From Being An Outcast To Motherhood To Life, Gauri Sawant Shares Her Story

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Hearts across the country melted to puddles about a week ago when Vicks released their brilliant new ad ‘Touch of Care’. Touching upon the delicate issues of adoption and transgender rights, this ad was a breath of fresh air that brought tears to many eyes. A story of Gauri Sawant.

Well, the transgender woman featured in this brilliant ad, Gauri Sawant, is not just a heart-warming screen presence, but as Mumbai Mirror reports, an active LGBT rights activist and the adopted mother of Gayatri – a child whom she saved from being sold.

Born as Ganesh Suresh Sawant and raised in Pune, Gauri realised early on that something set her apart from the rest. Having identified more closely with the female gender since the beginning, she endured bullying and mocking from her peers, growing up.

As an adolescent, she felt attracted towards the male gender despite not fully understanding the concept of sexuality at all. Gauri spent many years playing dress-up in secret with her grandmother’s sarees and make-up. Once in college, however, her transition was a lot more evident and her family did not approve. So she left home to find her own journey.

Now 37, Gauri has lived as a transgender woman and an avid social activist in Mumbai for more than 20 years, according to Mumbai Mirror. Assisted in her transition by the Hamsafar Trust, Gauri has now set up her own NGO, Sakhi Char Chowghi in Malad, Mumbai – and has dedicated her life to providing transgenders, hijras, homosexual men, and female sex workers among other groups, a space of freedom and safety.

And no matter the struggles along her path, Gauri wanted to be a mother too, and there’s obviously no stopping this powerhouse of a woman. Her daughter Gayatri, was left orphaned and was about to be sold off in 2001 when her mother, a sex worker, died of HIV. Gauri chose to adopt the little girl and raise her as her own daughter.

Now the proud mother of 16-year-old Gayatri, Gauri walks tall and continues fighting all odds… as, in her words, every mother does.

“A mother is a mother. There isn’t any assigned gender to be one. I don’t feel special. I became a mother because of Gayatri and she is my pillar of strength. I did what every mother does.”
– Gauri told Mumbai Mirror

Title: Gauri Sawant: A Beacon of Motherhood and Transgender Advocacy

In the vibrant tapestry of India’s social fabric, amidst its myriad struggles and triumphs, the story of Gauri Sawant and her daughter stands out as a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring power of maternal bonds. Gauri Sawant, a transgender woman, has not only defied societal norms but has also emerged as a beacon of hope and change in a country grappling with issues of gender identity and acceptance.

Gauri’s journey is one marked by adversity and courage. Born as Ganesh Suresh Sawant in Pune, Maharashtra, she faced discrimination and marginalization from an early age due to her gender identity. However, she refused to succumb to societal pressures and instead embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Her transformation into Gauri Sawant was not merely a change of name but a declaration of her identity and a bold assertion of her right to exist authentically.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Gauri’s indomitable spirit propelled her forward. She became a vocal advocate for transgender rights, working tirelessly to raise awareness about the issues faced by the transgender community in India. Her activism extended beyond advocacy to tangible action, as she founded the NGO “Sakhi Char Chowghi” to provide support and shelter to transgender individuals who were abandoned by their families or marginalized by society.

However, perhaps the most poignant chapter of Gauri’s life unfolds in her relationship with her adopted daughter. In 2001, Gauri came across a young girl named Gayatri at an orphanage in Mumbai. Gayatri had tragically lost her mother to HIV/AIDS, and her story resonated deeply with Gauri, who herself had experienced the pain of rejection and abandonment. In a heartbeat decision fueled by love and compassion, Gauri decided to adopt Gayatri, thus embarking on a journey of motherhood that would redefine both their lives.

The bond between Gauri and Gayatri transcends biological ties. It is a testament to the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the societal stigma surrounding their unconventional family, Gauri’s unwavering love and support provided Gayatri with the stability and affection she needed to thrive. Together, they navigated the challenges of life, forging a bond that is as strong as any biological mother-daughter relationship.

Their story gained widespread recognition in 2016 when Vicks, the multinational consumer goods company, featured them in a heartwarming advertisement that showcased their journey of love and acceptance. The ad struck a chord with audiences across India and beyond, sparking conversations about transgender rights and challenging entrenched prejudices.

Through her advocacy work and personal story, Gauri Sawant has become a symbol of hope for the transgender community in India. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice have inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves and demand recognition and acceptance from society.

As Gauri and Gayatri continue to navigate life’s challenges together, their story serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds and that family is not defined by blood but by the bonds of the heart. In a world often marred by division and intolerance, their journey stands as a shining example of the transformative power of love, acceptance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.