Pritesh Kamble
Dreams are what keep us moving forward, even in the face of challenges. For transgender individuals, achieving those dreams often comes with extra hurdles. I am Supriya Devidas Gandapawad, a proud transgender individual from Nanded, and this is my journey of resilience, determination, and the invaluable support I received from CYDA.
Since childhood, I have aspired to establish my identity in society and serve people in an impactful way. With a strong academic background, having completed my B.Com degree, I set my sights on joining the police force. I believed that being part of law enforcement would not only give me a stable career but also allow me to contribute to society by upholding justice and equality.
With unwavering dedication, I embarked on my police recruitment training. For three months, I underwent rigorous physical and mental preparation, determined to clear every hurdle and secure a position in the force. However, just when I was ready to apply, I faced an unexpected and heartbreaking setback—I could not submit my application without a transgender certificate. This news was devastating, as it meant that despite all my hard work, I was not even eligible to compete.
Determined to overcome this obstacle, I made several attempts to obtain a TG (Transgender) card. However, due to bureaucratic delays and administrative hurdles, my efforts were met with disappointment. I felt stuck, unable to move forward with my dream simply because I lacked an official document that validated my identity.
Then, in January 2025, I learned about a special camp organized by CYDA in Pune to assist transgender individuals in acquiring their identity documents. Seeing this as my last chance, I immediately reached out to CYDA and decided to try once more. The support I received from CYDA was extraordinary. Their team guided me through the entire process, ensuring that I had all the necessary documents and assisting me in navigating the complexities of the Social Welfare Office. With their help, I was finally able to obtain my TG certificate.
The moment I held my TG card in my hands was one of the happiest of my life. It was more than just an identity document it was a symbol of my recognition in society and a key that unlocked the doors to my future. With this certificate, I could finally move forward with my police recruitment application and continue pursuing my dream.
Now, with renewed enthusiasm and confidence, I have resumed my preparation for the police recruitment process. This time, I do so knowing that no bureaucratic hurdle can hold me back. I owe a great deal of gratitude to CYDA, not just for helping me obtain my identity certificate but also for giving me hope and direction when I felt lost.
To all transgender individuals facing similar struggles, I want to say: never give up on your dreams. Challenges may come, but with determination and the right support, you can overcome them. CYDA has been a pillar of strength in my journey, and I will always be grateful for their assistance. I hope my story inspires others to keep fighting for their rights and to never stop believing in themselves. ( The Author is the Director, RainbowRoots Foundation)
