Meet Narthaki Nataraj, First Transwoman Inducted In Tamil Nadu’s Policy Making

Transwoman Narthaki Nataraj: On June 7 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin revamped the State Development Policy. He appointed a 10 member team for the committee.

The policy-making committee will be chaired and led by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. In his new group, CM Stalin also appointed a transwoman, Narthaki Nataraj as part of the committee.

The induction of Narthaki Nataraj in the policy-making committee has shown the inclusivity of the representation of the council. DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that they wanted to broad base the council.

Speaking to the Times of India, Elangovan said, “As promised in our manifesto, we wanted to broad base such councils that can suggest areas of focus to channelise the economic statute of the state in the growth path.”

The DMC Spokesperson also mentioned that another council that will advise the state on finance is to be announced soon.

Besides Nataraj, the third-term legislator Raja is also included in the team. Vijayabaskar, Ismail, Amalorpavanathan are also part-time members.

Nataraj’s position in politics is deemed as a development for the state and society. Many people complimented the Chief Minister’s decision to be inclusive within his 10 member team.

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Who Is Transwoman Narthaki Nataraj?

• Narthaki Nataraj is a transgender who has identified herself as one ever since her childhood days. She faced a number of challenges from conservative Indian society.
• She was also thrown out of the house by her parents because of her identity.
• But Nataraj’s successful career in dancing helped her build up her career. She is a professional Bharatanatyam dancer.
• Nataraj was awarded Padma Shri in 2019 for her exceptional contribution to the field of art.
• She is also the first transwoman to have been honoured with India’s fourth-highest civilian awards.
• Her life and journey are also included as a lesson in the 11th standard Tamil textbooks.
• The Tamil Nadu government has judicially awarded Nataraj with the prestigious Kalaimamani Award in 2007.