As part of the CIRDAP-NIRDPR research project titled “Action Lab for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender-Variant Youth in Mainstream Livelihood”, a three-day training programme was held from 28th to 30th July 2025 at the Lions Club, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The initiative was jointly organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), and the Sahodari Foundation, India.

This hands-on training focused on equipping rural transgender individuals with skills in coconut shell handicraft, including the creation of kitchen tools, jewellery, and decorative artefacts. The programme aimed to promote economic empowerment and self-employment opportunities for transgender persons through sustainable livelihoods rooted in rural craft traditions.
District Social Welfare Officer, NABARD officials,attended as the guests of honour and commended the participants for their creativity and dedication, and assured them of continued government support for such inclusive livelihood initiatives.
Sandhya Gopakumaran, Director of Training and Development at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, emphasized that the programme represents a significant step toward enabling transgender individuals to attain financial independence through skill-based entrepreneurship.

Kalki Subramaniam, founder and director of the Sahodari Foundation, was also present, supporting the vision of social inclusion and empowerment through skill development.