Manabi, a transgender, will be charged as the principal of Krishnagar Women's College
Manabi, a transgender, will be charged as the principal of Krishnagar Women's CollegeScreenshot

In a country, which does not welcome transgenders, gays and lesbians open-mindedly, a transgender is set to become the principal of a government women's college in West Bengal.

Breaking the society's barriers, Manabi Banerjee (Bandhopadhyay) will take charge as the principal of Krishnagar Women's College from 9 June. The college authorities found Manabi as the apt choice as they were looking for a "strong personality to run the college smoothly".

Currently, Manabi works as Bengali associate professor at Vivekananda Satobarshiki Mahavidyalaya in West Bengal.

Manabi, who is quite excited about the achievement, considers it as a big step for the transgender movement. 

"Of course I am excited, but the media attention has left me in a tizzy. I have been flooded with calls. I understand that my achievement is a big step forward for the transgender movement in the country, but my priority is my students," says Manabi, according to the Indian Express.

Manabi, earlier known as Somnath, underwent a sex change operation in 2003 at the age of 38. Following this, in spite of criticisms from the society, she took a doctorate in Bengali. 

Her novel titled "Endless Bondage" even became one of the best-sellers. Hailing from Naihati, Manabi also has two elder sisters. She was also a contestant of ETV Bangla "Bigg Boss" in 2013.

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