Exclusive: "I thank EC for choosing me as first transgender State Icon of Bihar", says Monika Das

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Monika said, "Earlier, eminent personalities like Pankaj Tripathi, and Maithili Thakur were made icons. But, this is the first time that a transgender has been made a 'State Icon' of Bihar. I appreciate this step by the government as this will inspire others to come forward. This opportunity for me is a significant victory for my community and this will leave a positive impact on public perception towards transgenders."

Patna (Bihar): The Election Commission has appointed Monika Das as the first transgender 'State Icon of Bihar'. Monika Das was earlier appointed as the presiding officer for the state Assembly elections in 2020. A banker with a master's degree in Law from Patna University, says that she feels proud and thankful for choosing her as the first transgender 'State Icon'. Das did her schooling at Navodaya Vidyalaya.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Monika said, "Earlier, eminent personalities like Pankaj Tripathi and Maithili Thakur were made icons. But, this is the first time that a transgender has been made a 'State Icon'. I appreciate this step by the government as this will inspire others to come forward. This opportunity for me is a significant victory for my community and this will leave a positive impact on public perception towards the transgenders."

Monika further said, "Many trans people still do not like to go out in public due to the fear of rejection by society. This step by the Election Commission will boost their morale. I am thankful to the Bihar government, the Central government, and the Election Commission for this. It is a big honour not only for me, but for the entire transgender community."

Talking about her journey Monika said, "After my schooling at Navodaya Vidyalaya, I did my graduation in Sociology. After that, I did my master's in Law at Patna University. Later on, I studied for competitive examinations and entered the banking sector after clearing the exam. When I entered banking, my initial days were tough. But, slowly all my colleagues started cooperating with me. Every sector requires teamwork. We in the bank also work together."

Expressing her happiness over the government preparing data to keep a count on the number of transgenders in the state, Monika said that the transgenders will now get an identity. Earlier, there were only two categories, male and female, but now there is a special column dedicated only to the third gender. This indicates slow, but steady steps toward the uplift of the trans community.