The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for rural India, bringing economic hardship, widespread job losses, and intensified social discrimination. Among the most vulnerable were women and transgender individuals, who faced exacerbated barriers to socio-economic stability.
In response, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham was entrusted on April 1, 2022, with the implementation of the Government of India’s SANKALP Project (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion). This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the World Bank, aimed to uplift marginalized communities through skill training and socio-economic development.
Under SANKALP, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham provided vocational training and certification to 4,500 individuals across six states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The project particularly focused on empowering women Self-Help Group (SHG) members and transgender individuals by:
The training encompassed a wide range of job roles, including organic farming, mushroom cultivation, seaweed cultivation, tailoring, hand embroidery, beauty therapy, general duty assistance, and beekeeping. Participants received official MSDE certification and mentorship on forming collective enterprises to enhance their livelihoods.
The transgender community in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, faced unique challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, 60 resilient individuals participated in vocational training courses under SANKALP.
Through Self-Employed Tailoring and Advanced Beauty Therapy programs, participants acquired valuable skills and earned certifications validating their expertise. Their involvement extended beyond training as they showcased their talents at expos and beauty contests, bolstering their confidence and self-esteem.
Armed with newfound skills, many transgender individuals have established small businesses and are contributing to their economic empowerment. Remarkably, some have become mentors within their community, sharing their knowledge and inspiring entrepreneurial aspirations among their peers. Their enthusiasm for continuous learning is evident, with several expressing interest in becoming master trainers and professionals in their respective fields.
Of the 60 beneficiaries, 34 individuals pursued the beautician and tailoring courses, aspiring to become freelance makeup artists, fashion designers, and owners of beauty parlors.
In September 2023, the Coordinator of the transgender group, Ms. Piya Kapoor, visited Amritapuri along with one of the best student representatives from the tailoring course. During the visit, discussions focused on addressing community-specific issues and envisioning an ideal community model for transgender individuals. They also visited Amrita’s Boutique and participated in a quality workshop, further enhancing their skills and knowledge.
The SANKALP project exemplifies Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s commitment to fostering inclusive development by addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. By equipping transgender individuals with skills, certifications, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, the project not only empowers them economically but also promotes social acceptance and dignity. This journey of resilience, empowerment, and determination stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and skill development.
“My name is Piya Kapoor, and I am a trans woman. Before I joined the community, I had a difficult story to tell. When I was 7 years old, I was raped, and that sexual abuse happened multiple times throughout my childhood. I faced a lot of stigma and discrimination. I barely managed to complete school up to the 10th grade. I completed my 12th grade and BA through Delhi University’s open learning program.
From the beginning, I had a strong desire to become a fashion designer and work in that field, and I was also interested in modeling. In 2006, I joined NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), but due to discrimination, I had to leave during the 3rd semester. After that, I joined a corporate job in an inbound process, but I faced many problems there as well. In 2011, I joined an NGO and worked as a manager in a community-based organization focused on HIV/AIDS programs. I worked there for 13 years.
Later, a skill-building program started through the Amrita Vishwa Vidya Peetham’s Avsar Sankalp program, where I enrolled in a tailoring course and completed it. Being part of this course gave me the confidence in becoming a fashion designer and to open my own center, which is now about to happen. I am grateful to Amma for this opportunity and also to Dr.Bhavani”
On May 4, 2023, as part of the VIDYUT 2023 Multifest at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri Campus, the Social Forum and the Department of Social Work hosted a groundbreaking event to raise awareness about transgender issues. The Civil20 Working Group on Gender Equality presented “Transcending Conversations,” a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring prominent voices from the transgender community and advocates for equality.
Esteemed speakers included Dr. Sandeep from AIMS, Adv. Padma Lekshmi, Kerala’s first transgender lawyer, K. Prithika Yashini, India’s first transgender police officer, Akkai Padmashali, a renowned human rights activist, and Dr. Bhavani Rao, Dean of ASSBS. This impactful session highlighted the challenges faced by transgender individuals and emphasized pathways toward inclusion and empowerment. For more details, visit the event photos and the Social Sciences Department activities page. Read More »
