From Faith to Leadership: Simran’s Journey of Strength and Resilience
For Simran, life has never been a straight road. Born near Patiala and raised partly under the care of her parents and later at her guru’s dera, her childhood was shaped by education, discipline and responsibilities that came early. Her guru, Lala Satpal Mahant Ji, recognised her capabilities, humanity and positive outlook and eventually appointed her as his successor at the Patiala dera. After his passing, Simran’s journey became more difficult as disputes, allegations, legal battles and struggles over the dera tested her patience and strength. Yet, she says she never allowed negativity to define her. Her family continued to stand by her, while faith in the Almighty remained her strongest source of courage.
The Journey Behind the Personality:
Behind the well-known personality that people see today is a woman whose life has been built through years of struggle, responsibility and resilience. Simran recalls spending her early years near Patiala before moving to her guru’s dera, where she continued her education while also taking on responsibilities from a young age.
Education, she says, played a major role in shaping who she became. At school, she remembers receiving affection from teachers and being treated with warmth. Even when people gradually became aware that she was a transgender person, she says she continued to receive respect. At the same time, discrimination and uncomfortable questions from society and relatives were realities she had to face.
Rather than allowing those experiences to break her, Simran chose to turn them into strength. She credits her parents, family, gurus and elders for giving her values that kept her away from drugs, crime and other negative influences. For her, education is more valuable than material wealth because knowledge, discipline and etiquette remain with a person for life.
Her connection with her guru stays central to her narrative. She mentions that Lala Satpal Mahant Ji recognized her potential and appointed her to oversee the Patiala dera while he was alive, passing on the duty for her to uphold after him. After his passing, Simran became entangled in an extended conflict with former disciples, claims of misuse of her name, theft, and disagreements regarding the dera. She recounts years of police inquiries, administrative actions, and legal disputes, while also voicing her frustration regarding corruption and setbacks in the justice system.
Still, she refuses to describe her struggle simply as a fight over property or money. For Simran, it represents the legacy entrusted to her by her guru and elders. She says she continues to fight because she does not want that legacy to disappear.
She explains that her family has continued to be a significant source of emotional support. In spite of the challenges, her family, including parents, siblings, and relatives, remain supportive, and those around her have expressed affection and acceptance as well. Her visits to sacred sites, such as Sri Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Char Dham, and Amarnath, have deepened her belief.
Simran expresses her enthusiasm for the transgender community with great passion. She thinks the community should prioritize education, dignity, discipline, and responsible living, while society needs to progress beyond discrimination. She asserts that transgender individuals ought not to be limited to stereotypes and urges younger community members to construct clean, independent, and honourable lives.
She also speaks about relationships, reminding people that transgender individuals have emotions, love and companionship needs just like anyone else. At the same time, she warns against financial exploitation and urges young people to enter relationships with honesty and responsibility.
When politics and controversies come up, Simran says she does not want fame or political association for its own sake. Her priority, she insists, is justice and standing for what she believes is right.
Amidst all, one conviction stays unchanged: she survived due to her decision to not give in. For Simran, true success is not about riches, prestige, or acknowledgement, it lies in the bravery to persist when life continuously challenges you.
References/ Sources:
- Primary Source: Rishika Show — Interview with Simran Mahant.
- YouTube: Rishika Show — Simran Mahant interview/video.
- Author/ Writer: AARCHI VERMA