By Pritesh Kamble, Head of Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Prashant Bhokare, a young bisexual entrepreneur from Nanded, Maharashtra, grew up in a farming family. Along with his wife, son, and daughter, he depended on a small piece of farmland where he cultivated vegetables. To supplement his earnings he also ran a small vegetable vending business in the city. Farming taught him patience, resilience, and the dignity of labor but sustaining his household with limited means was a constant struggle.
Prashant’s personal journey was layered with both social and financial hurdles. Growing up bisexual in a conservative setting he faced a lack of acceptance which left him feeling isolated and hesitant to seek support. Professionally, he lacked stability and resources. With no permanent stall, he often sold vegetables on the roadside which limited his reach and customer base. Insufficient funds meant he could not invest in proper storage, transport, or display materials. As a result, he struggled to build regular customers and earned only Rs3,000– Rs 4,000 a month-barely enough for family needs. Financial strain, combined with social invisibility, placed him in a vulnerable position.
Roots of Identity – Prashant’s Journey from soil to self
By Pritesh Kamble, Head of Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Prashant Bhokare, a young bisexual entrepreneur from Nanded, Maharashtra, grew up in a farming family. Along with his wife, son, and daughter, he depended on a small piece of farmland where he cultivated vegetables. To supplement his earnings he also ran a small vegetable vending business in the city. Farming taught him patience, resilience, and the dignity of labor but sustaining his household with limited means was a constant struggle.
Prashant’s personal journey was layered with both social and financial hurdles. Growing up bisexual in a conservative setting he faced a lack of acceptance which left him feeling isolated and hesitant to seek support. Professionally, he lacked stability and resources. With no permanent stall, he often sold vegetables on the roadside which limited his reach and customer base. Insufficient funds meant he could not invest in proper storage, transport, or display materials. As a result, he struggled to build regular customers and earned only Rs3,000– Rs 4,000 a month-barely enough for family needs. Financial strain, combined with social invisibility, placed him in a vulnerable position.
It was during this challenging phase that Prashant was introduced to CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), supported by Intel. The program became a turning point. Through structured training, he gained practical skills in accounting, inventory management, customer service, and branding-all relevant to his business. In addition to training, he received a grant of Rs10,000. He invested it in baskets, clean covers, and reliable transport to source fresh vegetables daily. The improvements gave his stall a professional look, attracting more customers and boosting sales. Reflecting on the experience, Prashant shared, “The CYDA team did not treat us differently; in fact, we felt respected and treated equally. This was the best part. More importantly, the program gave him the confidence to embrace his identity. “For the longest time, I felt like I had to hide who I am. But this training and the people I met there made me feel like I belong” he mentioned.
The impact was transformative. Gradually, Prashant’s daily income rose to Rs 2,000–Rs 2,500, a leap from his earlier monthly earnings. He now manages accounts, tracks sales, and plans better to meet customer demand. With financial stability, his family life has improved, and his confidence as an entrepreneur has grown.
Equally, the program gave him the courage to express his bisexual identity openly. Meeting others from the LGBTQIA+ community strengthened his sense of belonging. Today, his identity is not confined to being a farmer. He has emerged as an entrepreneur, a leader. Sharing his message with others, Prashant says, “To everyone from the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those in small towns-do not wait for approval from others. Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in yourself.”
It was during this challenging phase that Prashant was introduced to CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), supported by Intel. The program became a turning point. Through structured training, he gained practical skills in accounting, inventory management, customer service, and branding-all relevant to his business. In addition to training, he received a grant of Rs10,000. He invested it in baskets, clean covers, and reliable transport to source fresh vegetables daily. The improvements gave his stall a professional look, attracting more customers and boosting sales. Reflecting on the experience, Prashant shared, “The CYDA team did not treat us differently; in fact, we felt respected and treated equally. This was the best part. More importantly, the program gave him the confidence to embrace his identity. “For the longest time, I felt like I had to hide who I am. But this training and the people I met there made me feel like I belong” he mentioned.
The impact was transformative. Gradually, Prashant’s daily income rose to Rs 2,000–Rs 2,500, a leap from his earlier monthly earnings. He now manages accounts, tracks sales, and plans better to meet customer demand. With financial stability, his family life has improved, and his confidence as an entrepreneur has grown.
Equally, the program gave him the courage to express his bisexual identity openly. Meeting others from the LGBTQIA+ community strengthened his sense of belonging. Today, his identity is not confined to being a farmer. He has emerged as an entrepreneur, a leader. Sharing his message with others, Prashant says, “To everyone from the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those in small towns-do not wait for approval from others. Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in yourself.”
