By Pritesh Kamble, Head Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Dnyaneshwar Dongave lives in Bhavsar Chowk, Nanded, with his wife and two children. He is originally from Hingoli district and works as a vegetable vendor. He is a bisexual man who believes in living with dignity and providing for his family.
In 2019, Dnyaneshwar faced a challenging period. He had no steady income and had to take care of a family of four. Finding jobs was difficult as his sexual identity brought stigma and questions. People often ask, “Why do you behave this way even though you are married?” These words hurt him deeply. He felt judged and isolated but refused to give up. To support his family, he decided to sell vegetables. Every day, he woke up early, went to wholesale markets, carried heavy loads, and stood at his stall. Although customers judged him but he chose to stay strong.
Change began when he came across CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program for marginalized communities. The training gave him new skills and, more importantly, acceptance. For the first time, he felt respected for who he truly was. The program taught him how to manage cash flow, interact with customers, and increase profits through better product choices. It also gave him confidence as both an entrepreneur and an individual.
CYDA also supported him with a grant of Rs. 10,000/-. This amount helped him expand his stall. He started adding seasonal vegetables and leafy greens, which brought better profits. He enhanced the appearance of his stall and implemented straightforward pricing strategies.The results were visible within weeks. His sales grew and his daily income became steady at around Rs. 500 to Rs. 800. With this income, he could pay school fees, manage household expenses, and secure a better life for his family.
For Dnyaneshwar, the support from CYDA was more than financial aid. It was a belief in his strength and identity. He says proudly, “CYDA’s Rs. 10,000/- grant was not just money-it was belief in me.”
Today, Dnyaneshwar feels stronger and more accepted. He dreams of expanding his stall and training other youth in entrepreneurship. His journey shows that with courage and the right support, identity is never a barrier. Instead, it can be a source of pride and success.
