Bengaluru: It is a captivating tale we have all been longing to read — an exploration into the depths of a transgender individual’s psyche, particularly when that person is a celebrated folk artist who has triumphed over social ostracisation to be bestowed with the highest civilian award in the country by the President of India. “Manjunath to Manjamma,” a remarkable story penned by Journalist-Writer Harsha Bhat, has been published by renowned publisher Harper Collins. On June 10, Manjamma and Harsha Bhat will engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed writer and social personality, Vasudhendra.
Reflecting on her journey, Manjamma Jogathi expressed, “This is my personal account of overcoming immense challenges as a transgender individual, transcending from the brink of death to receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. In this book, I aim to provide readers with a glimpse into the world of transgenders and the trials and tribulations we face while endeavoring to share our stories. It is a story of hope, survival, and an appeal for a more inclusive society that allows individuals like me to shape their own destinies, without ever contemplating ending their lives as I once did.”
“As the first transgender folk artist to become the President of a National Academy, my art and its pursuit have bestowed a new purpose upon my life. I hope my story inspires those who are on the verge of giving up to give life another chance, just as I did,” she added.
Harsha Bhat, the author of the book, said, “I initially met Manjamma as a journalist on the eve of her receiving the Padma Shri award, but today she considers me her daughter. This journey of sharing her story with the world has been a profound experience, unveiling the extraordinary power of the human spirit to transcend all adversities and become who they truly aspire to be.”
This is not just a story about one person, but about the boundless potential, the realm of possibilities, and the indomitable spirit that carried Manjamma from “the pavement to the President’s court.” Enduring the traumas of rape, surviving a suicide attempt, and facing abandonment, Manjamma has triumphed over every obstacle, becoming an accomplished artist and an inspirational figure.
Join us at ‘The Bookworm’ No. 62 Church Street (near Brigade Road) in the city on June 10 at 6.15 pm, where these extraordinary tales and more will be explored in-depth during this engaging event.