel their creativity, help inspire audiences worldwide, and elevate Indian music to new heights. With REPRESENT’s visionary approach and UMG’s global network and support, we are confident this collaboration will help shine a spotlight on some of India’s most exciting young talent.”
Aayushman Sinha, Founder and CEO, REPRESENT enthuses his thoughts on the partnership, “Having worked with Universal Music Group across quite a few of our artists’ releases in the past and have been fortunate to be aligned in our thoughts to elevate the overall music industry and provide a platform for Indian artists to take their music global. This partnership is a step closer to achieving that. We bring some of our ace independent artists to the table as part of this deal and UMG brings its extensive resources and expertise – together driving the future of music. So excited to start this new chapter and I can’t wait to see where we go from here on.”
Sanujeet Bhujabal, EVP & Head of Content, Universal Music Group India, “This partnership signifies another milestone for the Indian music community. With REPRESENT’s impressive roster of artists and UMG’s vast expertise, we are poised to create new opportunities for their artists to resonate with millions of music fans worldwide. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and help foster a thriving ecosystem for artists in India.”
In recent years, UMGI has led the Indian music market in reflecting the diversity of genres and languages of music within the country. This strategic partnership with REPRESENT, alongside previously announced partnerships with Desi Melodies & TM Ventures, and the success achieved by UMG’s own VYRL labels, has transformed and kickstarted a new wave of original artist content that is captivating India’s music fans and charts, and further underscores UMG India’s ambition to help shape the artist ecosystem, whilst supporting the independent music scene and vibrant music culture in India.
10, Nov 2023
Sridhar Patnala – The Artistic Mirror: Reflecting the Boundless Potential of Humanity
Andhra Pradesh-born contemporary sculptor Sri Sridhar Patnala is working as Asst.Professor at Department of Fine Arts KLUNIVERSITY. Guntur district has received recognition from numerous organisations for his original and imaginative work. The “Vishnudharmothara Purana” served as the idea for his most recent piece of contemporary art, a 12.6-foot stainless steel sculpture. It is a component of Vedic culture and is in the process of installation in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
More about latest master piece inspired from “Vishnudharmothara Purana” in his words:
Here, a circular, blue, oceanic form serves as a basis that represents our brain. Sri Maha Visnu rested on Shesha (Kundalini Shakthi) in the milky ocean (anantha), according to the Vishnu Dharmothara Purana. It reveals to us in detail that only if our thoughts originate from the kundalini chakras will we be able to connect with the Almighty and be blessed with a space in his heart; in contrast, when we are grateful and gift Lord Krishna a peacock feather, he receives it and keeps it in his turban forever.
Our vedic forefathers have already provided us with a route for kundalini practise, which connects us to the omnipresence. It gives us a sense of boundless vitality as we embark on our spiritual journey. Here, I took inspiration from this idea and created elements in a modern manner. Now is the time to review our understanding and put our vedic knowledge into practise. Through my sculpture, I hope to educate every observer about this known fact in science.
We take great pride in being Bharatheyans, who already live a minimum of 120 years according to standard science. They split the human lifespan into 40+40+40 years. throughout the first 40 years, the individual learns how to survive by earning asta (8) aiswaryams. Between 40 and 80 years, they begin to practise gruhasthu asrama niyamavali, which can help them maintain a standard lifestyle throughout the next 80 to 120 years. After 120, their souls join with the omnipresence; otherwise, if the Sadhaka chooses to savour the voyage, he can prolong his life or ascend beyond Sahasrara.
Personality of the Week: Sridhar Patnala, Contemporary Sculptor
9, Nov 2023
Muktangan Foundation reveals the reason behind their success on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 15
Celebrating the festival of lights in a meaningful way in its ‘Diwali Special Week’, Sony Entertainment Television’s much-loved gameshow, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ introduced viewers to the Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre, a foundation that revolves around helping addicted patients’ addiction by nurturing them with the right guidance.
Led by Dr Mukta Puntambekar’s parents, the vision of the foundation is to uplift those battling addiction when it comes to drugs, alcohol, and life-altering vices by giving them treatment through technology, using innovative methods, and transforming them into good human beings who can serve society and inspire others. Dr Mukta has given her entire life to serving others and living an aspirational life. Accompanying her on the show was the versatile actor, Randeep Hooda. Together the duo graced the hotseat and celebrated ‘Umeedonwali Diwali’ along with host, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.
In tune with the purpose of the foundation, Randeep Hooda, who believes in the importance of creating awareness, also revealed how he had acted in a series where his brother was addicted to drugs. He narrated how he was so engrossed in his character that it went to an extent in which the on-screen narrative made an adverse impact on his mind in real life; it felt that the act was reel but the suffering was real!
Further, Dr Mukta also introduced one of the patients (dost) named Rahul as an example that with the right motivation and guidance, everything is possible. Rahul was not privileged to receive a formal education and hence, he found himself engaged in crime syndicates, chased by rival gang members.
With the mounting pressure, he started consuming drugs and alcohol, and eventually, he got jailed. But then, ‘Muktangan’ changed his life forever by giving him a second chance. Today, he is a marathoner and counsellor. He’s completed his BA and is pursuing an MA in Psychology. His efforts were lauded by the host and the audience.
Tune in to the ‘Diwali Special Week’ on Kaun Banega Crorepati at 9:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television
9, Nov 2023
K Raheja Corp’s #IncludeHer Initiatives: Revolutionizing Workplace Equity with Progressive Women-Centric Policies
Mumbai, November 09: K Raheja Corp, India’s leading Real Estate conglomerate, launches #IncludeHer, a set of progressive policies for its women talent, with the intent of driving workplace equity. The endeavour to launch this is to fortify workplace diversity and inclusion. The initiatives introduce thoughtfully designed policies to meet the evolving needs of women at work. The group launched this initiative across its businesses of Mindspace Business Parks, K Raheja Corp Homes, Chalet Hotels Ltd., and Inorbit Mall.
Recognizing the evolving needs of women talent at the workplace, K Raheja Corp has unveiled two pivotal pillars of support:
Pre-Maternity Support: cognizant of the increasing number of women seeking treatments like IVF, to conceive, K Raheja Corp recognizes the unique challenges they encounter. The Company offers reduced work hours and medical reimbursement of up to 1 lac for hospitalization expenses, demonstrating commitment to meeting employees’ evolving needs.
Official Travel Support: the transition back to work post-maternity can be challenging. The initiative allows women employees to take their child and a caretaker on official trips at the company’s expense for up to 1 year.
In the commitment to offer expectant and young mothers more choice and flexibility, #IncludeHer additionally provides:
· Assistance with adoption expenses, as well as adoption leave of up to 12 weeks from the child’s arrival home.
· 6-month maternity leave, with the option for a recovery leave of up to 45 days in the unfortunate event of a miscarriage or pregnancy termination.
· Dedicated parking space across office locations.
· Option to work from home during the month leading up to the commencement of maternity leave.
· Reduced working hours in the last trimester and for the first month upon returning to work
· Providing a monthly transport allowance until the woman employee begins her maternity leave.
· Partnering with Day Care Centers in proximity to the office to assist mothers with children aged 6 months to 6 years.
· Maintaining unbiased performance appraisals to safeguard career progression, ensuring that maternity breaks have no impact.
· My Saheli, a distinct support system where a colleague from the same team aids the woman employee during her transition, ensuring continuous workflow and personal assistance.
· Facilitating counselling sessions conducted by qualified professionals to promote seamless workplace integration.
The Company keenly focused on the holistic needs of women talent across stages of their career. Some other initiatives include ‘SHEROES’ a program for women leadership development, ‘Re-Launch’ a program to support professionals seeking to return from a career break, and ‘ERGs’ – Employee Resource Groups to foster connections among our female employees.
Speaking on the organization’s consistent focus on diversity and inclusion, Urvi Aradhya, Chief Human Resources Officer, K Raheja Corp stated, “At K Raheja Corp, we deeply value the multifaceted roles women play. With #IncludeHer, we are not merely implementing policies, we are shaping a culture. Our aim is to eliminate the need for our women talent to make a trade-off between personal responsibilities and professional aspirations. Every facet of this initiative has been designed with empathy and insight, ensuring that our female colleagues experience a sense of worth, support, and empowerment at every step of their journey with us.”
With these policies, K Raheja Corp continues its tradition of being at the forefront of providing employee-centric benefits and championing the cause of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
9, Nov 2023
Heartfulness TS three-day workshop held, lauded by Shri J. D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS
“India’s USP is Spirituality, Heartfulness is Essential,”
says Shri J.D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS during a three-day workshop
held at Kanha Shanti Vanam
Hyderabad, 9 November 2023: A three-day workshop was organized at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad, and concluded yesterday with participation from over two hundred and fifty Telangana State Coordinators of the Heartfulness Institute. Shri J. D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS was the Chief Guest at the event which was aimed at sharpening the skills and learning to build bigger teams to serve humanity at large. The other dignitaries included Shri Murali J, IAS, Director, APSIRDPR; Mrs Kamakshi Sikha, renowned Corporate Trainer, and Shri Ramakrishna Mallela, Heartfulness Trainer. The workshop was interspersed with deep meditations, nature walks, and group discussions.
In his concluding address at the Heartfulness Service Leadership training workshop, J.D Laxminarayana, retd. IPS, stated, “India’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is ‘Spirituality’ and Heartfulness Meditation is Essential for all of humanity.” Addressing Telangana State Coordinators of the Heartfulness Institute, he quoted the Vedas and the Puranas. He added, “Rev, Daaji, and Heartfulness communities in the state of Telangana and all over the world have been doing great work in bringing peace and harmony by offering meditation and relaxation techniques. During times of world events and turmoil in the Middle East, the need to serve and be of service to a fellow human being needs to be emphasized; and to be of service with sincerity, commitment, dedication, devotion, and love should be the underlying objectives. It is the duty of each of us to come together and work towards nation-building, giving care and love, bringing peace, and offering heartful communication and heartfulness meditation for free to all sections of society.”
Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We as human beings have to offer peaceful solutions to world problems, and world peace can only be achieved through individual peace. Meditation can help bring peace and radiate love.”
The workshop covered various aspects of service leadership to enable, empower, and engage Heartfulness zonal coordinators, district coordinators, center coordinators, and Heartfulness Services teams of Telangana state in taking their work as office bearers to the next level. Sessions on Team Building, Outreach Methodologies, and Community services were conducted by workshop leaders, experts, and dignitaries from various fields.
Heartfulness Institute offers a variety of simple, gradual relaxation and inner-journey solutions to help us solve our problems and be the best we can possibly be in all walks of life. Whether a teacher or a business executive, a student of science or art, we can all pursue the path of fulfillment, excellence, and perfection. The Institute engages in activities that further the practice of Heartfulness’s inner journey, including education, wellness, research, and training. These practices are based on the teachings of the Sahaj Marg (Natural Path) system of Raja Yoga, which has been modified to suit the needs of modern life.
8, Nov 2023
Happiest Minds recognized among 100 Best Companies for Women in India 2023
India, November 8, 2023: Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a ‘Born Digital. Born Agile’, Mindful IT Company, today announced that it is among the 100 Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) list released by Avtar and Seramount.
Avtar and Seramount present the Best Companies for Women in India award based on the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) study. Companies with high-order granularity on their diversity representation, and programs and policies to ensure gender inclusion at their workplace make it to the list. From more than 350 submissions from companies spanning every major industry, geographical location, and line of business, Happiest Minds has secured a position in the 100 Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) alphabetical list. This notable recognition reflects Happiest Minds’ commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Joseph Anantharaju, Executive Vice Chairman, Happiest Minds, said, “We’re ecstatic to receive the 2023 Avtar & Seramount ‘Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) award’, which underscores the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusion. We remain committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, where people can be who they are and be their best, professionally, and personally. The ‘Happiest Minds Diversity Council’ focuses on building and sustaining a strong, diverse, equitable & inclusive culture by implementing new programs and policies, guided by the feedback we receive from the team. Being recognized with the BCWI award is a powerful statement of our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Sachin Khurana, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, Happiest Minds, said, “We celebrate diversity and inclusion not as an award but as a fundamental value that enriches our world, and this recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive future. On these lines, I would like to mention the diversity-focused hiring drives we have had in these past years for various categories of candidates like women on a long break, People with Special Abilities etc. to add them into our talent pool.”
Deepti Moolya, Associate Director of People Practice & D&I Champion, Happiest Minds, said,” Diversity and inclusion foster innovation and enrich perspectives, driving a more equitable and harmonious work culture. Our efforts have always been to embrace our differences and empower individuals and teams to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This Global Diversity Awareness Month we have launched our very own D&I Handbook to raise awareness within the workplace to celebrate our differences and unite in our shared commitment to equality.”
This is not the first time Happiest Minds has been recognized for its workplace culture and inclusion practices. Previously, Happiest Minds has received multiple recognitions including Top 100 India’s Best Companies to Work for 2023, Best Workplaces in Asia™ 2022, Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2021 and 2022, India’s Best Companies to Work for 2021 and 2022 and many more. Being accredited for workplace culture every consecutive year and the recent BCWI award is proof of the organization’s ceaseless efforts of creating a culture of happiness, wellness, and inclusivity.
8, Nov 2023
Draw Your Dreams Children’s Day 2023 Celebration At Fund A Child In India (Fci)
Bengaluru, November 08, 2023: CHILDREN’S DAY 2023 was celebrated at FUND A CHILD IN INDIA (FCI) on November 5, 2023, with 550 underprivileged children from slums and NGO run Schools in Bangalore. The kids participated in “DRAW YOUR DREAMS” a drawing Competition conducted by FCI at BMS College of Engineering, Basavanagudi in Bengaluru.
Draw Your Dreams is a platform created by FCI for the school kids coming from underprivileged section of society to come together onto a single platform and exhibit their talents & skills by drawing their dreams. There were over 550 children studying in 1st to 9th Grades who participated in the competition from Dr.B R Ambedkar Health & Education Foundation and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. At the event, there were over 150 volunteers from NSS-BMSCE, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services; and individuals from various corporates, organizations, and university students.
We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. P Dayanand Pai, the Chairman, BMSCE & Life Trustee, BMSET; Dr. S Muralidhara, Principal, BMSCE; Dr. Suresh Ramaswwamy Reddy, Vice Principal, BMSCE for hosting the event at BMSCE; Dr. Sakey Shamu, the honourable Chief Guest; Better World, the Co-Sponsor; individual sponsors, donors, and contributors; and all the NGO coordinators & teachers who accompanied the children.
8, Nov 2023
BITS Pilani and Airlinq Join Forces to pioneer 5G and IoT Innovation in India
National, 8th November 2023: BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation has announced its collaboration with Airlinq, a US-based global technology company specializing in telecommunications and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, to lead the charge in 5G and IoT innovation. This dynamic partnership has been established as part of the recently launched “5G Use Case Labs” at the Indian Mobile Congress 2023 by Prime Minister Narender Modi and supported by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) India. These 5G labs will serve as the breeding ground for cutting-edge applications spanning various domains, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication.
BITS Pilani and Airlinq are collaborating to drive innovation at the forefront of this ground-breaking initiative, committed to pioneering innovation and propelling India into the future of 5G technology. Airlinq is helping global enterprises and mobile service providers harness the power of 5G networks in different verticals, notably in domains such as connected vehicles, smart cities, and more. Airlinq will work with BITS to design and deliver use cases in areas such as urban traffic safety, leveraging low-latency V2V and V2X communications to enhance the experience for drivers, pedestrians, emergency responders, and others that share our roadways.
BITS Pilani and Airlinq express their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, and to DoT India for their invaluable support. This partnership represents a significant stride towards realizing the immense potential of 5G technology in India.
Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “This collaboration with Airlinq is a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge innovation and academic-industry partnerships. Our mission at BITS is to empower our students and faculty to shape the future, and this collaboration allows us to do just that. Together, we aim to not only advance our understanding of these transformative technologies but also to provide invaluable real-world experiences for our students. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering the next generation of tech leaders.”
Speaking on the collaboration Ankit Taparia, VP, Airlinq, also an alumni of BITS Pilani said, “We are committed to unlocking the boundless potential of disruptive and new age technology. We are excited about our partnership with BITS Pilani, an institute known for its research and innovation, and look forward to pioneering advanced 5G technology solutions that will revolutionize industries and redefine the way our increasingly interconnected world collaborates and communicates to improve lives.”
8, Nov 2023
2023 Transgender Day of Remembrance
Allentown, PA, November 08, 2023: Every year, hundreds of transgender and nonbinary people are subject to discrimination and violence. Many lose their lives to these acts. The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is a day to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia while drawing attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
“This year, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley (MCCLV) are cosponsoring a program to honor the victims of anti-trans violence,” said Corinne Goodwin, Executive Director of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, an advocacy group with a mission of empowering transgender and gender expansive individuals throughout a 26-county region of Pennsylvania.
“Over forty transgender people in the United States – primarily trans women of color – have lost their lives at the hands of others,” said Reverend Goudy of MCCLV. “It is through efforts like this that we can educate the broader community about these issues and ultimately eliminate them.”
“In addition to honoring those who have been lost to violence, we also want to honor those who continue to strive through this difficult time” added Goodwin. “Transgender youth are being targeted in our state legislature and in many Pennsylvania school districts. This has resulted in further marginalization and bullying of young people who simply want to go to school to gain the skills and knowledge they need to grow up and become contributors to their communities.”
This year’s TDOR ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 20 at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley located at 2354 Grove Rd, Allentown, PA 18109. There will be a reception after the event with refreshments and information/resources for members and allies of the transgender community.
