Guest post: By Bindu Gopal Rao

Akathya means inexplicable in Sanskrit and probably no one understands this word better than the transgender community. In order to amplify this ethos, Shanti Banaras showcased the stories of eight people who have beaten odds to make a difference in their lives. The campaign was run last year.

Making a Difference

Coimbatore may conjure up an image of an industrial city but within its quiet confines there is a palpable movement of change courtesy Akathya, an NGO working to empower transgender people by imparting vocational training that is helping them find their rightful place in mainstream society. Interestingly, Indian mythology has several references like Shikhandi the warrior and Mohini the tantalizing temptress.

Collaborating with the NGO, Shanti Banaras, a conscious brand from Varanasi honoured eight brave people with Akathya; a photo essay crafted to salute their inner beauty and power to fight the odds of societal rejection, ridicule and violence. “The whole ideation started with my mother in law (Anjali) who is a social worker and works very closely with the transgender community to uplift them in society. She would feel bad if I just called them that, they are her close friends. So, when we designed our new collection of verticals which presents a sense of being, to make oneself feel present in an otherwise neglected world. Who better than our transgender friends to help us depict this thought who are fighting every day to make themselves feel present in society? Also, my mother in law always works for them to provide them with a platform to showcase their talents to the world and that’s where Shanti Banaras pitched in with their share in contributing to the society. In amidst all the storm it is our thought that Shanti’s Banaras is in every woman, a thought of presence,” said Amrit Shah, Co-Founder & Creative Director Shanti Banaras.

Picture Perfect

The photo essay presents the life journey of eight people selected randomly who have been wrapped in weaves that have been handpicked from the Shanti Banaras master weave series. Each a celebration of colour, craft and the rich culture of inclusion that the mystical city of Varanasi is known for. This photo essay is an ode to the city of Varanasi that is a symbol of co-existence where the most vibrant of life lives next to the abode of death. Also, each of the people who feature in the series have a life story that is nothing short of incredulous and is as exotic and beautiful as the enchanting florals found in Shanti Banaras’ jangla print.

The photo essay salutes eight transgender people and their tales of fortitude. “Have you realised how the mindset is changing as people want transparency and neutrality in things. We want everyone to participate with us and help us look at every transgender with a new eye and not to judge them for how they are born but how they have chosen to fight all the ills that the society has laden over them and become successful personalities. It is a call for participation rather than a thought to take away or this is not a pity asking campaign, it is an opportunity for both us and the transgender community to jointly work on this endeavour for a fresh look” said Khushi Shah, Co-Founder & Creative Director Shanti Banaras.

Personality Matters

Among the people profiled is young Razia is a classical dancer, aspiring actor, student of history and a believer in karma who says, “you never know how strong you are until being strong becomes the only choice.” Sara is a makeup artist, beautician and a born nurturer who believes that “beauty is soul deep. It must pierce through the eyes and reach the heart, capturing you like a reckless romantic.” Shobhana is a dancer and a chef who cooks up a storm on stage and in the kitchen. “I believe in miracles. I am one. Born speech and hearing impaired, I sing today to my heart’s desire as I hear the birds sing to me,” she says. Vinita is a homemaker, a mother and a wife, cobbling up money to own a house big enough for a child to grow in. “I live the utopian dream of having a family and husband by my side and dream of adopting a child who will be an IAS officer.” Yamini is a 9 to 5 employee in a tech firm who says, “sometimes the universe’s harsh rejection can lead to deep acceptance of self. I reciprocate the world’s rejection by loving and nurturing trees as one would children.” Taslima is an activist, a change maker, a doer, a feisty soul who will never accept no for an answer. “Change is hidden deep within each of us. All we must do is simply find our groove in life. I help many find theirs,” she adds. Sujithra is Tamil Nadu’s first radio jockey and a student of criminology who wants to fight for my people’s rights. “Close your eyes and hear me spin the celestial melody of God,” she says. Anushya is an auto rickshaw driver who explains, “torture followed me like a train and brought me to a life of fruition. For, hurt is the only way to heal.” This is where fashion meets society and creates a level playing field and gives it a face that is most important – being humane.