United Way Hyderabad has made valuable contributions through its commitment to social impact, particularly in supporting projects that uplift marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ population. Their efforts ensure that real stories, such as Dherandar’s, are not only heard but also celebrated. Pritesh Kamble, the Unit Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, has empowered countless individuals, reinforcing the importance of acceptance, visibility, and dignity within society.
In a world where success is often defined by prestigious roles, financial rewards, and societal expectations, Dherandar’s journey reminds us that true fulfillment comes from being authentic and embracing one’s unique path. Transitioning from a traditional engineering career to a thriving fashion business, his story is not just about a career change; it is a revolution against gender norms and a powerful reclaiming of identity.
The struggle to fit in – Society’s Expectations vs. Personal Freedom
Dherandar is a 36-year-old engineer who transitioned into a tailor, never expecting his journey to lead him from the corporate world into the creative realm of fashion. With a Bachelor of Engineering degree, he initially followed a conventional career path, but societal expectations and corporate discrimination motivated him to forge his own way—one that allowed him to express himself freely and help others do the same.
As a child, Dherandar faced harsh judgment for being “different.” While his classmates enjoyed playing cricket and football, he found joy in singing and dancing. For society, this deviation from the “acceptable” notions of masculinity was significant. His childhood experiences were not unique; even within his family, he struggled for acceptance of his interests. “They wanted a son, not a daughter in a son’s body,” he reflects. The teasing and rejection from those closest to him served as a harsh introduction to the world’s views on gender and identity.
Entering the corporate world only added to his challenges. He encountered discrimination, with colleagues making dismissive remarks and supervisors ignoring his contributions. The pressure to conceal his true self left him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. This growing frustration made him realize that, no matter how much he excelled in engineering, he would never find the happiness or freedom he longed for in that environment.
Finding freedom through fashion
Dherandar’s decision to leave behind the corporate world and pursue a career in fashion was not a sudden decision. It was the culmination of years of personal battles, both internal and external. His frustration was not just with the work culture; it extended to something even more personal. He struggled to find clothes that suited his unique sense of self-expression, especially during events like Pride, where his true identity could shine.
Instead of waiting for the fashion industry to cater to his needs, he began experimenting with design and tailoring, creating clothes that not only reflected his personality but also allowed him to step out of the box that society had placed him in. What started as a form of personal expression slowly evolved into a business idea. His passion for fashion, combined with his frustration over limited options for people like him, led to the birth of a brand that would cater to those who felt excluded by traditional fashion norms.
Overcoming family expectations
While Dherandar’s heart was set on his new venture, his family’s reaction was less than supportive. For them, tailoring was equal with femininity, and they could not understand why their son would leave a stable, respected career to pursue a profession that did not align with their traditional values. Initially, he kept his passion for tailoring a secret, working in the shadows to build his brand. Despite his family’s disapproval, he knew that he was on the right path. The fear of judgment did not stop him; it fueled his desire to prove that one’s worth is not defined by societal expectations or gender stereotypes.
Finding guidance and financial support
Like many entrepreneurs, Dherandar needed more than just passion to turn his dream into a reality. It was through a friend that he discovered CYDA an organization offering business training, financial support, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. This program became a crucial turning point in his journey. The structured training he received through CYDA gave him valuable business insights, such as cost management, investment strategies and financial planning. The grant of Rs.10,000/- received from CYDA, helped him purchase the quality fabrics and materials he needed to bring his creations to life. Equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed, his business began to grow slowly but steadily, as word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals from friends led to a growing clientele.
The true meaning of success
Today, he is living a life of fulfillment, one that is rooted in self-expression and creativity. In contrast to his old engineering job, where he felt confined by corporate structures and expectations, tailoring provides him with the freedom to be himself, something he could not find in a traditional office environment.
A powerful message for the youth
Dherandar’s journey carries a powerful message for today’s youth, particularly those who feel pressured to follow traditional career paths or conform to societal standards of success. The world may try to box you in, but your happiness and fulfillment matter more than any external validation. For the LGBTQIA+ youth, his story is a reminder that it is okay to be different and that success is not defined by conforming to society’s expectations. “Even if you cannot find it in yourself to support the LGBTQIA+ community, at least do not criticize,” he urges, emphasizing the importance of acceptance.
To his fellow LGBTQIA+ members, he emphasizes resilience and self-belief: “Chase what makes you feel alive.”