Karnataka: Trans woman turns Good Samaritan, funds marriages of underprivileged couples

Jamuna has spent years working to help the poor by donating her meagre earnings to those in need. With a commitment to helping the poor, she offers food, buys symbolic marriage threads and wedding clothes for couples.

Gangavathi (Karnataka): Jamuna, a transgender from Bennur village of Karnataka, who is fighting social stigma, turned do-godder by providing financial support for the marriage of underprivileged couples. Jamuna has been working for years to support the underprivileged by using her earnings earned from alms to help those in need. Also, she provides meals, funds for symbolic wedding threads (mangal sutra), wedding attire, and wedding ceremonies of disadvantaged couples in their village.

Jamuna said, For four years, I have been arranging weddings by paying the cost of wedding dresses, mangala sutra and food after setting aside a portion for myself. By sponsoring weddings, helping orphans, and supporting the marginalised, I am trying to contribute positively to our society. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, society often treats us with disdain and calls us outcasts. This stigma deprives us of a regular married life. Hence, I'm extending support to the disadvantaged couples. With your cooperation, I aspire to continue these benevolent acts."

Transgender Jamuna contested the last village panchayat election in Bennur village and lost by a margin of few votes. But he made history as the first Transgender to contest elections in Koppal district. Undaunted by this defeat, she keeps herself constantly engaged in social activities.