Hyderabad IRS officer Anukathir Surya makes history after Centre approves his request for name, gender change

M Anusuya, currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Hyderabad, had requested a change of name to M Anukathir Surya, and to change her gender from female to male.

An office order signed by the Under Secretary, Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), Ministry of Finance stated that Anusuya’s request has been accepted.

The officer will “henceforth be recognised as Mr M Anukathir Surya in all official records," it said.

This is not the first such instance of similar precedence in Hyderabad. In June 2015, a BA LLB law student of NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University had requested the varsity that gender should not be identified in the graduate certificate.

The university agreed to the student’s request for an honorific prefix of ‘Mx’ instead of ‘Ms’. The student said it was a small first step towards recognising gender fluidity in the country.

In March 2022, the university designated a hostel floor as an inclusive space for accommodating LGBTQ+ students.

Last year, after securing a position in the MD Emergency Medicine programme at ESI Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Ruth Paul John became the first transgender doctor to pursue post-graduation in the country.

Supported by Osmania General Hospital and voluntary organisations, Dr Ruth raised funds to enrol in the programme.