HarperCollins India Announces Release of 'From Manjunath to Manjamma: The Inspiring Life of a Transgender Folk Artist’

My art and its pursuit have given a new meaning to my life as the first transgender folk artist who also rose to the position of president of a national academy.

on May 29, 2023

HarperCollins India Announces Release of 'From Manjunath to Manjamma: The Inspiring Life of a Transgender Folk Artist’

HarperCollins India is excited to announce the release of From Manjunath to Manjamma: The Inspiring Life of a Transgender Folk Artist, a captivating memoir of a trailblazing individual.

Manjamma Jogathi's astounding, heartbreaking journey from being shunned and made fun of to receiving one of the highest civilian accolades of the nation is one she, together with Harsha Bhat, describe in this book with great honesty. Since June is also recognised as Pride Month, the book's release on June 5 is well-timed.

"This is my tale of surviving all odds as a transgender person and making the journey from the lap of death to winning the Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian awards of the country," Manjamma Jogathi stated when discussing the book. This book is my sincere endeavour to provide the reader with a window into the world of transgender people and all the difficulties we face as we work to tell our story.

This book, which is a story of hope and survival, is also a call for a society that allows people who are like me to shape their own futures without ever having to consider ending their own lives as I had to.

"My art and its pursuit have given a new meaning to my life as the first transgender folk artist who also rose to the position of president of a national academy. I want this to inspire all who are on the verge of giving up to give life a chance because I have, and you can too."

Speaking about the book, Harsha Bhat stated, "Manjamma considers me her daughter today, although I first met her as simply another journalist on the day of her winning the Padma Shri award. The road of telling her story to the world has been one of learning about the strength of the human spirit, which can overcome all that life may throw at them and allow them to be who they choose to be.

"This is a narrative of potential, opportunity, and the strength of determination that propelled Manjamma from "the pavement to the President's court," not simply about a single person. Manjamma has survived it all despite having experienced rape, attempted suicide, and desertion. She has many firsts to her name and numerous accolades for her work as an artist and an inspiration.