Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: In a historic achievement, transgender woman Dipti Mahapatra has been selected for a PhD (Junior Research Fellowship) in Odia language at Utkal University. This makes Dipti the first transgender individual in Odisha to pursue a PhD, marking a significant milestone for academic inclusion and diversity in the state.

Dipti's research will focus on the social challenges faced by the third gender, aiming to provide new insights into these issues and contribute to a more inclusive society. She emphasized that while men and women are often provided employment opportunities, third-gender individuals also deserve equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

Confident about the future, Dipti expressed that her research, upon completion, could be applied in academic settings, allowing third-gender individuals to contribute as professors and scholars. She hopes her work will foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.