Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, highlights the transformative power of initiatives that empower the LGBTQIA+ community through a business training program. This impactful program, supported by United Way Hyderabad, plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with essential skills and also provides them with the tools to break through barriers and build financial independence.
Amir’s life story is about overcoming barriers through determination while staying true to themselves. CYDA played a key role in Amir’s transformation and has also become an inspiration for many others within the LGBTQIA+ community seeking a way forward.
Before Amir became a successful entrepreneur, his life followed a much different path. After completing his 12th grade in Science, Amir took a job with the Pune Municipal Corporation. Although he held a stable position, the job failed to provide the financial stability necessary for a better future. The routine, though respectable, was insufficient to bring Amir the kind of fulfilment they desired, both personally and financially.
Amir’s determination to live life on his own terms began when he took a leap of faith—entering the world of entrepreneurship by opening a vegetable stand. In a society where he already faced mockery and rejection for his gender identity, starting a business brought its own challenges. The stall, while offering hope, also symbolized the uncertainty of beginning from scratch. The first days were difficult- Amir struggled to attract customers, and within just 10-15 days, they had to shut down due to heavy financial losses.
The Turning Point: A Chance Encounter with CYDA
As Amir worked tirelessly to keep their business moving, a fellow community member introduced him to CYDA’s business training program. CYDA’s program provided Amir with crucial knowledge on financial management, including budgeting, saving, and effectively managing business expenses. These practical skills helped Amir sharpen his approach, ensuring that their spending never exceeded his earnings. With this newfound financial discipline, his business began to show signs of sustainable growth. The training empowered Amir to navigate the challenges of running a small business with confidence.
Rising Above: From Struggles to Success
The road to entrepreneurship was never easy, but where others saw failure, Amir saw an opportunity to rise again. With the support of CYDA, he secured a grant of Rs. 10K, which allowed him to purchase fresh, high-quality vegetables for his stall. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, he gathered more funds and relaunched their vegetable stall.
The variety of produce improved, and the quality attracted more customers as well. Amir’s daily earnings, which had initially ranged between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500, soon doubled to Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000. Slowly but steadily, he began to grow their business, one customer at a time. The boost in earnings improved his financial situation and gave him the hope and confidence to continue growing. Hope that no matter how hard the journey was, he could achieve his dreams. And those dreams did not stop with the vegetable stall. Today, Amir is in the process of purchasing a flat in Alandi, a result of his years of hard work and relentless determination.
The journey taught Amir many lessons. It was not just his entrepreneurial spirit that kept him going; it was the support of his community that believed in him. Their regular customers and neighbors, who had seen Amir’s journey from the start, supported him not only through business but also with emotional encouragement.
Empowering Others in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Amir’s journey, along with personal success, is also about paving the way for others in the LGBTQIA+ community to follow their dreams. Despite facing mockery for their mannerisms and gestures, he never allowed society’s negativity to define his worth. His journey is a powerful reminder that even when the world seems unwelcoming, community support and financial literacy can unlock doors to a brighter future.
“Don’t give up,” says Amir, encouraging others-especially those from the transgender community- to take advantage of programs like CYDA. “While family support may have its limits, free programs like these can provide the resources and guidance needed to build a successful future.”
Amir strongly believes that the proper knowledge and the support of organizations like CYDA can make all the difference in transforming lives. For those who feel stuck or marginalized, Amir stands as an inspiration, showing that no obstacle is impossible when one has the courage to keep moving forward.
