Story of a real-life Phoenix who rose from the Ashes
From the usual follow-up on my upcoming events, just before noon, I dialed the number.
A strong, firm, and powerful voice responded, yes! I am in Bangalore but will be returning hometown in the evening.
My worried voice trembled and quizzed; I thought you will be here next week.
Yes, a few plans changed but I am in Bangalore today. I have a few meetings till 5 but we can meet at 5 pm. Please come to my office.
My “Yes” was different than usual as I wasn’t sure if I could make it that day. It was a surprise for me.
My stomach suddenly became a house of many flying butterflies. On the other hand, there was more than one reason to be happy:
- We were going to Ravindra Kalakshetra. Apart from being architecturally beautiful, the building serves as a cultural center. It has produced and witnessed world-class artists performing their dream art on the stage. For any art lover, it’s a dream destination.
- We were meeting for the first time in our life the President of Janapada Academy way ahead of planned dates.
But… finally, I managed to rearrange my evening schedule. And guess what…we decided to go.
With a right turn of our cab, we entered the building and passed the security check. I could immediately experience the energy of the place. We started walking toward the Kannada Bhavan. Just before the entrance, we saw Swami Vivekananda’s status in a meditative mode. We walked the way to the President’s office, where we were asked to sit and wait for her. The wall of the office carried the most appealing visuals with many dignitaries’ photos placed on the walls.
While we were engulfed in those pictures, the door opened and we were greeted with “Namaskara, Banni” (Greetings & Welcome in Kannada). We had Padma Shri Manjamma Jogati ji in front of us beautifully decked up in a yellow saree.
Her presence can be easily felt, she is truly a magnificent and magnetic personality yet extremely down-to-earth. Amidst the sip of chai, we started our conversation. From being disowned, attempted suicide, begging for food, and many nights spent in tears craving for love & acceptance, to today being awarded Padma Shri (4th Highest Citizen award) & Rajyotsava Prashasti (2nd Highest citizen award for the State), her life story, struggles, acceptance, freedom, and self-discovery are heart-melting and full of lessons.
The beginning of Manjamma
Born in the village Kallukamba in Bellary district as Manjunath Shetty. Manjunath started identifying himself as a female by the time he reached his teens. At the age of 15, Manjunath finally accepted his identity as female. That’s the time his family recognized him as a transgender and removed his udadaara (a sacred thread, that boys tie around their waist). Manjunath was Manjamma now.
Cutting of thread also led to cutting all family cords with Manjamma. She was taken to a priest who advised that Manjamma is bestowed with Divine powers and must be left alone. Before leaving the place, her father declared her ‘dead’.
From Manjamma to Manjamma Jogati
Huligeamma’s temple in a nearby locality consecrated her as Jogappa or Jogati, at 15. A ritual where Manjamma ji married Goddess Renuka Yellama. Now, as per ritual, she can’t return to the family.
Suicide, Begging & sexual abuse:
Due to no acceptance from their family, she consumed poison to end her life. She was admitted to the hospital and rescued. This exclusion left no option, and she had to resort to begging for money. After a long struggle, she managed to save some money, but…. She was attacked, sexually abused, looted, and further harassed.
This event destroyed her completely. With no hope left, she planned for another suicide attempt. But then….
Self-discovery, freedom & no looking back:
Who would have thought a nearby bus stand will ignite the never lit fire in her?
Mulling all the wrong thoughts in her mind, she noticed a folk dance called Jogati Nritya. She approached the Master (Sri Basappa) if she can be taught this dance form, and Sri Basappa happily agreed.
This meeting completely changed her life. She put all the suffering behind her. She finally discovered herself and acceptance in this art form. She inundated herself into Jogati Nritya and later started training others as well. Once guru Kalaava Jogati saw her performance and asked her to join the team.
Since then, no turning back.
Manjamma ji started spreading this dance across the length and breadth of the country. Today, she joyfully says, someone discovered me within me, shaped me, and helped me attain my freedom to express myself.
Liberation and Recognition:
She further adds, Jogati Nritya has given me everything and I owe everything to it. Over the years, Jogati Nritya got its well-deserved prominence, and a large credit goes to her.
For all her great work she was appointed as The President of Karnataka Jaanapada Academy by the State Government. This made her the first-ever trans-woman to head the institution which is the topmost body of performing arts in the state.
She was awarded Rajyotsava Prashasti (2nd Highest citizen award for the State) in 2010.
In the year 2021, she was awarded Padma Shri (4th Highest citizen award for the country). Yes, we all remember, her special gesture in 2021 while receiving the award from the Honourable President of India Ram Nath Kovind. The video of the gesture went viral with massive cheer & support among netizens. (View here)
She feels truly liberated today and calls everything a divine intervention.
3 key life lessons:
Throughout the conversation, Manjamma ji was joyful and very strong. This was the only time we saw her from wet eyes to tears rolling down.
- Acceptance: Accept yourself the way you are. Similarly, society needs to change its mindset toward the transgender community. They are very well part of the community and make every effort in promoting inclusiveness. There are too many unnecessary myths & misunderstandings about us. We are not untouchables.
- Be Open: Stay always open. Open to accepting diversity. Open to accepting newer opportunities. You will never know when the opportunity knocks on your door and which opportunity will transcend you to liberation.
- Find reasons to live: Suicide is not an answer…. find reasons to live, I am sure when you dig in within yourself, you will discover yourself. That will give the purpose to live and contribute to society.
Post some lighter conversations, she added that today she feels the most loved & respected, which she always craved. Sometimes, she finds it overwhelming too!
In conclusion, Manjamma ji’s life is an inspiration for many generations to learn from. Her discovery of herself, her devotion, and her commitment to the community are exemplary.
If you know someone belonging to the community and in need of a job, feel free to create awareness about Pride Circle. From my social circle Srini Ramaswamy, CDP (He/Him) & Ramkrishna Sinha (He), founders of the Pride Circle, are actively working to empower LGBT+ in organizing job fairs, workshops, etc.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Vijaydashmi!
