By Pritesh Kamble, Head – Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Nikhil Babarrao Jondhale resides in Nanded and is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. His journey is one of resilience, survival, and self-belief. From a young age, Nikhil saw his mother sell vegetables by the roadside. What looked like a small stall to others was actually the family’s primary source of survival. Watching his mother’s dedication, he learned the value of hard work. After finishing school, he decided to carry forward the same work to support his family.
But his path was not easy. Along with the daily challenges of earning a living, he also faced rejection due to his identity. Many people mocked him, avoided talking to him or chose not to buy vegetables from his stall. These moments left him feeling hurt and isolated. “People don’t always accept us. They talk behind our backs, laugh at us, and avoid buying vegetables from us just because of who we are. Sometimes they even say hurtful words,” Nikhil shares.
On some days, his earnings were so low that even managing basic meals was a struggle. Yet he never gave up. Every morning, he woke up early and went to the market for fresh vegetables. He set up his stall neatly and tried to serve customers with respect. Still without guidance or support, growth seemed far away.
Change came when Gajanan Dhere introduced him to CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), supported by Intel. Nikhil attended training sessions where he learned about planning a business, serving customers more effectively, managing finances, and handling inventory. Along with training, he received a grant of Rs 10,000. With this, Nikhil expanded his stall and began selling a wider variety of vegetables, especially leafy greens. Soon, his income increased from about Rs 1,000 a day to nearly Rs 1,500. For the first time, he felt financially secure.
For Nikhil, this growth is about more than money. It is about self-respect and being valued for one’s work. The training session helped him accept himself, and he also met like-minded people. Gradually, people in the community began to recognize his honesty and dedication. Though prejudice has not entirely disappeared but customers now appreciate his effort instead of judging his identity. Nikhil’s journey demonstrates that small opportunities can lead to significant changes. With the proper support, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community can overcome barriers and live with dignity.
