From begging on trains to running her own factory, this transgender has come a long way
People from the transgender community often face discrimination in the society. Therefore, they are often forced to resort to beg for money on either streets or celebrations. However, a few transgenders have fought the odds to make a name for themselves over the past few years. One such story is of Varanasi’s Gudiya who broke all social barriers, and started her own work.
Gudiya works at a thread-manufacturing powerloom, which she has set up at her own home itself. Through this work, she has employed and provided livelihood to four people, and has adopted an abandoned girl from a private hospital. Not only this, she is also providing for her brother’s disabled daughter.
Gudiya was born to a poor family in Jalil Pur in Varanasi, and has had a difficult journey. Her parents were shocked when they learned she is a transgender. Fortunately, her relatives accepted the truth, and were very supportive throughout. However, she had to run away from her house at the age of 16 as her neighbours started bullying her.
Gudiya returned to her home three years later. With her parent’s consent, she started singing at various celebrations to earn money. She did this for a few years, and then started begging on trains. Soon, she built her own house with a little financial help from her brother.
She opened a thread power-loom factory at her home itself, and saves nearly Rs 15,000 every month. Gudiya has employed people to help her obtain the raw materials, and supply the prepared product.
Hailing from Ramnagar in Varanasi, Gudiya has adopted an abandoned girl she found in the hospital. She has named her Jainam, and has admitted her in a school. She has adopted her brother’s daughter, whom she has named Nargis.
Gudiya feels it is extremely important to educate a girl child, and wants to ensure proper education is provided to Jainam. She considers both her daughters as the biggest motivation in her life.
Read this in Hindi
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