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VIBGYOR, THE COLOUR OF JASMINE & SERVICE
The New Indian Express
|June 30, 2024
THE quaint village of Thovalai in Kanniyakumari wakes up early every day to the sweet fragrance of jasmine, so does the ward member of the village panchayat, A Santhiya Devi.
Just as the popular Thovalai flower market starts getting packed, Santhiya also becomes busy with her daily activities, both as an elected representative and as a compassionate human. For the villagers, her service is like the smell of jasmine subtle yet incomparable.
The 41-year-old trans woman, originally from Ozhuginaseri in Nagercoil, has been residing with her parents in ward 4 of Thovalai for more than 15 years now. Born into a middle-class family of three children, Santhiya was in class 8 when she started being aware of her identity. Growing up, she understood more about her sexuality and interests. The growth became easy as her family stood with her in every step.
This story is from the June 30, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express.
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