Are we addressing the Challenges or Running Away | Employment is Essential to sustain life | Most of the issues in the society vanishes when people are well placed | Global TV
By NV Paulose
The recent statements made by former Karnataka Janapada Academy chairperson Padma Shri Manjamma Jogathi, as well as other prominent figures, at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, while releasing “Bimbadolagondu Bimba,” authored by Dr. Reshma Ullal, shed light on an important issue that often remains at the periphery of social discourse. The livelihood and rights of sexual minorities is crucial just it is important for every other people in the society. We understand the need of employment for others, then, why not extend these principles to every facet of society, including employment opportunities for sexual minorities?
Manjamma Jogathi has eloquently articulated the primary need of sexual minorities. They need to sustain life through employment. She emphasizes that compassion shown in words alone isn’t sufficient; practical support is essential. Her call for government and non-governmental organizations to offer job opportunities is both timely and significant. By offering employment, we empower sexual minorities to lead independent and dignified lives.
Additionally, Jogathi’s demand for old age pensions for elderly members of the sexual minority community is vital reminder of the vulnerabilities they face as they age. Access to social safety nets, just like any other citizen, is a basic right that should be provided.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan’s statement reinforces the fundamental principle that sexual minorities. Everyone has the right to live without fear of discrimination or ill-treatment. This is a sentiment that must be echoed by all levels of society, from individuals to institutions.
Cinema director B.S. Lingadevaru’s insight into the multifaceted challenges faced by sexual minorities, including social, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions, is crucial for understanding the complexity of their lives. It highlights the importance of policies and programs that address these unique challenges comprehensively.
Rakesh Shetty’s commitment, representing Suez India, to employ sexual minorities in Mangaluru based on their educational qualifications is a commendable step in the right direction. It is a reflection of how the private sector can actively participate in fostering inclusivity.
As we consider these perspectives and calls for action, it becomes evident that society must evolve to ensure that sexual minorities have equal opportunities and rights. There should be an intensive effort from all sectors; governmental, non-governmental, and private; to address these issues.
Manjamma Jogathi’s hope that by offering employment opportunities, complaints against sexual minorities could be reduced is an aspiration worth pursuing. However, it is important to remember that employment is only one piece of the puzzle. Comprehensive measures that address the broader issues of stigma, discrimination, and inequality must be taken.
The proposed caste census could be a crucial tool in recognizing the unique challenges faced by sexual minorities and tailoring policies accordingly. The government’s role in providing facilities and support for sexual minorities is indispensable.
The sentiments shared by the dignitaries underscore the need for a more inclusive society, where sexual minorities are not only seen but supported in leading lives of dignity and purpose. It is a call for action, and it’s obligatory upon all of us to respond to it. By doing so, we take a significant step towards a more just and equal world for all.
Dr. Reshma Ullaal: A Visionary Journalist and Advocate for Social Justice | Global TV
The research work “ಬಿಂಬದೊಳಗೊಂದು ಬಿಂಬ” by Dr. Reshma Ulla, published by Navakarnataka Publications, Bangalore, was released on October 19, 2023, at School of Social Work, Roshini Nilaya, Mangalore.
Padma Shri Manjamma Jogathi, former President of and Karnataka Janapada Academy, released the work, and Mr. Mullai Muhilan I A S, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada District preside over the program. The chief guests for the event were Mr. B.S. Lingadevaru, renowned film director and Padmashri awardee and Dr. Jenis Mary, Vice Principal of Roshani Nilaya School of Social Work.
Dr. Reshma Ullal is a sensitive female with a keen sense of perception. Patience and resilience are her virtues. This has resulted in the work “ಬಿಂಬದೊಳಗೊಂದು ಬಿಂಬ,” a study on the existence and social conflicts of third gender individuals.
Dr. Reshma Ullal is primarily a journalist. She obtained her Master’s degree in Journalism from Besant Women’s College in Mangalore, Under Mangalore University. Her career was initiated as an always smiling journalist. She is a tough woman who faced many challenges in her career as a journalist. She has been a voice against the sorrows and injustices in society and the black spots of news. She has worked in the field of media for about 15 years in newspapers like Janavahini, Sanyukta Karnataka, and Janashree Suddivahini, as well as in the online media such as Eenadu Web Media.
Her passion for learning led her to earn a postgraduate degree in Kannada and Sociology from the University of Mysore, and later, she conducted research on the lives of third gender individuals under the guidance of Dr. Jogan Shankar. She has recently been awarded a Ph.D. from Mangalore University for this significant research work. Her journey of intellectual pursuit did not stop here. She has continued her studies until she obtained her M.Phil degree.
Currently, Reshma Ullaal is working as a public relations officer at the Suez India Projects private ltd. in Mangalore. She was born and brought up in the coastal area of Mangalore. Her father, Gangadhara Shetty Ullaal, and mother, Naliniakshi, were her support systems. Her husband, journalist Ramakrishna. R, and daughter Tanvi have made Mangalore their permanent residence. Even today, she has a strong determination to achieve something, contribute to society, and is dedicated to her work in the “Value-Based Education” institution in Mangalore as a media coordinator.
Reshma Ullaal always remains in the public domain, and she is determined not to give up. In her lifelong commitment to society, she has also continued to enhance her literacy in reading and writing.
