RJ Malishka Steals the Spotlight at the 4th National Transgender Awards 2025: A Celebration of Courage, Colour, and Change

At the 4th Edition of the National Transgender Persons Awards 2025, held on September 29, 2025, at The LaLiT Hotel, New Delhi, one personality shone as brightly as the spirit of the evening — RJ Malishka. Draped in a radiant sunshine-yellow saree with delicate silver detailing, Malishka lit up the venue not just with her style, but with her sincerity and solidarity.

The awards ceremony wasn’t just a glamorous gathering — it was a landmark celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and leadership. Organized as both an awards function and a leadership conclave, the event brought together transgender individuals, activists, artists, government officials, and allies from across the nation to honour the changemakers shaping a more inclusive India.

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries

The event was graced by several notable attendees, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who served as the Chief Guest, presenting awards and announcing progressive initiatives for the transgender community. Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel also attended the event, emphasizing harmony and humanity as the cornerstones of a just society.

But the heart of the evening belonged to Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the pioneering transgender rights activist and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. Known for being the first transgender person to represent Asia Pacific at the United Nations in 2008, Dr. Tripathi presided over the ceremony as a spiritual mentor, guiding the celebration with grace and gravitas.

Malishka’s Presence and Symbolism

RJ Malishka’s appearance in a vibrant yellow silk saree symbolized hope, sunshine, and new beginnings — qualities that perfectly matched the event’s theme, “Ardhanarishwar ki Nritya Lay Mein, Hamari Pehchaan Ka Utsav” (In the rhythm of Ardhanarishwar’s dance lies the celebration of our identity).

Her warm interactions with awardees and fellow attendees reflected her genuine connection with the community. Known for her fearless voice on radio and social media, Malishka’s presence added star power to an event that was all about real heroes — the ones fighting for dignity, equality, and representation every day.

“This isn’t just an award ceremony; it’s a movement — one that reminds us that every person deserves visibility, respect, and love,” Malishka shared with attendees, radiating her trademark positivity.

Awards and Recognitions

Multiple honors were conferred upon outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to art, social welfare, and advocacy.

• The Kala Jyoti Samman recognized artistic excellence and the use of art as a bridge between communities.

• The Seva Shakti Samman Award 2025 honoured exemplary service and humanitarian efforts within the transgender community.

• Contributions from institutions like the Sahodari Foundation were applauded for promoting inclusivity and creative expression.
  

Government Announcements: A Step Toward Equality

In a historic declaration, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the formation of Delhi’s first Transgender Welfare Board, an inclusive body that will include both government and community representatives.

The board will focus on designing comprehensive welfare schemes, employment opportunities, healthcare access, and education initiatives for transgender individuals. Gupta reaffirmed her government’s dedication to equality, lauding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, as a milestone in India’s journey toward “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Why This Event Matters

The 4th National Transgender Awards was more than a ceremony — it was a manifestation of India’s growing acceptance and respect for gender diversity. It provided a platform for transgender voices to be heard and celebrated, shifting the narrative from marginalization to leadership.

With allies like RJ Malishka, Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and political leaders standing together, the evening symbolized the spirit of oneness and inclusion — the very essence of Ardhanarishwar. 1. What is the 4th National Transgender Persons Awards 2025 and why is it important? The 4th National Transgender Persons Awards 2025 is a national event held at The LaLiT Hotel, New Delhi on September 29, 2025, to honour leaders and changemakers from India’s transgender community. It celebrates gender equality, social inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ empowerment, making it a milestone for India’s diversity and inclusion journey.

2. Who were the main guests and dignitaries at the National Transgender Awards 2025? The event was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel, and Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada. These leaders emphasized harmony, equality, and the importance of transgender rights in India through art, leadership, and policy initiatives.

3. What role did RJ Malishka play at the 2025 National Transgender Awards? RJ Malishka attended the event as a guest of honour and ally, dressed in a sunshine-yellow silk saree that symbolized hope and positivity. Her presence amplified the message of inclusivity, equal representation, and LGBTQIA+ awareness in Indian media, bridging mainstream attention to transgender voices.

4. What government announcements were made during the 2025 transgender awards event?At the ceremony, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced the formation of a Transgender Welfare Board for Delhi. The board will include community and government representatives to create welfare schemes, education and employment opportunities, and healthcare access for transgender individuals — aligning with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

5. How does the National Transgender Awards impact India’s LGBTQIA+ movement? The awards bring mainstream visibility, recognition, and government collaboration to transgender rights in India. By celebrating achievements in art, activism, and leadership, it strengthens public awareness and supports a more inclusive society where every individual — regardless of gender identity — can live with dignity and equal opportunity.

6. What is the theme of the 2025 National Transgender Awards? The 2025 edition was themed “Ardhanarishwar Ki Nritya Lay Mein, Hamari Pehchaan Ka Utsav”, meaning “In the rhythm of Ardhanarishwar’s dance lies the celebration of our identity.” This represents balance, unity, and the divine harmony of masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing inclusivity and equality in society.

7. How can people support transgender inclusion and rights in India? You can support by engaging respectfully with the community, hiring inclusively, promoting awareness, and amplifying transgender voices on media and social platforms. Events like the National Transgender Persons Awards serve as reminders that progress happens when allies and policymakers work together for equality.