Society did everything to push me to death: Manobi Bandyopadhyay

She had contemplated ending her life several times, or rather, she was forced to, thanks to an unsympathetic society. But destiny had other plans for her. Today, at 50, South Kolkata's Manobi Bandyopadhyay is not just India's but perhaps the world's first transgender who is the principal of a college.

Local media and social networking sites hailed her success as Manobi confirmed on Tuesday that she will take charge of Krishnagar Women's College in West Bengal's Nadia district on June 9.

She is currently an associate professor in Bengali at Vivekananda Satobarshiki Mahavidyalaya in Manikpara village of Paschim Medinapore district. She has been teaching there for the past 20 years. In interviews to various newspapers, Manobi had spoken about her suffering, emanating from a failed marriage to a Bengali businessman. She was humiliated at various stages in life. From being assaulted at a public rally to being deserted by her husband—who succumbed to social pressures. Life was never easy for the crusader. Iamin caught up with Manobi to share her views, struggle and objectives with the readers. Here are some excerpts from our interview with Manobi:

1) Tell us something about your early days as a child.
I was born to a middle-class family in Naihati, and named Somnath Banerjee. I was the youngest boy in my family and had two sisters. Ever since my childhood, I felt that I was a woman inside. I don't believe in the term 'sexual orientation'. It is vague and holds no importance in my life. As a child, I was just like any other kid. Like a young boy, I went fishing, played football and climbed trees. But still, I felt and recognised the woman in my soul. Battling all odds in life, I went ahead with my higher education. I completed MA from Jadavpur University and PhD in Third Gender studies from Kalyani University. I received support from my family. My sisters were always with me. My mother sacrificed her own desires for my education, like going to the cinema, beauty salons or buying expensive saris just to ensure that I was able to continue with my studies.

2) What challenges did you face after you went for a genital surgery in 2003? How has your journey from Somnath to Manobi been?
I have come back from near-death. There was a time I didn't want to survive anymore, so I tried hanging myself from the ceiling. What else do you want to hear about? But yes, I want to make one thing clear that I wasn't a person who had suicidal tendencies. The society did everything to push me to death. The society never wanted me to live. I was an object of disgust and hatred. I was humiliated by my fellow colleagues. I was taken to courts several times on false charges because of my so-called 'orientation'. Students were asked not to attend my classes. Even when I would go to rent a house, I was turned away. It seemed that I was unwanted everywhere.

3) How did you overcome such a bad phase in your life? What was the source of inspiration that kept you going?
I believe in the teachings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. I sought strength and inspiration at Belur Math. I am a disciple of Swami Atmasthananda Maharaj of Belur Math. It is from this place that I gathered my strength and decided to fight back.

4) As principal of a college, what do you intend to do for the students?
My primary focus will be on freeing education from politics. Today, politics in all its forms is ruining relationships between teachers and students. There is so much hatred and bitterness. Even the teachers indulge in petty politics for professional gains. I will try to immune my college from all these.

5) what other activities are you involved in, besides teaching?
I am a theatre artist. I love creativity and has been inclined towards art and dance ever since childhood. I have penned down all my experiences in life in an autobiography, 'Je Kotha Bola Hoyni (Bengali for Things That I Have Never Said Before)'. I also run a magazine that discusses issues related to the third gender. All these have become an integral part of my life now. These are no longer hobbies but are my reality and objectives. I want to better the situation for transgenders and women. I work for ensuring women empowerment.

6) What is your idea of women empowerment?
See, in our society women are the most deprived. I find myself very close to them. I believe the only way to end violence or crime against women is to empower them. You will notice that during the marriage vows, the husband pledges to provide his wife with all basic amenities like food, clothes and shelter. But for me, women empowerment will only be achieved when a lady can take that vow for her husband. And, I am happy that I will be heading a women's college now.

7) What's your message for the society?
I just have one thing to say to everyone as Ramakrishna said — 'Tomader Chaitanya Hok (Bengali phrase meaning 'get a grip of your senses')

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