“It is important to accept our similarities and differences—man, woman or third gender, we are all searching for a glimpse of divinity in everyday life… The soul is neither male nor female.”

As we grapple to understand our gender roles since childhood, often confused with the patriarchal induction imparted by elders during our growing-up years, these words by Narthaki Nataraj put a lot of age-old discomfort to rest. She clearly defines that irrespective of gender, we must perform our responsibilities as coexisting humans, not as power-hungry opponents attempting to outshine each other. The discrimination and stereotyping of individuals is a criminal disservice toward human rights. More than half the population in the world is emotionally scarred by psychological conditionings that limit potential and destroy confidence. Certain works are viewed as less important, and such works are allocated to specific sections of the society, communicating distinctly and divisively that those sections do not deserve respect! Women have been facing this marginalization for a long time. For transgender individuals, it is worse globally.

Actor Laverne Cox faced much prejudice during auditions and casting processes in Hollywood, despite visible talent and proven success, because the entertainment business did not wish to alienate the mainstream audiences. Teen student Avery Jackson was bullied at her school in Kansas. Although she was academically accomplished, her parents moved her to homeschooling. Mara Keisling, the founder of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), faced discrimination at the office even with her extensive qualifications and advocacy work. Michelle Henry, a 25-year-old black transgender woman, was strangled and stabbed to death in San Francisco. Closer to home, Manabi Bandyopadhyay had been forced to quit as principal of Krishnagore Women’s College after one and a half years in the position because she was exhausted by the regular protests and agitations hosted by her colleagues. Such stories of violence and abuse are rampant in the transgender community. People deny them dignity and opportunities, subject them to unimaginable harassment throughout their lives, and require them to put in extra effort to achieve every apparent milestone. People are content making fun of them, but they are uncomfortable if they are at par—let alone ahead—so what if skills and abilities are the same or better!

Many initiatives are being spearheaded globally to combat the haters, aiming for equality and inclusion. In India, one significant statement was made by awarding the Padma Shri to Smt. Narthaki Nataraj in 2019. An accomplished professional Bharatnatyam artist specializing in the Thanjavur-based Nayaki Bhava tradition of dance, Narthaki ji has been performing as a child artist in cultural performances in and around her village since age seven. She had to face the most difficult circumstances and people since childhood. Born into a society that often marginalizes transgender individuals, she dealt with stigma, trauma, and exclusion, often pushing her to the fringes of society where acceptance was a distant dream. She overcame hardships and found strength in the classical dance forms of India, particularly Bharatanatyam, training with Shri Kitappa Pillai for 15 years. Today, she has not only performed worldwide, receiving standing ovations and back-to-back bookings, but also runs the Velliambalam Trust having branches in the US, UK, Norway, and Canada. She teaches Bharatanatyam to students across cultures and nationalities. The trust enables her to format systematic procedures, crafting disciplined learning methods with clear goals. 85% of the proceeds from the Trust go to the empowerment of the transgender communities. In addition to the US, Dr. Narthaki is regularly invited to perform in the UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Canada, etc. Her unique style weaves dance themes around classic Tamil literature and ancient texts, especially around Tamil philosopher-warrior Murugan and Shakti. There is no pre-recorded music during her performances, only live instruments to create the complete experience on stage. Her performances showcase exceptional talent while serving as a medium to advocate for transgender rights and visibility. By using her art to challenge stereotypes, she has inspired many and fostered greater acceptance of transgender individuals in society. Now, she is also a member of the State Development Policy Council (SDPC) of the Tamil Nadu government, dedicated to working towards the education and employment of the transgender community so that they can gain a life worth living. Her story embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Dr. Narthaki Nataraj did not win the Padma Shri because of her transgender identity. She is more than deserving, with over thirty years of determination and hard work. There were times when no one believed in her other than she herself. Such commitment towards self is unwavering, inspiring, and a learning experience for everyone. Suffering comes to everyone in some form. The Padma Shri awarded to her by the government of India makes a gallant and welcome attempt to tell every sufferer to look up to her and grace themselves with similar energy—thus endorsing a shift in attitude disrupting conservative perceptions.

Narthaki Nataraj’s recognition as a Padma Shri awardee serves as a beacon of hope for the transgender community in India. It acknowledges her artistic contributions as a strong representative of Indian culture, symbolizing the mainstreaming of transgender individuals rather than marginalizing them. Preaching right and wrong is one thing, but the impact is more when a success story is honored as one of the best, equating it with many other changemakers. Narthaki ji’s achievements reinforce the belief that talent knows no gender. Her public presence in various cultural events creates opportunities for dialogue and understanding. As she shares her story, it humanizes the experiences of transgender individuals, fostering empathy and reducing stigma.  Everyone should identify as a warrior, combating harmful practices and unfair prejudices. The fact that the struggles and significant victories of Narthaki Nataraj are visible today empowers many others. An extensive network of individuals and institutions wants to join her to push the boundaries further.

The journey of Dr. Narthaki Nataraj is not just a personal success story. It has helped the government of India explain the cause of inclusion and unity with a very valid example. The Prime Minister’s address on 10 February 2024 mentioned, “The transgender community used to feel discriminated against. And when they were repeatedly discriminated against, the possibility of distortions within them also increased…and we used to shy away from such topics. All Hon’ble members of the 17th Lok Sabha also expressed sympathy for transgender individuals and contributed to making their lives better. And today, Bharat’s work for transgender individuals and the decisions made for them are being discussed worldwide…So far, identity cards have been issued to nearly 16-17 thousand transgender individuals so that their lives are improved. And I have seen that now they are starting small businesses with money from the Mudra scheme; they are earning… They will continue to benefit from various government schemes. The process has begun, and they have started living a life of dignity.” With such clarity from the top leadership and inspirations like Smt. Narthaki Nataraj shatters mental blocks with their relentless diligence, India has already begun the journey towards progressive thinking that will eventually spread over the vast population, where plurality and diversity are celebrated at all levels, adding to the strength and prosperity of the country.

The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views of BlueKraft Digital Foundation.