Mangaluru: “We are women at heart but men in strength. We don’t need sympathy but opportunity to lead a respectful life as others,” said Dr. Manjamma Jogathi.
She was speaking after receiving honorary award during the inaugural ceremony of Mental Wellbeing Towards Community – Series 7 held at T. V. Raman Pai Convention Centre here in the city on July 13. Manjamma said, “Whatever work it may be one should respect it. We don’t need sympathy instead we ask for opportunity according to our skill.”
On the occasion, she also requested Police Department to provide job opportunities to the LGBTQ community members based on their eligibility. Further, she also called upon all business sectors of Mangaluru area to give rightful opportunity to the community.
CSNL Procurement HR (Administration) Kadri Diwakar inaugurated the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Get your rights and go for it without any fear. Your life will be beautiful once you get education, and thus position, he called on LGBTQ community. It’s our responsibility to bring them to the mainstream land and it should be ongoing and normal process,” he added.
Chief Guest, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Kuldeep Kumar R. Jain said, “Mental health is the most ignored area. We are damaging our mental health due to over consumption of technology or phone even though we are in the social gathering. We are not giving priority to the mental health. Even in Police Department we have appointed mental health counselor for the well-being of the staff. Technology is to help us and not make us the slave of tech. Socialising does not mean interacting through social networking sites but through social gathering and community involvement. Take care of mental well being at the right time and have a wonderful life,” he stressed.
Addressing the gathering, Canara High School Association Secretary M. Ranganath Bhat spoke on the need for diversity, inclusivity and equity, especially with regard to the community.
Anirvedha Mental Health Resource Centre Director Dr. K. T. Shweta in her prefatory remarks said that it is crucial to recognise the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community and the importance of fostering their holistic well-being.
CHSA President Vasudev Kamath, Rotary Mangaluru Down Town Secretary Rtn. Umesh Gatti, Anirvedha Mental Health Resource Centre Treasurer Shruti K. T., Nikhila, President Navasahaja Samudaya Sangha, Mangaluru, and Swastika National School Principal Dr. Malini N. Hebbar were present on the occasion.
Later ‘Maatha’, a play about the life of Dr. Manjamma Jogathi directed by wellknown theatre Director Dr. Belur Raghunandan was staged followed by an interaction session between Dr. Manjamma with various college students.
The programme was jointly organised by Swastika National School Anirvedha Mental Health Resource Centre, Rotary Mangaluru Downtown, Canara High School Association and Navasahaja Samudaya Sangha, Mangaluru.