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Soon, dignity for transgenders
M T Saju, TNN Jun 27, 2012, 05.31AM IST
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-27/madurai/32440832_1_transgenders-goats-animal-husbandry (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-27/madurai/32440832_1_transgenders-goats-animal-husbandry)
MADURAI: Sumati has been clapping to get attention of shopkeepers to make ends meet for almost three decades. If everything works well, this transgender will stop begging soon. She would rather use her hands for rearing goats. "Self-employment through animal husbandry", a project by the Veterinary University Training and Research Centre (VUTRC) here has brought in light to struggling transgenders like Sumati in Madurai. At least 25 transgenders from the city participated in the workshop, which is the first of its kind in the state where transgenders are being encouraged to take up animal husbandry as a self-employment option. "They prefer turkey farming and goat rearing, as these are not very expensive. If one can spend an initial investment of Rs 10,000, one can earn a profit of Rs 1,500 per month," said Pannai Muruganandan, professor and head of VUTRC.
I enjoyed the story. I have never had to study and save just so I can buy or lease a pair of goats or a couple of turkeys, but I am reminded that we all have to start where we are to get where we are going... one goat at a time!
It is crazy how Hijras truly are locked into their castes..I want to go to India so badly.