It wasn’t easy, but they tasted success

S Vishnu Sharma, INN/Chennai, @Svs037

Who said it would be easy to be successful, that is why victory only enmeshes those who fight till the end. This turned true for Diya and Mirthulla. Getting educated in a top educational institution was their dream for the two transgenders. 

Doing something meaningful in their lives was what they aspired after education. But that was not easy, determination was strong in them and their desire for education in a reputed institution was fulfilled. Both of them got a seat in Loyola College. 

While Mirthulla got admitted in Bachelor of Multimedia (BMM) Diya got a seat in Bachelor of French Literature. ‘After my 10th standard examinations in 2015, I came to realise I was different from others, I had to struggle with my family for my identity, says Mirthulla.

The struggle with one’s own family is not going to be easy, but today they have accepted me, she says, reminding that she came to Chennai with help of Sudha Tai. I wish to study and work in film industry, says Mirthulla. 

I aspire to turn into a transgender role model and motivate others like me to move towards success with determination. The tale of Diya was no less struggling. I wrote 12th standard exams in 2013. That was the time I realised how different I was. 

Changes in me did not escape their notice, they tried to burn me alive. The attempt was not successful, I left my house after that. Diya aspires to find work abroad. Life is not worth mentioning for transgenders in India, so the idea is to search work abroad. 

There is no change in the perception about transgenders till to this day, biggest challenge for them is perhaps to avail employment, says Dr. A Thomas, Principal, Loyola College.

The brand of the popular institution enhances chances of employment, he says. The college is also working out schemes, projects that will brighten lives for transgenders and their employment prospects, he said.