How a transgender woman is uplifting communities and supporting street children

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Amrapali Mohite’s life has been a tale of survival and resistance against the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination. Born into a poor family, Amrapali faced multiple layers of challenges from an early age. “मी स्वतःला एक विशेष स्त्री समजते. विशेष स्त्री म्हणजे जन्मत: मी स्त्री नसतानाही निसर्गाशी लढून, कुटुंबाशी लढून, समाजाशी लढून, कधीकधी स्वतःशी लढून, संघर्षातून बनलेली मी एक स्त्री आहे,” she proudly states. (“I consider myself a special woman. A special woman means that despite not being born a woman, by fighting with nature, with family, with society, and sometimes with myself, I am a woman made through struggles.”)

Growing up in a society that stigmatized her transgender identity, Amrapali often found herself isolated. “My childhood was filled with loneliness and hardship,” she shares with ImpactStories.in. “I remember watching other children enjoy milk and chocolates while I went hungry, relying on leftovers from other homes.”

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Early Life and Challenges

Amrapali’s journey took a dramatic turn when her father passed away while she was in the fourth grade. Left with her mother and two sisters, they found themselves in dire straits. "My father’s death left us in a precarious situation. My mother had to shoulder all responsibilities, both at home and financially," she recounts. Despite this, Amrapali’s spirit remained unbroken. Her mother’s struggles were immense, but they became a source of inspiration for Amrapali.

At school, she was often ostracized because of her transgender identity. "I realized if I have to change the situation, I will need to get educated," she reflects. Her path was fraught with challenges, but Amrapali’s determination saw her through high school. The obstacles included not only the lack of financial resources but also the emotional toll of enduring societal scorn. Amrapali worked at a dog shelter to earn ₹500, which she used to pay her 10th-grade board exam fees. Her hard work paid off as she passed her exams with commendable marks.

Overcoming Workplace Discrimination

After school, Amrapali took on a job as a tele-caller. Initially, it seemed like a solution to her financial woes, providing ₹3,500 a month. However, workplace discrimination became a new challenge. "I thought this mentality was only present in slums, but I was wrong," she says. During a train journey from Pune to Bandipur with her colleagues, a hurtful comment about her transgender identity made her realize that prejudice was pervasive, even among educated individuals. This revelation led her to quit her job, falling into a deep depression that culminated in two suicide attempts. "Life is never meant to be easy, but it's what you make out of it that counts." quotes Amrapali.

"एखाद्या स्त्रीचा परत जन्म होतो जेव्हा ती आई बनते. माझ्यामध्ये जी आई होती, तिचा पण जन्म झाला.," Amrapali quotes. "A woman is reborn when she becomes a mother. The mother within me was also born." For Amrapali, this rebirth was not about biological motherhood but about embracing her role as a caregiver and advocate for those whom society had forgotten. Her journey was not just about overcoming personal adversity but about transforming her pain into purpose.

"Life is never meant to be easy, but it's what you make out of it that counts." - Amrapali Mohite

The Birth of Amrapali and Savali Social Foundation

In the midst of her struggle, Amrapali found solace in the idea of giving back. Nine years ago, she began her work, officially registering the Savali Social Foundation in 2022. Her vision was clear: “For kids who beg on traffic signals, education is the only solution”. The foundation started with running six footpath schools, aiming to provide these children with the education they desperately needed. By paying the school fees for 137 students, the foundation has kept them from dropping out, offering them a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

Her transformation into "Sapta-rangi aai" symbolizes her role as a mother figure to many in the community. This nickname, meaning "Mother of Seven Colors," reflects her vibrant and inclusive approach to social work.

Empowering the Marginalized

Amrapali’s impact goes beyond just education. Her foundation has been instrumental in helping 196 individuals start small businesses like tea stalls, snack centers, and fruit and vegetable stalls. This initiative has empowered many to become self-sufficient. "Right to live as human, don’t treat me special. Normal life is what I expect," she asserts.

Her efforts also include conducting menstrual hygiene sessions and sanitary pad drives for women living on footpaths. These initiatives aim to address basic health and hygiene needs, which are often neglected in marginalized communities. Additionally, Amrapali has sponsored the education of children of prostitutes, providing them with opportunities they would otherwise lack.

Her foundation’s daily milk distribution program ensures that no child in slums goes without milk—a basic necessity that she herself was deprived of as a child. The program distributes 50 liters of milk daily to children in need, ensuring that they receive proper nutrition.

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Success Stories

Amrapali’s work has led to numerous success stories:

• Shabana: Once a beggar, she now runs a successful snack center, providing for herself and her family.
• Arya: Hailing from a poor family and on the verge of dropping out, Arya is now on track to become a science graduate, a testament to the power of education.
• Tabassum: Previously living on the footpath, she is nearing the completion of her nursing course, transforming her life through education and support.

Despite the accolades and recognition, including more than 350 awards such as Zee 24 Taas Ananya Gaurav Saman and Adarsh Mata 2023, Amrapali faces significant challenges. Her current needs include ₹64,000 for basic infrastructure improvements, ₹35,000 for wiring, and ₹23,000 for painting, with a total of ₹2.5 lakhs required for overall enhancements, including a new computer setup for the community center. These challenges are significant, but Amrapali remains determined to overcome them.

Amrapali’s vision extends beyond immediate relief. She dreams of establishing community centers for education and medical treatment. "I want to help people come out of poverty, begging, and also help them with basic needs," she states. Her immediate goal is to improve her existing community center to better serve those in need. This vision reflects her commitment to creating lasting change and improving the lives of those around her.

Amrapali Mohite’s journey from a marginalized individual facing severe hardships to becoming a leader of change through the Savali Social Foundation showcases her resilience and commitment to transforming lives. Her story is one of courage, marked by personal trials and triumphs. Her foundation’s efforts have made significant strides in education, empowerment, and social welfare, but she continues to face challenges that require ongoing support.