Kudumbashree - Success Story of Nataraja Kalasamithi

Social inclusion and universal reach have been the important strategies that Kudumbashree Mission has stressed upon since its inception.  As a result of Kudumbashree Mission’s interventions, many micro enterprises were formed by transgenders in different districts of the state.  Nataraja Kalasamithi is a unique micro enterprise among the list of micro enterprises started by transgenders. Nataraja Kalasamithi is Kudumbashree Mission's first transgender dance group formed at Ernakulam district of Kerala under Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission during November 2018. The group is performing cinematic dance, epic dance dramas and bale. The Nataraja Kalasamithi was formed by 5 transgenders hailing from Ernakulam district of Kerala.

Evolution of Nataraja Kalasamithi

The members of Nataraja Kalasamithi group include Amrutha, Saya, Faizal Faizu, Mereena and Shalu. Amrutha and Mereena are the President and Secretary of the group. Almost all the members of the group are trans-women. They were living in Ernakulam for the past five years and had tried so many ways to get some job but nobody responded and finally they went to the Kudumbashree Ernakulam District office seeking help. And later they joined Kudumbashree and formed a transgender NHG group named Lakshya. The NHG meets during evenings of every Sundays and have started accumulating their thrift. On consulting with Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission they realized that there is a project for them named Prathyasha which provide assistance to start a business.

When they seriously thought of a livelihood initiative, they put forward the proposal to start a dance troupe. Recognizing their talent, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District mission also agreed to support them in this venture. The District Mission provided financial support to procure the stage properties. They consulted Ernakulam District Mission co-coordinator and ensured that they will get as many chances for performance. Now they are performing cinematic dance, epic dance dramas and bale. There are another 12 transgender artists cooperating with the troupe as per need.  Now they are getting more and more stages after each performance. Besides the stages, they perform various art forms in processions of temples, churches and other organizations. They are also getting opportunities to perform for commercial advertisements as well. They also became part of Rangashree, the community theater group of Kudumbashree Mission working to explore the ideas of Kudumbashree towards the community which allocate the members towards the different programs of LSGDs in the district.

They are also running a juice corner named Lakshya Fruits and Juice Corner, the Kudumbashree Micro enterprise unit situated at the Ernakulam Collectorate premises at Kakkanad. Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission started this micro enterprise associating with the Ernakulam District Administration. Kudumbashree Mission who has fully sponsored this juice stall has already given Rs 80,000 as financial assistance. Amrutha is making a monthly income of Rs 12,000 from this micro enterprise unit.

Kudumbashree had brought in notable interventions in the lives of transgender community through the launch of transgender NHGs. They never thought that they will have a social life as other man and women normally live.  But the support from Kudumbashree Mission not only changed their life, but their outlook towards the society. The intervention of Kudumbashree Mission brought as many trans-genders like Amrutha, Mareena and their team to the main stream of the society. Kudumbashree Mission provided support to them to earn a decent livelihood. For this   enterprises in line with their ability and aptitude were set up. On the other hand, the solidarity and social support of Kudumbashree community based organisations evidently lend a hand to remove the social stigma associated with the life of trans-women. 

Through such interventions, Kudumbashree Mission is bringing the transgender community from the state of outcast to the accepted and help them build a better life of their own where they can live with much pride, confidence and respect.