The Kinnar Akhara, India's first transgender monastery, has announced a significant initiative aimed at rescuing the transgender community from what they describe as religious exploitation and conversion. The founder of the Akhara, Rishi Ajay Das, stated that a grand consecration ceremony will take place on February 15 in the Lalghati area of Bhopal, where they will announce spiritual leaders from the community. Approximately 250 transgender individuals are expected to embrace Hinduism again during this event, marking a pivotal moment for the community.

Rishi Ajay Das, who established the Kinnar Akhara during the Kumbh Mela in Ujjain in 2016 and holds a postgraduate degree in Science, claims that the transgender community is facing increasing threats of 'Islamization' and exploitation. According to him, the living spaces for transgender individuals have become sanctuaries for extremists—referred to as 'jihadis'—as both the general public and police tend to avoid these areas. This assertion reflects a broader societal concern regarding safety and acceptance of transgender individuals in India.

The initiative has garnered attention amid rising tensions regarding the rights and treatment of transgender people in India. Kinnar leader Kajal Thakur recently accused certain groups of inciting violence against the community. The upcoming ceremony is not just a spiritual homecoming but also aims to strengthen the identity and safety of the transgender population, as they seek to reclaim their place within Hindu society amidst ongoing challenges to their rights and existence.