IMPHAL: Manipuri transgender woman (Nupi Maanbi), Santa Khurai
started relief work here for the community by distributing ration to 2,000
trans-gender people, including men and women.
Khurai is a writer, poet, and artist. She is also the secretary of State-level apex body for queer — 'All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association' (AMANA).
Khurai's efforts started expanding gradually. When she identified children of widows in her vicinity who could not attend online classes, she put up a fundraiser on Ketto to buy gadgets, wifi and stationery for those kids.
Three mobile phones were given to three widows. Khurai also bought a 'Smart TV' for the community library. This could help more and more children access to educational content.
In some of her endeavours, she had the financial support of the 'National Council Churches in India' (NCCI). Khurai has been spending the last few months connecting with mental health professionals with the transgender community.
She brought in Paonam Thoibi, a clinical psychologist to give counselling to the community in the 'Transgender Quarantine Centre'. Later on, those suffering from mental health issues reached out to Khurai for further support and counselling sessions. NCCI gives the fee of the counsellor.
Khurai has been closely working with many organisations to organise relief kits. A few of the organisation that she has been working with are 'Goonj' in Delhi, 'SAATHII' in Chennai and 'Mountain People' in Maharashtra.
Khurai, however, is upset with the cisgender people, who have a 'fancy degree' in social work, and claim themselves to be helping the community. But the reality is that, the funds never reach the person who deserves it. Khurai says that these people are exploiting the vulnerability of marginalised people. (Agencies)
Also watch: Himanta Biswa Sarma Addressing Press at Janata Bhawan (Assam Secretariat), Guwahati
Also Read: Manipur Police destroys 1,315 acres of illegal poppy plants