From Sarita to Sharad: A Tale of Affection and Fortitude

Sharad Singh stands as a contented soul. Recently, he became engaged to his companion of 18 long years, Savita Singh, and anticipates their forthcoming November nuptials. However, Sharad's journey to bliss was a challenging odyssey. He confronted a multitude of adversities and barriers on his path to self-realization.

Sharad's initial identity was that of Sarita, a female, born in a village nestled within Uttar Pradesh, India. He hails from a lineage marked by Thakur Roshan Singh, a freedom fighter who met his demise at the hands of the British for his involvement in the Kakori conspiracy of 1925. Sarita's upbringing unfolded in a traditional and male-dominated society, where the feminine populace was held to particular norms and behaviors. But Sarita harbored distinct sentiments. From an early age, he was inclined toward men and abhorred being categorized as a woman. His aspiration encompassed donning a beard and mustache and attiring himself in attire that resonated with his true character.

Sarita's internal strife remained concealed from his family, who regarded him as a spirited tomboy with an inclination to partake in boyish pastimes and don pants in place of skirts. The truth of his affection for Savita, a childhood comrade and a distant relative from the same community, was a well-guarded secret. Sarita and Savita harbored their love in clandestine, veiling their emotions from society and their families.

In 2020, after completing his education, Sarita secured a teaching position within the Basic Education Department. Although content with a secure income and an esteemed vocation, he still grappled with discontent concerning his corporeal form and gender identity. Determined to address this dissonance, he embarked on a transformative journey by opting for gender reassignment surgery, a legally sanctioned medical procedure within India. Consultations with a medical professional and a counselor affirmed that he grappled with gender dysphoria, where one's assigned birth gender does not align with their genuine identity.

Sarita encountered his most formidable hurdle in the form of securing acceptance from his family. While his educated and empathetic brothers consented to his desire, his mother hesitated and fretted. She dreaded the potential repercussions, fearing societal bias and harassment that could threaten his job and reputation. She also pondered how he might initiate matrimony and start a family. Convincing his mother that his choices were conducive to his contentment and self-fulfillment demanded time and persistence.

Ultimately, Sarita acquired his family's consent and underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2021. He adopted the moniker Sharad, a childhood nickname. Governmentally recognized as transgender, he commenced the process of securing a male identity card. His relief and sense of liberation swelled following the surgery, coupled with a gradual transformation of his appearance. The emergence of a beard and mustache imbued him with newfound confidence and masculinity.

Sharad's subsequent endeavor was to unite in matrimony with his steadfast companion, Savita, who had stood unwaveringly by his side throughout his evolution. Proposing to her was met with her unequivocal affirmation. The couple elected for a conventional wedding ceremony, during which Sharad would lead the bridal procession to Savita's residence in Pilibhit. Their families were apprised of their relationship and matrimonial intentions. Initially met with skepticism due to their misunderstanding of how two women could establish a partnership, Sharad took the initiative to educate them. He emphasized that his legal and medical transformation had rendered him a man and that his love for Savita was wholehearted. He assured them of his commitment to her and respect for her family. Over time, both families conceded to their union, granting their blessings.

Sharad Singh and Savita Singh formally engaged on the 27th of October 2023, in a modest ceremony attended by close-knit family and friends. They exchanged rings, enveloping each other in joyous embrace, and solemnized the date of their matrimonial union for the 23rd of November 2023. Enthusiasm and preparations for the momentous occasion have been set in motion by both families.

Sharad Singh stands as a source of inspiration for individuals grappling with questions of gender identity and confronting the challenges of societal stigma and bias. His journey embodies fortitude and unwavering determination to stay true to oneself. He also underscores the transcendence of love, traversing the bounds of gender, caste, creed, and culture. He aspires to kindle the courage within others who, like him, seek their dreams and happiness, unburdened by fear or shame.