Ravi Kale’s journey from struggles to entrepreneurial triumph

The partnership between United Way Hyderabad and CYDA’s Inclusion Unit, led by Pritesh Kamble, is making a positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ and Hijra communities. Through targeted support programs and skill-building initiatives, this collaboration is actively fostering a culture of equality. The support from United Way Hyderabad is instrumental in creating sustainable livelihoods while also encouraging shifts in societal attitudes, restoring dignity, and paving the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their identity, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Breaking Stereotypes: A journey rooted in resilience

Ravi Kale (name changed) is a proud member of the Hijra community and identifies as transgender. He has turned the challenges in his life into business success through hard work and determination. Now, Ravi runs a successful floral decoration business with 20 shops. He earns a steady monthly income and serves as an inspiring example for others in the LGBTQIA+ and Hijra communities. Behind this success story are experiences of resilience, discrimination, and personal growth. His journey shows the strength of the human spirit and the power of community support.

Early struggles: Searching for identity and livelihood

Ravi started his work life with various odd jobs, like delivering mail and working in morgues, before discovering massage therapy. He wanted to be self-sufficient, so he opened a massage center. However, he faced challenges due to social stigma. Many people wrongly assumed it was a “ladies’ massage shop,” which led to frequent police harassment. To avoid legal issues, Ravi had to pay bribes, which drained his finances and forced him to close the business.

While this was happening, Ravi took part in religious events and community activities. This involvement helped him understand and accept his identity as both a gay man and a Hijra. Although this journey gave him clarity, it also strained his relationships with his family. He experienced a tough time of isolation and emotional struggles.

Turning passion into purpose

Ravi returned to Pune from Panvel without a steady job. He found comfort in DIY crafts and started making seashell items to sell at Tulsi Baug, a local market. There, he saw a growing demand for floral decorations, especially during festivals and religious events. Recognizing this opportunity, Ravi decided to focus on the floral decoration business. His good design sense and festive style quickly caught people’s attention, helping him expand his services in the area.

Ravi’s business started to grow, but he faced a setback when Metro construction work shut down his main sales location. Instead of giving up, he moved his business to his home. He also struggled with friends and acquaintances who often bargained too much, which lowered his profits. Ravi found it hard to say no to people he knew, which affected his financial stability. Despite these challenges, his drive for entrepreneurship kept him going, but he realized he needed better tools to manage his business.

A turning point

The turning point for Ravi came when he learned about the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) through his community network. Intrigued by this initiative, he enrolled in CYDA’s business training program, which is specifically designed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in building sustainable livelihoods.

The training opened Ravi’s eyes to critical aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly the importance of financial management. He realized that his expenses were far exceeding his earnings, and without proper record-keeping or budgeting, he was heading towards another burnout. Through CYDA’s training, Ravi learned how to monitor cash flow, budget wisely, and calculate profits effectively. More importantly, he gained the confidence to make strategic decisions regarding pricing, investment, and long-term growth.

Financial Boost: The power of small grants

CYDA recognized Ravi’s potential and hard work, so they gave him a grant of Rs. 5,000 to help him grow his business. Ravi used the money to buy popular materials for floral decoration and expanded his services to several shops in the area.

Now, Ravi earns about Rs. 24,000 per month. This is a big improvement from the uncertainty he faced before. He no longer worries about daily survival. Instead, he focuses on growing his business and helping others. Ravi is very thankful to CYDA, as their training and financial help allowed him to build an independent life. He also wants to uplift others in the LGBTQIA+ and Hijra communities.

He encourages his peers to engage with CYDA programs, which are designed to cultivate financial independence, boost self-confidence, and promote social acceptance. “We must not wait for opportunities; we must create them. With the right support and the will to grow, we can lead lives of dignity and pride,” Ravi says.

Leave a Reply

The Podcast

Stay tuned here for listening and viewing to our amazing Podcasts with amazing & inspiring people.

Impact Jobs

Lastest Stories