Manjamma Jogati, Transwomen folkdancer of Jogamma ancestry receives Padma Shri award

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Matha B Manjamma Jogati, a transgender folk dancer of Jogamma ancestry, received the Padma Shri award from President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday.

Jogati is also the Karnataka Janapada Academy's first transwoman President. Manjamma Jogathi (born Manjunatha Shetty) is an Indian Kannada theatre actress, singer, and dancer of Jogti Nritya, a North Karnataka folk dance form. Manjamma was the first transwoman to lead the Karnataka Janapada Academy, the state's top folk arts institution, in 2019. 

Jogati's family is said to have shunned her by allowing her to join a transgender group that worships Goddess Renuka Yellamma. Goddess Renuka Yellamma is thought to be married to members of this community.

Jogati continued to struggle against all odds as life continued to throw her curveballs. She learned Kannada language sonnets performed in favour of feminine goddesses, known as Jogati Nritya and Janapada songs.

Manjamma joined Kaalavva's Jogti dance troupe as a permanent dancer, performing all throughout the state. She took over the troupe after Kaalavva's death and made the dance popular among the people. Manjamma was awarded the Rajyotsava award by the Karnataka government in 2010.

She was first appointed as a member of the Karnataka Jaanapada Academy by the state government, and later as the president of the same institution, making her the first trans woman to lead the state's leading performing arts institution.

At today's 2021 Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred Padma Awards.

There are seven Padma Vibhushans, ten Padma Bhushans, and 102 Padma Shri Awards this year, with 29 woman winners, 16 posthumous awards, and one transgender awardee.

The Padma Awards are one of India's highest civilian honours, given out on the eve of Republic Day every year.

Padma Vibhushan (for extraordinary and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of higher level), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service of higher order) are the three categories of awards (distinguished service). The award is intended to reward accomplishments in all fields or disciplines where public service is a factor.

The Padma Awards are given out based on the recommendations of the Padma Awards Committee, which is formed every year by the Prime Minister.