Job opportunities for sexual minorities
Manufacturing unit at Krishi Vignana Kendra: Dr Shivakumar Magada
Mangaluru, June 6: Krishi Vignana Kendra (KVK) head Dr Shivakumar Magada said that steps would be taken to set up manufacturing unit on the premises of KVK to help the sexual minorities build a respectful life by taking up agriculture related self employment opportunities.
Speaking at a workshop on conducting skills development training programme under the Parivarthana Trust for the sexual minorities, at the zilla panchayat hall here on Wednesday, he said that people could take up dairy farming, mushroom farming, manufacturing of agriculture related products, bakery products, fishiculture and other self employments without any investment and education qualification.
At this moment, sexual minority community member Sanjana said that they were finding it difficult to given even the rent for the houses. Moreover, they were not getting the rented houses in the city because of some social stigma. Then how can they start self employment, the member asked.
Responding to it, Shivakumar said that if the sexual minorities came forward, he would make arrangement for manufacturing unit on the premises of the KVK. They could also stay there during their training. The KVK would make arrangement for capital investment required for some raw materials. They could make their products in their own ‘Parivarthan’ brand and sell them, he said.
He said that the state government has introduced Saviruchi Kaituttu Canteen exclusively for women and it has good demand. Sexual minorities who are interested in cooking could involve themselves in it, he said.
But another sexual minority member said that “We can prepare good and tasty food. But who will take our food. When the society is still keeping us away from the mainstream, what is the use of preparing tasty food”, the member said.
Saviruchi canteen
Shivakumar said that the state government had introduced Saviruchi canteen which has good demand. Sexual minorities could involve and take up the responsibility of the canteens, he said.
But a member from the sexual minority community said that “we can prepare good and tasty food with cleanliness. Who will take our food? When the society is not in a position to accept us, who will take our food and what is the use of preparing food”, the member asked.
But Zilla Panchayat project officer Lokesh said that the food prepared by the sexual minorities could be taken for government sponsored programmes. Let the change begin from the government side, he advised.
Rudseti director James D’Souza, Lead Bank manager Francis, woman and child welfare department deputy director Sundara Poojary, KGTTI staff Megha and Priya explained about the various employment schemes.
‘Treat us like others’
“Everybody talks that the society has changed, perception of the people is changed towards us and we should come to the mainstream of the society. I have learnt beautician course and working as a beautician. But a few days ago, when I was with my friends in one night, police have come and forced me to become nude and assaulted me”, another member said.
“We like to live with you people. Even then, we are being separated as sexual minorities. Are we not looking like women? If the same assault was happened on a woman, what would be the response of the society? Why do you separate us? Treat us like you people and allow us to live like others in the society”, she said.
Parivarthana Trust head Violet Pereira, and more than 20 sexual minorities participated in the workshop.
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World car-free day: Exploring cities that have embraced a life without cars
In 2024, the global number of cars reached 1.475 billion, averaging one car for every 5.5 people. While cars offer convenience, they come at an environmental cost—each vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The combined impact of over a billion cars paints a grim picture for our planet.
However, a few cities around the world have taken a different path, opting to stay car-free. On World Car-Free Day, let’s take a look at some of these unique, traffic-free destinations:
Zermatt (Switzerland):At the foot of the Matterhorn, this alpine town has been car-free for decades. Visitors reach it by shuttle train, and within Zermatt, eTaxis, bikes, and free eBuses offer alternatives to cars.
La Digue Island (Seychelles): Known for its laid-back pace, La Digue is a car-free paradise. Bicycles and electric buggies are the primary means of transport, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's scenic beaches and wildlife without the hassle of traffic.
Venice (Italy): With over 400 bridges connecting its islands, Venice’s historic center is entirely car-free. Footpaths and canals define the city, which attracts millions of tourists each year.
Lamu (Kenya): This ancient Swahili town has banned cars, relying instead on donkeys and dhows for transportation. Its narrow streets, lined with centuries-old architecture, offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.
Fes el Bali (Morocco): Fes’s medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s largest car-free zones. Its labyrinthine streets are often too narrow for even bicycles, preserving its authentic feel.
Ghent (Belgium): Since 2017, Ghent's city center has been car-free. A network of buses, trams, and electric boats provide eco-friendly transportation throughout this historic university town.
Hydra (Greece): Cars and bicycles are banned on this mountainous island, leaving walking and mule rides as the main modes of transportation.
Giethoorn (Netherlands): Dubbed the "Dutch Venice," Giethoorn lacks cars and roads. Canals and footbridges guide visitors through this picturesque village, offering a peaceful escape from modern transportation.
Yelapa (Mexico): Accessible only by boat, this tranquil village on the Bay of Banderas offers a glimpse of simple living, with no cars and a connection to nature.
These car-free cities remind us that it’s possible to live without the constant noise and pollution of cars, offering a cleaner, quieter way of life.
