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Transgender Kathak Dancer Makes History with Prestigious Award
16 Jun
Summary
- Devika Manglamukhi is the first transgender individual to receive the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Samman.
- She endured hardship and social exclusion before achieving national recognition.
- Devika was inspired to dance at four and left home at fourteen to live authentically.
Devika Devendra S Manglamukhi, a transgender Kathak dancer and cultural activist, has achieved a historic first by being selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Samman-2025, conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Currently serving on the UP Transgender Welfare Board, Devika sees this award as a major milestone for the transgender community.
Hailing from Dholpur, Rajasthan, Devika's journey was marked by significant challenges, including social exclusion and prolonged struggle. Her passion for Kathak ignited at age four while watching a television performance. At fourteen, she left home to embrace her gender identity, facing immense hardship that led her to beg on the streets of Delhi.
A pivotal moment arrived when Kathak guru Kapila Raj Sharma offered guidance after noticing Devika practicing on a street. Devika relocated to Lucknow in 2004 to train under Sharma, with her first formal performance occurring in 2005. She has since received other accolades, including the Rajkiye Meera Samman in 2016, and has performed across 22 states.
