Living the Life: ‘I have had a lot of help and am returning the favour'

The shutdown has helped me reach out to a lot of people at a time when everyone was stuck at home. I have taken to social work heavily by helping everyone I could with whatever little I had. I can’t give people money, only my effort and time. I was given fruits by a person and my ration shop had given me rice. This, I distributed to people who needed it more than me. I cooked and distributed food for the needy for 10 days straight during the shutdown. This work has me feeling refreshed, even joyful. People are hesitant to help at this time, and that is wrong. We must help more than ever now. I might wake up early and sleep late but this is important, too. It’s not about money, it’s about helping. I was born into a rich family. I watched my mother, back when I was in school, cook for and feed the needy in our area. She was taught me that I need to help others and do my bit, and I have taken that to my adulthood. But when I was 14 or 15, I had to leave home and go to Mumbai and Delhi as I had begun my transition. Those were difficult times.

People helped me then, and I am only returning the favour. I’m trying to live my truth, and that includes my morals and ideals. I’m lucky that I’m not facing any difficulties. I have a roof over my head and food. People have been so kind to me. Even the police have left me alone and not ever stopped me when I travelled distances to distribute food. The first few days of the lockdown were difficult. I couldn’t do any work. Then, I refreshed my mindset. I returned to my usual morning routine. After seeing how my aid has helped others, I became even more determined to continue my work. I have gotten the time to work on a book that I’m writing about my life, and some time to make songs and play music. This shutdown has been enriching for me.