By championing grassroots efforts for social impact, particularly in Nanded, Intel has supported meaningfully to the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community. A pivotal contributor to this progress is Pritesh Kamble, who serves as the Director of the Rainbow Roots Foundation. His dedication and leadership have inspired countless individuals, helping to build a culture of acknowledgment, dignity, and broader societal recognition.
Introduction: A bloom in the barren
Nanded, a city in Maharashtra with deep-rooted cultural traditions, remains a difficult environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. While urban centers like Mumbai and Pune have slowly begun embracing inclusivity, smaller towns like Nanded often lag behind. Here, many LGBTQIA+ individuals live under constant social pressure, often choosing silence over self-expression for fear of rejection, harassment or even violence. There are very few support structures or public platforms available, and discussions around identity, orientation, and dignity remain hushed.
In a society where being different often leads to unfair treatment, living true to yourself take a lot of courage. Shivaji Dhondiba Renke, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community from Namaskar Chowk in Nanded, Maharashtra, is one such courageous soul. His journey from facing rejection and mental harassment to building a flourishing flower business is a victory. Shivaji’s life tells a story of transformation and highlights the power of community support through organizations like the Centre for Youth Development and Activities.
Please join us as we take you through the inspiring journey of Shivaji— a story of how he rose above rejection, discrimination and hardship to build a life of dignity and success.
Early years: A Journey of fear and courage
Growing up in a conservative neighborhood, Shivaji always knew he was different. But difference, instead of being celebrated, often made him a target. Even though he stayed calm and tried to avoid trouble, his neighbors and others in the community often mentally harassed him. His identity became a reason for exclusion, making simple tasks — like walking down the street or securing employment — filled with worry and criticism.
For many years, Shivaji worked under others, quietly facing emotional and mental struggles every day. The workplace, which should have been a place to grow and feel valued, turned into a place of pain and stress. Shivaji often went home feeling broken and helpless. Finally, he reached a point where he knew he could not keep living like this. He realized that to live with self-respect, he needed to take control of his life and stop working for people who did not value him. He understood that the only way to truly be free and maintain his dignity was to work for himself. But starting his own business came with a new set of problems.
Facing prejudice while pursuing passion
Shivaji had a deep-rooted passion for flowers and dreamed of creating a business around it — not just as a means of survival, but as a way to build something beautiful and independent. However, when he attempted to set up a flower stall, he encountered strong opposition from the community. People refused to rent him space, not because of business concerns, but because of who he was. Despite having the drive and skills, systemic discrimination created invisible barriers. It was at this crucial stage that hope arrived in the form of a mentor and an organization committed to inclusion.
Empowering through opportunity
A turning point came when Shivaji met Mr. Gajanan, a CYDA staff member in Nanded, who introduced him to the organization — an organization known for working with marginalized youth. CYDA was conducting entrepreneurial training camps specifically aimed at empowering individuals like Shivaji who had the will but lacked access. For Shivaji, the camp was transformative. It was not just about learning business fundamentals like inventory management, customer service, or budgeting — it was about being in a space where he felt seen, heard, and respected for who he was. For the first time, he was not just surviving — he was being equipped to thrive.
CYDA did not stop at training. They provided Shivaji with a grant of Rs.10,000/-, which he purchased fresh inventory and enhanced his stall’s appeal. This seed funding helped turn his fragile dream into a viable business.
The blooming business
With renewed confidence and better management skills, Shivaji began expanding his flower offerings, listening to customer feedback, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere at his stall. His dedication bore fruit — quite literally. His income, which initially stayed around Rs.35,000/- to Rs.40,000/- per month, steadily increased to nearly Rs.50,000/-. Beyond numbers, what Shivaji gained was dignity. He no longer had to hide or apologize for who he was. He had become a respected entrepreneur, and his stall, a symbol of self-reliance and beauty amongst the harshness of prejudice.
Today, he shares a powerful message with the world: “No work is small or inferior. Every job deserves respect.” In a society that often judges by labels and appearances, Shivaji urges everyone to look beyond — to see the human, the heart, and the hard work.
