Prites Kamble, Head Inclusion Unit, CYDA
“For the first time in my life, I feel independent and respected,” says Chand, a young gay man who spent years facing rejection, loneliness, and poverty. His life was shaped by the triple challenge of being queer, orphaned, and poor. Like many LGBTQIA+ individuals without family support, he struggled to access education, jobs, or even daily respect. Chand’s journey began to transform after he received structured support through the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), in collaboration with Intel.
Challenges
Chand grew up without a family. To survive, he moved between towns in Kerala and Maharashtra, doing whatever work he could find. Some days, he had no food. Many nights, he had no roof over his head. “I had stopped expecting anything from life, people like me are used to rejection”, he says.
He once tried to start a business selling mobile accessories. He bought items in Mumbai and took them to Kerala, hoping to make a profit. But he lacked basic skills like budgeting, planning, marketing and pricing. Instead of earning money, he lost ₹8,000. It was a painful experience for him.
But one day, while walking through a market in Kozhikode, Chand noticed people selling the same products he once tried to sell. They seemed confident and were making profits. That moment stayed with him. “If they can do it, why can’t I?” he thought.
Steps Towards Stability
While staying with friends from the LGBTQIA+ community in Kannur, Chand heard about CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP). It was a turning point for him. Through the EDP training, he learned how to manage money, maintain records, choose the right location, handle risks, and understand customer needs. The facilitator of the EDP shared real stories of young entrepreneurs who successfully built small businesses using the right approach. This experience gave him the confidence to try again and instilled a sense of hope in him.
After completing his training, he received a grant of ₹10,000. Chand returned to Mumbai and, by adding his savings, purchased products that were in high demand. He then opened a stall in the Sunday market of Kannur, where he sold mobile accessories.
When Identity Becomes Strength
Chand’s stall became a source of income and self-respect. He started supplying goods to nearby towns and expanded to other markets. His business grew steadily. Previously, he earned only ₹500 a week. Now, he saves ₹500 a day and feels financially secure and emotionally strong. Chand now motivates others in his community. He shares his experience and encourages them to believe in their potential. His journey shows how targeted support and training can change a person’s future-especially for those who often get ignored by society.
