Manjamma Jogathi: The Inspiring Journey of Karnataka’s Transgender Folk Icon

Manjamma Jogathi stands today as one of the most inspiring cultural personalities in India. A celebrated folk artist, theatre performer, singer, activist, and social reformer from Karnataka, she transformed a life filled with rejection, poverty, and discrimination into a remarkable story of courage and achievement. Her journey from a marginalized transgender child to becoming the first transgender president of the Karnataka Janapada Academy reflects the changing face of Indian society and the enduring power of folk culture.

Born as Manjunatha Shetty in 1957 in Kallukamba village of Ballari district in Karnataka, Manjamma came from a humble family. From an early age, she felt different from the boys around her and identified strongly with feminine expressions and behavior. However, in rural India during those decades, gender nonconformity was rarely understood or accepted. As a result, she faced ridicule, humiliation, and emotional isolation from society.

Her family eventually dedicated her to the Jogappa tradition associated with the worship of Goddess Renuka, also known as Yellamma. In this tradition, individuals, many from transgender communities, devote themselves to the goddess and become spiritual servants of the deity. After this ritual initiation, she became known as Manjamma Jogathi. The Jogappa tradition has existed for centuries across parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh and is deeply linked with folk music, dance, spirituality, and oral storytelling traditions.

Life after leaving home was extremely difficult for Manjamma. She survived through begging and occasional performances. During this period, she suffered severe exploitation and violence, including sexual abuse. Yet, instead of allowing these tragedies to destroy her spirit, she slowly found strength through art and performance. Folk dance became not only her livelihood but also her identity and voice.

Her turning point came when she was introduced to the traditional dance form known as Jogathi Nritya. She trained under Kallavva Jogathi, an experienced folk artist who recognized Manjamma’s talent and determination. Under her guidance, Manjamma mastered the rituals, songs, expressions, and movements associated with the folk tradition. Over time, she became a permanent member of the troupe and travelled extensively across Karnataka and other parts of India performing at fairs, temples, and cultural events.

Jogathi Nritya is not merely entertainment. It is a ritualistic folk art deeply rooted in devotion to Goddess Yellamma. Performers sing stories of the goddess, accompanied by traditional musical instruments, while dancing in colorful attire. Through these performances, communities preserve centuries-old oral traditions and spiritual narratives. Manjamma played a major role in keeping this dying folk form alive during an era when modern entertainment threatened many indigenous traditions.

After the death of her guru Kallavva Jogathi, Manjamma took over leadership of the troupe. This was a major responsibility because she not only had to perform but also organize artists, manage finances, and protect the dignity of the tradition. Despite limited education and financial hardship, she succeeded in making Jogathi dance recognized on bigger cultural platforms.

Over the years, her talent and dedication earned recognition from the Karnataka government and cultural institutions. In 2006, she received the Karnataka Janapada Academy Award for her contribution to folk arts. In 2010, she was honored with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award by the Karnataka government. These awards were significant because they recognized a transgender folk artist at a time when transgender communities still faced widespread social discrimination in India.

A historic moment came in 2019 when Manjamma Jogathi was appointed president of the Karnataka Janapada Academy, the state’s leading institution for folk arts and culture. This appointment made her the first transgender woman to head the institution. The decision was celebrated across the country as a landmark achievement for representation and inclusivity. Her appointment symbolized how art can break barriers of caste, gender, and social prejudice.

As president of the academy, Manjamma emphasized the importance of preserving rural and indigenous art traditions. She advocated for greater respect and financial support for folk artists who often struggle economically despite carrying forward priceless cultural heritage. She also became a strong voice for transgender dignity and inclusion in mainstream society.

National recognition arrived in 2021 when the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for her contribution to folk arts. The image of Manjamma receiving the award from President Ram Nath Kovind became widely admired across India. Her emotional and graceful interaction during the ceremony touched millions and turned her into a symbol of resilience and humility.

Manjamma’s success also carries deeper social significance. In India, transgender communities have historically occupied a complicated social position. While certain traditions respected them spiritually, many individuals still faced exclusion, poverty, and violence in daily life. By achieving national recognition through talent and perseverance, Manjamma challenged stereotypes associated with transgender identities. She demonstrated that transgender individuals are not merely subjects of sympathy but can become leaders, artists, educators, and cultural ambassadors.

Her life story has now become part of academic discussions and educational curricula in Karnataka. Universities and cultural institutions study her journey as an example of courage, folk preservation, and social transformation. Young artists and members of LGBTQIA+ communities see her as a role model who proved that dignity and success are possible despite immense adversity.

Manjamma Jogathi’s contribution is not limited to performance alone. She represents the bridge between India’s ancient folk traditions and modern conversations about identity, inclusion, and human rights. At a time when globalization often threatens local traditions, artists like her preserve the soul of rural India through songs, stories, and dance. Simultaneously, her public presence helps society become more compassionate and accepting toward marginalized communities.

Her journey from a struggling transgender child to a Padma Shri awardee is one of extraordinary determination. It is a story of pain transformed into art, rejection transformed into recognition, and silence transformed into cultural leadership. In many ways, Manjamma Jogathi embodies the spirit of India’s folk traditions — resilient, colorful, spiritual, and deeply human.

Today, she continues to inspire millions through her performances, speeches, and activism. Her life reminds us that true greatness often emerges not from privilege but from the courage to survive hardship while remaining committed to one’s art and identity. Through her work, Manjamma Jogathi has ensured that the rich traditions of Jogathi Nritya and the voices of transgender communities will continue to be heard and respected for generations to come.