By Pritesh Kamble, Head – Inclusion Unit, CYDA
The LGBTQIA+ community has long faced discrimination and denial of rights. Many people are not allowed to live openly as themselves. When they do, they often face rejection and harsh consequences. One such person is Moglaji Sayanna Jorgewar from Nanded, Maharashtra. He belongs to the Burud community, which is known for making soop and durudya-traditional bamboo sieves and baskets. This craft has been passed down through generations in his family. Moglaji started learning this work at the age of 18. It helped him support his family and continue a tradition that holds deep meaning. For him, bamboo work is more than a way to earn-it is a connection to his culture, his family, and his identity.
Craft meets discrimination
But soon, Moglaji faced unexpected challenges because of his identity. As a bisexual man, he was not accepted by many in his community. This rejection affected his business too. When he tried to sell his bamboo products in public places, people judged him for who he was instead of the quality of his work. Even though his baskets were well-made, his identity made it harder for him to gain recognition. The constant discrimination took an emotional toll and slowly affected his confidence. Over time, he began to lose his regular customers.
The Turning Point
Change began when Moglaji met Mr. Gajanan, who introduced him to the Entrepreneurship Training Program. CYDA creates this structured and inclusive program in collaboration with Intel to support people from marginalized communities in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Moglaji joined a two-day training program that focused on practical business skills-how to manage profit and loss, keep records, price products properly, and understand market demand. He learned how to improve the quality of his bamboo baskets, attract and retain customers, and make better financial decisions. He had initially joined the session to gain technical knowledge for growing his business, but he received much more. The training created a safe and supportive space where participants could speak openly about their lives. They shared personal challenges and were encouraged to think about solutions together.
For Moglaji, it was the first time he felt accepted for who he truly is. This experience gave him the confidence to face a society that often treats him as different. The training not only helped him grow his business but also gave him the strength to believe in himself.
.From struggles to stability
As part of the program, Moglaji received a seed fund of Rs 10,000, which he used to buy better-quality raw materials and tools. This caught the attention of customers, who noticed the improved craftsmanship. His products looked better and became more appealing. This small support brought a significant change in his income. His monthly earnings increased from around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. But the significant transformation was not just the money. Moglaji gained self-respect and recognition. His customers, friends, and neighbours began to value his work and see him with new respect. Moglaji received financial support, guidance, exposure, and a platform to present his work with pride. This inclusive approach gave him the chance to grow-not just in his work, but also as a person.
