Chief Minister MK Stalin presented 53-year-old Marlima Muralitharan of Villupuram with the Best Transgender Award 2022. A cash prize of Rs 1 lakh is given out as part of the award.
Marlima of Gingee received the award from the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment department for her exceptional work for the upliftment of the third gender over the past 25 years. On hand were Minister P Geetha Jeevan of the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu, and officials from other departments.
Speaking to TNIE, Marlima Muralitharan said, "I completed my undergraduation in Civil Engineering in 1995 and started my career when transgenders were struggling to get recognition. Now I run an office in Gingee, where we do construction-relation business. Till date, I have helped 70 transgenders, who did not want to beg or involve in the flesh trade."
"I arranged fruit juice shops, cows, goats and hens for eight transpersons by spending from my own pocket. I also arranged jobs for many, and helped three transpersons from Gingee, Kandachipuram and Tiruvannamalai, construct their own house, by giving plans for free and also arranged funds for the construction. I feel this award is a recognition of my services and will motivate me to do more," added Marlima.
