Mumbai: Life changes for transperson out to change children’s lives

Vasai taluka Tahsildar Ujjwala Bhagat with (centre) Pawar. She got her ration card and income certificate made to help her avail govt schemes

Selfless work does get noticed, sooner or later. Alia Milind Pawar can vouch for that. A report in mid-day and a sensitive officer did the magic for the transperson from Vasai East. Moved by her story of giving free tuition to slum children, the Vasai taluka tahsildar has contracted the 28-year-old science graduate as a computer operator in her office.

A resident of Khan Compound, Pawar is too thrilled to punch letters and numbers on the keyboard. "This was possible only because of mid-day. I will remain indebted to you for featuring me in your article. Despite studying B.Sc (microbiology) from my village in Ratnagiri, I was unable to get a job. I tried many, but none offered me an office job after learning that I am a transperson. Your report has changed my life," Pawar told mid-day.

In its 43rd anniversary edition, mid-day reported Pawar's efforts to channelise the energies of the children in her neighbourhood towards education during the pandemic. She started with two children, goading them with cookies and gifts. Soon, her one-room rented apartment was teeming with about 30 children whose parents were more than delighted to send them for Pawar's free tuition.

Alia Milind Pawar at Vasai taluka tahsildar's office, her new workplace. Pic/Hanif Patel

"Now, I don't get time on working days. But, the slum children are close to my heart, so I coach them every Sunday. I also play with them," she said. Impressed by her work, Vasai taluka Tahsildar Ujjwala Bhagat got in touch with this correspondent and took her details to explore if she could be accommodated in her office.

Also Read: Mid-Day 43rd anniversary special: A trans-formation in this Vasai slum

"Pawar is a well-educated and hard-working employee. After scanning her academic credentials, I offered her the job of a computer operator which she has been diligently doing… it gives me satisfaction to offer a job to a transgender person," Bhagat said.

She also got documents like the ration card and income certificate made for Pawar. "These documents will help her in availing government schemes," said the tahsildar. "She has also been highlighting many issues related to slum children and their challenges in the completion of their schooling. We are working towards fixing this," she added.

Pawar said her community members are excited over her transformation. "Some of them are asking me to get them a good job but their qualifications are not appropriate. So, at present, with the help of a few NGOs, I am planning to open a computer class in my area where transgender people can learn to operate the devices. This will help them at least get an office job and a decent salary."

"I am also planning to get some sewing machines for the women living in the slum pockets of Vasai. The free sewing classes will make them skilled and independent to run their house and raise their children," she said. When asked if she still steps out for seeking alms and blessing people, Pawar said, "That's my identity and I would never quit it. I do get time early in the morning to go for ‘badhai' along with my transgender friends. This also helps me earn a few more bucks."

As she cheerfully interacted with citizens at the tahsildar's office, Pawar said, "Though my salary is less, tahsildar madam has promised me that it will be revised if I work hard. So, I have been delivering my best." About public reaction to her presence, Pawar said, "Visitors at the tahsildar office find it surprising to see me working, as most of them think that transgender people are meant only for ‘badhai'. Though it's a temporary job, it is helping me earn work experience."