By C V Joseph –
Bengaluru: Don Bosco Church, Lingarajapuram, Bangalore in association with Rotary Bangalore, Kalyan, HUG Foundation and Roti Express organized a ‘day of visibility’ to empower the marginalized transgenders at a function held here on January 30.
After the lighting of the lamp, the organisers began felicitating five entrepreneurs who as transgenders had achieved a lot despite their social status and have reached heights in various areas of business and stand tall in the society.
Speaking on the occasion the entrepreneurs thanked the organisers and were appreciative of the initiative taken by Don Bosco Church, Lingarajapuram in order to bring them to the forefront. They spoke of how motivated they remained in spite of the many hardships they had to face from home, school, society, police and other miscreants. In spite of all those odds they were motivated by their own friends who had brought them this far.
Felicitating the entrepreneurs, the organisers encouraged all the other participants not to get deterred but to remain strong to face challenges and to overcome the hardships knowing that there is a ray of hope in everyone’s life. During the felicitation, Fr Aloyius Santiago, Parish Priest, Don Bosch Church, presented them with a thermostat flask each which was gifted by Rotary Bangalore Kalyan.
Earlier, the programme began with a prayer song by Praful Devika and a prayer by Fr. Aloysius SDB. The August gathering of over 60 transgenders was recalled during the present programme. Rtn. Valarie George, president Rotary Bangalore, Kalyan and Amelie played an active role in that programme.
All the participants were given a take away gift of hand towel, face towel, washing soap, bath soap, hair band and a clip sponsored by Roti Expess and Anish Ratnam.
Grocery kits sponsored by one of their benefactors who wishes to remain anonymous.
All were given a sumptuous meal with a Gulab Jamoon sponsored by Madhumita of HUG Foundation.
Fr Santiago thanked all who played different roles in organising the programme. Some of those helped include Fr. Arun, Amelie, Jayaceeli, Clinton, Nancy, Ashitha Carmel, Maria Bosco, Jerry Majella, Maria Jerry, Christopher and Joseph Murthy.