By Pritesh Kamble, Head of Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Maroti Babarav Dikale, a bisexual man, lives in Loha block, Nanded. Since childhood, he has faced rejection because of his identity. People teased him for his looks and mannerisms, and children refused to play with him. As he grew older, the mocking turned into harsh insults and abuse. Home was the only place where he felt safe. His mother, a tailor, was his biggest support. He watched her sew clothes every day and slowly began helping her. Tailoring became both a skill and a source of comfort for him.
Maroti dreamed of starting his own tailoring shop, but society made it difficult. People ridiculed him and spread false stories. Many avoided giving him work. Though it was painful, he did not give up. He kept stitching clothes and holding on to his dream.
His life changed when his friend Gajanan introduced him to CYDA. Through their Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), supported by Intel, he attended training where he learned how to manage a small business and understood the intricacies of starting one. He gained knowledge about branding, packaging, publicity, and handling accounts. More than the training, what mattered to him was the respect he received. For the first time, he was in a space where people encouraged him instead of insulting him.
He also received a seed fund of Rs. 10,000. With this, Maroti bought a Pico Fall Machine, which improved his tailoring work. He could finish clothes neatly and deliver them faster. Customers began trusting him more, and his income increased by Rs. 2,000-3,000 every month. This gave him stability and confidence.
Today, Maroti lives with his mother, wife, and two sons. His tailoring shop supports the family. He works hard and feels proud that his skill brings respect. He says his life is no longer only about survival-now he can plan for the future, and this has changed his perspective on life. Maroti says:
“We should not waste time worrying about what society thinks. We must focus on ourselves and our goals. An organization like CYDA working for people like us is a blessing. Knowing that someone stands with us gives us strength and hope.”
His story shows the difference that support can make. A small push, the right guidance, and respect changed his life. Tailoring gave him not only income but also dignity. Maroti still faces challenges but now he is not afraid. He walks with confidence and knows he is more than the insults he once heard. He is a father, a son, a husband, and a skilled tailor. His journey is a reminder that every person deserves respect. With the right support, struggles can turn into strength.
