Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 15: To preserve the rich folk dance, the Karnataka state government had organized a Jogathi dance training camp for college students," said Rajyotsav awardee Jogathi dancer, Manjamma Jogathi at Ravindra Kala Mantapa on Monday November 14.

She spoke at a seminar, jointly organized by Dr TMA Pai, Manipal University, Bharatiya Sahitya Peeta and Rathabeedi Geleyaru, here.

Manjamma who is a transgender, known for her Jogathi folk dance said, "No one is able to preserve any art and folk forms by just delivering speeches on platforms. That work is possible only by imparting education to children. Government must not impose age-limit on monthly allowance, which is being provided to artistes and it should provide shelter with complete infrastructure.

Manjamma reminiscing her childhood days said, "I had grown up as Manjunath Shetty of Bellary district, but I had feminine feelings within me. So I converted to a feminine gender. I have been through many difficulties at childhood and my parents harassed me a lot. I once attempted suicide. Then my parents disowned me from family. Then, society isolated me and harassed me as well. After years I joined the Jogathi dance team as a dancer. I now have fame in society inspite no money. So now, everyone is drawing close me even those who were neglected. Manjamma shared her pain with tear-filled eyes.

Researcher Dr Arun of Kudlagi, at a lecture on Jogathi parampara (heritage) said, "Worship came to existence based on natha pantha. Worship is recognised by Goddess Yellamma in the state It has spread across the nation and is recognized at global level. Worship can be seen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Azmir.

Jogathi parampara can be seen in Northern India, as people respect that community for its historical background. That is why transgenders used to migrate to the northern parts of the nation. They were constantly harassed throughout their life and that is why they show ignorance over men. Their aggression and arrogance symbolise their pain in life.

In addition, Dr Arun said, "If society understands their pain, then people will accept them. Ignorance provokes them to commit suicide. Such transgenders can be found in lower class as well as the rich class. There is a therapy of preventing gender conversion, invented in America, but this is not yet found in India. It is an expensive treatment.

Eminent writer and president of Sahitya Peetha Vaidehi inaugurated the seminar programme. Varadesh Hiregange, director of study on Gandhian principles, Manipal University delivered the keynote address.

Muralidhar Upadhyaya welcomed the gathering. Prabhakar Thumari compered the programme.

Following the stage programme, a team of nine members performed Jogathi folk dance.