Ruchimudra - Kerala's first hotel run by transgender people to open in Kochi
Hotel Ruchimudra in Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala is the 'dream project' of six transgender entrepreneurs that’s finally taking shape. The primary aim of this initiative is to change the society's perception of the trans community for the better.
The trans community in India is often subjected to mockery, hate and discrimination. But with hotel Ruchimudra, these six trans entrepreneurs aim to shift perceptions into a more positive light.
Started by Aditi Achuth, Saya Mathew, Preethi Alexander, Pranav, Ragaranjini and Meenakshi, Ruchimudra is currently in its last phase of construction. Although supported with a grant of Rs 10 lakh by the Ernakulam District Panchayat, the amount has only been sufficient for basic construction. To save costs, the entrepreneurs have decided to take up tasks such as painting the building, by themselves.
Located in a four-storey building near the Kasaba police station in Kacheripady, Ernakulam, the premises will also house an office, shelter home, counselling and yoga centres for trans people.
The shelter home will be operated by the Social Justice Department on a contract basis. The building has been taken on rent from a private individual, for Rs 70,000 per month.
Hotel Ruchimudra will be serving traditional cuisine using only organic vegetables, fish and meat, and homemade spices. Two of the owners have also previously worked with larger hotels, before they came out as transgender.
The initiative is also supported by Mudra Charitable Society - an organisation that works towards the welfare of gender minorities, co-founded by Daya Gayathri, one of the first transgender students at Ernakulam's famous Maharaja’s College.
Hotel Ruchimudra is set to open soon, once a few final discussions and considerations with the District Panchayat authorities have been finalised.