Transgender in para forces, à la Shikhandi?

Transgender can soon aspire to lead combat troops in central paramilitary forces. The government is considering a proposal to allow them to take the annual UPSC exam for recruitment.

The Union home ministry has accordingly asked the para forces – the ITBP, CRPF, CISF and SSB -- to share their views on the move. At present, there is no provision for hiring transgender in paramilitary forces or the Indian Army.

A senior officer from the CRPF told a TV channel that recruitment of transgender won't create any problems at operations level. "Recruitment of women also began in the force much later and now it is very common. If government wants to bring in the third gender, it will be another step in that direction," he said on request of anonymity, since a final decision has not been taken.

The development comes on the heels of Parliament passing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, which came into effect from January this year.

Maybe, it is time to remember Shikhandi, the original transgender warrior. Mythology has it that in the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhishma recognised Shikhandi – a half man and half woman -- as Amba reborn, and not wanting to fight ' a woman', lowered his weapons. Knowing that Bhishma would react thus to Shikhandi, Arjuna hid behind Shikhandi and attacked Bhishma with a devastating volley of arrows. Thus, Shikhandi's role was instrumental in Bhisma's death. Shikhandi was finally killed by Ashwatthama on the 18th day of battle.