By Jeyaganesh K, Apoorva S and Priya Babu
Vrutti has been working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community for over a year, implementing the Vaagai Project to foster sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship. Supported by Ford Motor Company and in collaboration with Born2Win Social Welfare Trust and Vidivelli Thirunangaigal Nalavazhvu Sangam (VTNS), this initiative has empowered transgender individuals in Thiruvallur to establish their own businesses. At the heart of this transformation is Shanthi, the President of VTNS, whose relentless dedication has been instrumental in shaping the project’s success, leading to the establishment of 13 enterprises in Thiruvallur.
Shanthi’s journey is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to her community. Born and raised in Chennai, she pursued a Diploma in Civil Engineering, but her true calling lay elsewhere. Struggling with her identity, she left home with countless questions and an unshakable determination to embrace her true self. As she found solace and strength in the transgender community, she took on the role of a senior transgender leader, providing shelter to fellow trans individuals and guiding them through their own struggles.
In 2008, she joined the community-based organization (CBO) that would become her platform for advocacy and change. By 2012, she had secured a position on the board, and in 2018, she assumed the role of President. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the transgender community in Thiruvallur has access to basic amenities, support, and opportunities for economic independence. Her dream is to see every transgender person in the district become an entrepreneur, building a self-sufficient and empowered community.
Shanthi’s leadership extends beyond VTNS. She serves as the Secretary of the Vidivelli Starlight Rotary Club—India’s first Transgender Rotary Club—making history in representation and leadership. Additionally, she plays a key role in the Trans Community Livelihood Grant Approval Committee, working to create sustainable economic opportunities for her community. Her contributions have been widely recognized, and she was honored with the Mathipuguriya Mangai (Respectable Women) Award by Makelchi Arakattalai for her unwavering commitment to empowerment and change.
Recently, Shanthi represented her community at the YESummit, organized by the Youth Aid Foundation at Christ College, Kengeri Campus, from February 20-22, 2025. Through the Vaagai Project, she participated in the business pitch event, showcasing the remarkable skills of transgender tailors and their potential for mass production. Her compelling presentation emphasized the importance of inclusive business opportunities and the untapped potential within the transgender community. Her team’s pitch won first place, earning a ₹25,000 prize, further validating their vision for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Shanthi’s journey is far from over. Her aspirations stretch beyond individual successes—she envisions a future where every transgender person in Thiruvallur and beyond is empowered to build a dignified and independent life. Through her leadership, perseverance, and vision, she is shaping a world where transgender individuals are recognized, celebrated, and given the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
(The authors are part of Catalyst Group, Vrutti, Bengaluru
This Post Has 3 Comments
Thank you so much. Catalyst group and vrutti team
Awesome really proud of my mom and I m a part of Vrutti vaagai project
Very inspiring story. Leaders like Shanti are strength to every marginalized community. Congrats to Vrutti on tye work with the community, keeping them at the center.