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Accept Me - Vidya Complete Notes
Accept Me - Vidya Complete Notes
INTRO
Living Smile Vidya, also known as Smiley, is an Indian transwoman writer, activist, theatre
artist and film director.
“Accept Me” is a chapter from her autobiography, I am Vidya, the first transgender
autobiography in India. It discusses the troublesome experiences and journey of Vidya in
search of her identity.
Transgenders are marginalised, discriminated against and humiliated by society. Her
old name was “Saravana” before she became a “tirunangai” named “Vidya.” Her dilemma in
facing her family and father after becoming a “tirunangai” is emotionally portrayed.
ESSAY
1. Discuss the agonies and anxieties felt by Vidya on her journey to be a tirunangai.
Living Smile Vidya is an Indian transwoman writer. “Accept Me” which is a chapter
from her autobiography, I am Vidya, discusses the agonies and anxieties felt by Vidya on her
journey to become a “tirunangai.”
Vidya faced a lot of problems before her transformation from a boy named Saravana.
From childhood, she liked girlish things such as dress, and dance. She liked to wear her
sister’s dresses, and dance to the tune of Chitra’s songs. Her mother didn’t like this.
Vidya wanted to remove all traces of manliness in her. To become a transgender,
Vidya was taken by train from Chennai to Pune by Kalaichelvi Ayah and Shanti. The older
tirunangais would boss over her which she didn’t mind. They gave her many things to do.
Then she was taken to Nani. Nani told her that she could sing and dance but respect the
elders, and get on well with younger people. She asked Vidya to go out with Satya and
“shop” i.e., collect at least Rs. 300 each day. Then in six months' time Vidya's nirvana would
be performed.
Meeting the family members after the transformation was an agonizing experience.
Her sister, Radha was shocked to see her in a sari. Her father refused to see her in a sari; she
had to change into a shirt. When he met her, he was crying; Radha was also in tears. They
explained Vidya's position to Appa.
Vidya very calmly spoke to Appa. That even science accepts tirunangais was
explained to him. Vidya told him she would become an actress. It made them angry all the
more. In this way, Vidya’s journey to be a tirunangai was filled with agonies and anxieties.
SHORT ANSWER
1. Who is Kalaichelvi Ayah?
It was Kalaichelvi Ayah who took Vidya to Pune by train. According to the tradition
of the tirunangais, she was Vidya’s nani or maternal grandmother.
2. What are the etiquettes expected by the older tirunangais from the younger ones?
The older tirunangais expect a great deal of respect from the younger ones. They don't
tolerate the young ones sitting with them on an equal level. Touching their feet, cleaning the
spittoons, and massaging their legs are also expected.
3. Who is Arunamma?
Arunamma is Vidya's amma in the world of tirunangai. She ran an NGO and was in
contact with the external world.
4. How is the harassment of tirunangais different from the ragging of college students?
Once you settle down in a group of tirunangais, the harassment stops. When a
newcomer comes, attention goes to her.
5. What was the advice given by Kalaichelvi Ayah to Vidya on their way to the City Post
in an auto-rickshaw?
Kalaichelvi Ayah advised Vidya to follow her closely and not to go wandering
around. As soon as she enters the City Post, she should fall at Nani's feet and receive her
blessings.
8. What is a reet?
A reet is a ritual of formally enrolling a person in the community of tirunangais. A
small sum is paid as enrolment fee in the Parivar.
9. Why did Vidya get disturbed when Radha called her Saravana?
Vidya got disturbed when Radha called her Saravana because nobody had called her
by that name for a long time. Now she was wearing a sari and she did not expect to be called
by her old name.
11. What was the only consolation felt by Vidya at the end?
The only consolation felt by Vidya at the end was that her family now knew the truth
about her - that she was a tirunangai named Vidya and not the old Saravana.
PARAGRAPH
1. What advice does Nani give to Vidya?
Nani told Vidya that she could sing and dance, but she should respect elders, and get
on well with young people. Nani also asked Vidya to go out with Satya and “shop” (collect)
at least Rs. 300 each day. Then in six months' time Vidya's nirvana would be performed. She
warned Vidya not to be proud because of her college education. Any mischief on her part
would make Nani angry. Nani also suggested to change her name from Preeti because there
was someone named Preeti who died young. So that name was considered a bad omen at her
new home.
4. What was the reaction of Saravana's family when they learned that he was a
tirunangai?
When the family learned that Saravana became a tirunangai, they were shocked.
Meeting the family members after the transformation was an agonizing experience for Vidya.
Her sister was shocked to see her in a sari. Her father refused to see her in a sari; she had to
change into a shirt. When they met, there were in tears. The family explained Vidya's
position to Appa. Vidya very calmly spoke to Appa. That even science accepts tirunangais
was explained to him. Vidya told him she would become an actress. It made them angry. The
journey to be a tirunangai was filled with agonies and anxieties. (Para 4 & 5 of essay)