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MAHASWETA BY SUDHA MURTHY

Annu choudhary -949, BAP

Mahashweta by Sudha Murty is a poignant novel that encompasses all aspects of love, rejection, self-respect, and inner strength. The story revolves around the protagonist Anupama, a beautiful and intelligent young woman from a middle-class family whose life takes a dramatic turn after her marriage to Anand, a wealthy doctor.

Anupama's fairy-tale marriage soon crumbles when she develops leukoderma, a skin condition that becomes the cause of her humiliation and abandonment. Shunned by her in-laws and ignored by her husband, she is forced to confront society's cruel prejudices and the superficiality of human relationships. Heartbroken but not defeated, Anupama rebuilds her life with courage, dignity, and independence. Her journey from despair to self-realization forms the heart of the novel.

Simple and powerful writing by Sudha Murty has made Mahashweta a memorable read. The narration is linear, without any uncalled-for embellishments, which makes the emotions raw and real. The author successfully brings out the hypocrisy of the society that worships outer beauty while being blind to inner worth. Through Anupama's transformation, Murty sends a strong message of self-respect and the need to rise above societal judgments.

The title Mahashweta—meaning "great white"—symbolically reflects the protagonist's condition, but also her purity of spirit. It is not a story of a woman with a skin disease but a tale of resilience, empowerment, and reclaiming one's identity.

This beautifully written and inspiring novel leaves a mark in the reader's mind. It projects the art of looking beyond the facade to the inherent strength that comes out of self-acceptance. Sudha Murty again proves her mettle in portraying human emotions with empathy and simplicity.

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Against White Feminism

Rafia Zakaria

Against White Feminism by Rafia Zakaria is like a truth bomb dropped on the feminist movement — unapologetic, fierce, and absolutely necessary. Zakaria pulls back the veil on "white feminism," exposing how it often sidelines women of color and clings to colonial, savior narratives. This book isn’t about comfortable conversations — it’s about shaking up the status quo and demanding real change.Zakaria calls out the hypocrisy of feminism that claims to fight oppression but sometimes ends up reinforcing it. She highlights how white feminism reproduces white supremacy by centering white women's concerns while sidelining Black and Brown women. The book walks you through history and today’s activism with clarity and bite, showing why feminism needs to be intersectional — not just a trend or hashtag.If you want your feminism radical, inclusive, and woke AF, Against White Feminism is a must-read. Zakaria challenges the "white savior industrial complex" and the reduction of empowerment to superficial neoliberal ideas, urging a feminism that truly transforms oppressive systems.It’s more than critique — it’s a call for solidarity, justice, and rebuilding feminism from the ground up. Let’s dismantle the old story and make space for every voice.

-Akshita Laxkar;1149

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Book Review by Antara

Nivedita Menon’s Seeing Like a Feminist is a thought-provoking and compelling introduction to understanding feminism within the Indian context. What immediately stands out in this book is that Menon does not try to present feminism as a single, fixed idea. Instead she argues that there is no one feminist viewpoint because the experiences of women vary widely depending on class, caste, religion, sexuality and social background. In this way, she emphasizes that feminism is not only about women, but about the larger system of gender and power that shapes everyday life.

One of Menon’s strongest contributions is how she uses simple yet powerful analogies to show how patriarchy hides itself in everyday actions. For example, she compares the idea of “nude makeup” to society’s attempt to make gender roles seem natural. Just as nude makeup requires effort to make the face appear untouched, social norms are repeated over generations to make gender inequality appear “normal” and unquestionable. This comparison sets the tone for the rest of the book, inviting the reader to look at familiar situations with a new awareness.

A major part of the book focuses on the Indian family structure. Menon argues that the traditional family is not always the loving, protective unit it is assumed to be. Instead, it can be a space where control and hierarchy are enforced, especially for women. Marriage, inheritance and the pressure to conform to roles are all ways in which patriarchy maintains itself. Menon suggests imagining alternate forms of community, beyond marriage, where people can choose how to live without being confined to restrictive family norms. This idea is bold but it encourages the reader to think beyond what is considered “normal.”

The book also discusses sexuality and desire, reminding us that sexual identity is fluid and can change throughout a person’s life. Menon highlights how Indian society still struggles to accept queer identities even after legal changes. She shows how meaningful social change does not come only through law but through everyday lives of people who challenge conventions by how they live and love.

One of the most insightful ideas in the book is that feminism is not a final victory but a slow and continuous transformation of society. Change happens gradually but once it happens, the understanding of what is acceptable shifts forever.

Overall, Seeing Like a Feminist is engaging, reflective as well as deeply relevant. It encourages readers to examine not just society, but their own beliefs and surroundings. This is a book one can return to many times, each time discovering something new.

-Antara (918)

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The story of an hour by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour explores the emotional and psychological awakening of a woman trapped by marriage and social expectations. First published in 1894, the short story remains groundbreaking for its bold portrayal of a woman’s inner life and her brief experience of freedom. Chopin captures the complexities of female emotion with great accuracy, showing how the roles placed by society often suffocate a woman’s identity. The story not only highlights the limitations of the nineteenth century but also reflects the ongoing struggle for identity and independence that women still face.

The narrative follows Louise Mallard, a young wife who hears about her husband’s sudden death and retreats to her room alone. What starts as a moment of sorrow gradually becomes an overwhelming feeling of liberation. As Louise looks out the open window, she imagines a future that is entirely hers—a life not shaped by duty or dependence. Chopin’s strong use of imagery and symbolism transforms this brief moment into a significant statement about the desire for individuality. The story’s short duration mirrors the fragility of female freedom within a male-dominated society, making Louise’s awakening both heartbreaking and profound.

The title itself conveys the story’s main conflict between confinement and freedom. The “hour” of realization symbolizes both the shortness of women’s liberation and the great power of self-discovery that can exist even in constraints. Louise’s death at the end, often seen as tragic irony, reveals how society cannot accept a woman who dares to envision life on her own terms. Through its simplicity and emotional depth, The Story of an Hour becomes more than just a tale of personal awakening—it serves as a lasting critique of the systems that silence women and as a reminder of the human longing for independence and self-expression.

Kritika Joshi

1028

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The Room On The Roof (Book Review)

The Room On The Roof is an eloquent and heartwarming piece of storytelling written by Ruskin Bond. This 1956 novel is set in pre-independence Dehradun.It is a coming-of-age story that revolves around Rusty, an introverted seventeen-year-old Anglo-Indian boy who runs away from his cold and authoritative guardians.

The novel follows Rusty, as he navigates his new-found freedom and the memorable experiences of adolescence such as new friendships, first crush, first job and most importantly, figuring out who he is as a person. The themes of friendship, self-discovery and independence are so universal and depicted so genuinely that it transports readers back to their own teenage days.

Be it the rain or vibrant bazaar or the famous “tikkis”, Bond paints a very authentic and vivid picture of the valley. It effectively captures the essence of a small town and makes the setting feel real. His writing style is simple yet impactful. The author brilliantly manages to make it sound personal yet so relatable.

Given the similarities between the author’s life and the protagonist’s, it is possible that Bond drew from his personal experience. This gives it a raw and authentic appeal.

Though adolescents would relate to it the most, the heart warming nature of the novel can be enjoyed by people across all age groups.

Winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957, 'The Room On The Roof', is a timeless classic about growing up and self-discovery, making it a must-read for people across all age groups.

Aadhya Khanna (930)

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When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife (2017) by Meena Kandasamy

Meena Kandasamy’s When I Hit You, published in 2017, is one of those books that leaves you silent for a while after finishing it. Written originally in English, this novel feels more like a personal testimony than fiction. It tells the story of a young, idealistic woman who enters marriage believing in love and equality, only to find herself trapped in a controlling and abusive relationship. Through her pain, she slowly rediscovers her power through language and writing.

What I found most striking was Kandasamy’s voice- fierce, lyrical, and brutally honest. She doesn’t simply describe abuse; she dissects it, showing how emotional and intellectual manipulation can be just as violent as physical harm. Her writing is beautifully crafted yet painfully raw, which makes reading it both uncomfortable and cathartic. The narrative doesn’t follow a straight line, it moves between memory, reflection, and resistance, but that fragmented style feels true to trauma itself.

Personally, the book made me think deeply about how easily women’s individuality can be erased in the name of love, and how courage can take the shape of simply speaking up. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one- unsettling, poetic, and powerful.

Aditi Panchal

24/670

BAP

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Book Review : आषाढ़ का एक दिन

Mohan Rakesh’s “आषाढ़ का एक दिन” is a beautifully written book that transformed modern theatre, wherein its poetic language and emotional complexity set it apart as a work with depth and rare beauty. The play does not simply revolve around love or loss, but is a tapestry of ambition, sacrifice and the cost of greatness. The true essence of the drama is embedded in its ‘richly resonating poetic expression in prose’ and it establishes ‘the playwright’s kinship with the creative agony and yearning of his characters.’

At its core, the play revolves around Mallika’s selfless love and sacrifice for Kalidasa. As she poignantly bid him farewell, she says, “Believe me your going away will not mean separation. The winds, the clouds and the deer, they all go with you.” This quote mirrors the depth of Mallika’s devotion, a love that transcends physical boundaries. Kalidasa, who is torn between artistic ambition and personal fulfilment, confesses later, “I received honour, yet I was not happy. The bond which I broke in order to go away always pulled me back.” His struggle is universal; the search for meaning beyond worldly achievement.

The climax of the play aches with the feeling of how their love felt impossible, “Both have separate bodies but have one soul, so their love is unrequited”. The emotional subtlety and realism Mohan Rakesh brings to these characters makes the drama feel more timeless and intimately true. “आषाढ़ का एक दिन” is as haunting in its silences as in its words, and if one desires to implore the depths of the human heart, they will affirmatively find this read a deeply, rewarding one.

Kritika Kaur Sethi, 24/739, BAP.

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Sudha Murty’s “How to Beat the Boys” from her acclaimed collection Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives is a deeply inspiring autobiographical essay that captures her courage and determination as a young woman who broke barriers in the male-dominated world of engineering during the late 1960s. Written in her trademark simple yet powerful style, the story reflects not only her personal struggle but also a larger commentary on gender equality, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

The essay begins with a lighthearted incident in the United States where a man assumes Murty’s confidence must come from a Western education. Her witty reply—that it actually comes from her alma mater, the Basappa Veerappa Bhoomaraddi (B.V.B.) College of Engineering in Hubli—sets the tone for the story. This opening scene leads her to reflect on her days as a seventeen-year-old girl determined to study engineering at a time when it was almost unthinkable for women. Belonging to a conservative middle-class family, Murty faced resistance from nearly everyone around her—her grandmother warned that no man would marry a woman engineer, her relatives doubted her choice, and even her father, though supportive, worried about her loneliness and safety. Despite the discouragement, she remained firm in her decision, guided by her love for science and an unshakable belief in her own potential.

When she entered B.V.B. College as the only girl among 149 male students, Murty found herself in an environment unprepared to accept her presence. There were no women’s facilities, and her male classmates viewed her as an intruder. She endured teasing, jokes, and humiliating pranks—such as ink spilled on her seat and mocking limericks—but she refused to let the hostility defeat her spirit. Instead of reacting with anger or self-pity, she decided to channel her energy into self-discipline and academic excellence. She adopted a vow of simplicity, wearing only white saris and dedicating herself entirely to her studies. Over time, her hard work paid off as she consistently topped her exams, gradually earning the respect of her teachers and even the boys who once ridiculed her.

Murty’s narrative stands out for its humility and emotional honesty. She never portrays herself as a victim but rather as a determined individual who transforms adversity into strength. Through vivid anecdotes—cleaning her dusty room, enduring isolation, and excelling despite obstacles—she conveys the quiet dignity of perseverance. Her reflections on friendship, respect, and equality show that true empowerment lies not in rebellion but in resilience and character.

By the end of the essay, Murty returns to her college as a successful professional, finding joy in seeing many young women pursuing engineering freely—something that was nearly impossible in her youth. This full-circle moment gives the story an emotional and hopeful closure, emphasizing social progress and the lasting value of education.

Overall, “How to Beat the Boys” is more than just a personal memoir; it is a timeless lesson on courage, ethics, and perseverance. Sudha Murty’s life stands as a beacon for generations of readers, reminding us that barriers—whether social or personal—can always be overcome with humility, discipline, and faith in oneself.

Name -Aditi Pandey

Roll no. 24/916

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Book Review : REBATI

Fakir Mohan Senapati’s “Rebati” is a pioneering work of Indian literature that resonates profoundly with the core principles of feminism, reflecting both its academic definition and lived realities. The story centers on Rebati, a young girl in 19th-century rural Odisha, whose pursuit of education and self-identity challenges entrenched patriarchal norms, making her an iconic symbol of female emancipation and a literary milestone for women's rights.​

Feminism: The Real Definition Feminism, as defined in academic discourse, is an ideology and movement seeking gender equality by challenging the social, cultural, and institutional subordination of women. It stands for granting women the same rights and opportunities as men, emphasizing the right to education, individual autonomy, and dismantling patriarchal structures that restrict female agency.​

Rebati's Story and Feminist Themes “Rebati” is set in a deeply traditional village where gender norms are rigid, and the idea of educating girls is taboo. Rebati’s yearning for schooling disrupts this social order, exposing the tension between tradition and progress. Her father, initially torn between supporting his daughter's aspirations and adhering to social norms, highlights the internal struggle within families faced by progressive ideas.​

Senapati’s narrative uses realism, symbolism, and irony. The school in “Rebati” represents a battleground for new ideas versus old customs, while Rebati herself becomes a symbol of change and hope for women’s empowerment.​

Analysis in Context of Feminism’s True Meaning Rebati’s resistance to her grandmother’s superstitions and her assertion of her desire to study illustrate the feminist principle of self-determination and the rejection of women’s subordination for the sake of tradition. The story lays bare the cultural prejudices that link calamities (like the cholera epidemic) to a girl’s education, echoing how patriarchal societies weaponize tradition to stifle female aspirations.​

Senapati’s critique of these oppressive customs aligns perfectly with feminism’s real meaning—the struggle for equal opportunity, dignity, and autonomy for women. Rebati’s journey in the story allegorically depicts the fight for women’s educational rights and broader societal reforms, showing that progress requires defying age-old conventions.​

Literary Importance and Legacy “Rebati” stands as an “eternal lighthouse” for girls, symbolizing hope and the possibility of change amidst adversity. Senapati’s nuanced portrayal of Rebati as the “new woman” daring to dream and learn, contrasted with her grandmother’s unwavering adherence to tradition, deepens the feminist reading and illustrates the spectrum of female experience in patriarchal societies.​

A Masterpiece “Rebati” by Fakir Mohan Senapati is a profound reflection of feminism’s real definition—a pursuit of gender equality, personal autonomy, and resistance against patriarchal oppression. Through Rebati’s struggle and aspiration, Senapati delivers a timeless message for social reform and women’s empowerment, making this short story an essential text for any discussion on feminism in Indian literature.​

NAME - JASMIN BEHERA

ROLL NO - 24/741

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book review: Seeing like a feminist

“Feminism is not a comfortable thought; it is designed to make you uneasy, to make you question the things you have always taken for granted.”

With this unsettling truth at its core, Nivedita Menon’s Seeing Like a Feminist compels readers to rethink everything they believe about gender, power, and normalcy. The book isn’t just an argument for women’s rights it’s a lens that reveals how deeply patriarchy is woven into everyday life. Menon’s writing challenges complacency, urging us to confront the subtle ways in which inequality is justified in the name of tradition, family, and morality.

Nivedita Menon goes on to look in detail at six core concepts, namely Family, Body, Desire, Sexual Violence, Feminists in today’s world and Victims. On each of these, she dwells into the hold of patriarchy and its effect on women, subtle in some cases, violent in others but unequivocally demeaning

Through Family, Menon exposes how love and kinship often reinforce control and hierarchy. In Body, she explores how societal norms dictate women’s appearance, mobility, and morality. Desire challenges the heteronormative framework that restricts sexual freedom. In Sexual Violence, she critiques how law and culture simultaneously condemn and excuse male dominance. Feminists in Today’s World reflects on the backlash and misrepresentation feminism faces, yet its persistence in everyday resistance. Finally, Victims questions the portrayal of women as helpless, emphasizing instead their agency and capacity to resist oppression within patriarchal systems.

Menon’s arguments resonate strongly within the Indian context, where social institutions often protect patriarchal privilege. A striking example she highlights is the continued legality of marital rape, which exposes the deep-rooted belief that a woman’s consent becomes irrelevant within marriage. This, she argues, reveals a deeper patriarchal logic one that normalizes male authority and reduces women’s autonomy within intimate and public spaces alike.

Looking beyond the book, Nivedita Menon puts forward a radical definition of feminism, where she does not identify it as movement with some arbitrary triumphant victory in mind. She looks at feminism as a gradual transformation of our social order, a decisive shift that leaves old markers behind

 “Feminism is not about a moment of triumph, but about an ongoing process of questioning.”- Nivedita Menon

By Hritvy Agarwal 

24/903 

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Book Review: The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

-By Manya Goel (B.A.P- roll no.726)

The Forest of Enchantments is a powerful retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni reimagines the ancient epic not as a story of gods and kings, but as a deeply human tale of love, strength, and resilience. By giving Sita her own voice, the author transforms a traditionally silent and obedient figure into a woman of intelligence, courage, and moral conviction.

The novel traces Sita’s journey—from her idyllic childhood in Mithila to her trials in exile, her abduction by Ravana, and her ultimate rejection by Rama. Through lyrical prose and emotional depth, Divakaruni portrays Sita not as a victim of fate, but as a woman who constantly chooses dignity and self-respect over submission. The author’s feminist lens redefines the idea of dharma, questioning societal expectations placed on women.

The writing is lush and poetic, filled with vivid imagery that brings myth and emotion to life. While rooted in mythology, the story feels timeless and relevant, offering a meditation on freedom, love, and equality. The Forest of Enchantments is both a tribute to and a reclamation of one of India’s greatest epics—a must-read for anyone who values powerful storytelling and women’s voices.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE BLUE UMBRELLA

The Blue Umbrella is a short novella written by Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most loved authors known for his simple yet touching stories. The book belongs to the children’s fiction genre, though its themes appeal to readers of all ages.

Set in a small village in the hills of Garhwal, the story revolves around a little girl named Binya, who owns a beautiful blue umbrella that instantly becomes the talk of the village. Everyone admires it, especially Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper. As the desire for the umbrella grows, the story explores how jealousy and greed can disturb simple lives. Without revealing too much, it ends with a gentle message about kindness and forgiveness.

Ruskin Bond’s writing is simple, clear, and full of warmth. His descriptions of the Himalayan village make the reader feel as if they are standing right there with the characters. The language is easy to understand, yet carries deep emotions and moral lessons.

I found the book heartwarming and meaningful. Even though it is a short story, it leaves a strong impression about human nature and generosity. The simplicity of the story is its greatest strength—it teaches big lessons through small, everyday events. The characters feel very real, especially Ram Bharosa, whose transformation shows how guilt and realization can change a person. What I liked most is how Bond never preaches; he lets the reader learn the moral naturally through the story. The atmosphere of the hills, the emotions of the people, and the innocence of childhood are all portrayed so beautifully that it makes the story memorable.

While reading it, I could relate to Binya’s innocence and the way small things can bring both joy and envy in life. The story reminded me how important it is to stay humble and kind, even when we have something others may not.

One of the main strengths of the book is its simplicity and emotional honesty. The story conveys deep moral values without heavy language or complex plots, making it accessible to all readers. The vivid descriptions of nature and village life add a peaceful charm to the reading experience. However, one weakness might be its short length just when the reader becomes deeply attached to the characters, the story ends. Some readers may wish for a little more depth or a longer exploration of Ram Bharosa’s change of heart.

I would recommend The Blue Umbrella to anyone who enjoys quiet, meaningful stories. It’s perfect for young readers, but even adults will find a sense of peace and nostalgia in its pages.

By Lakshita Choudhary- 1112

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Book Review: House of Cards by Sudha Murty

House of Cards by Sudha Murty is a deeply emotional and realistic story about love, ambition, and a woman’s self-discovery. The novel follows Mridula, a kind and devoted woman who supports her husband, Sanjay, through all his ups and downs. As Sanjay’s career as a doctor progresses, he becomes more focused on wealth and social status, slowly drifting away from the simple values they once shared.

The book carries a strong feminist message. Mridula’s journey represents many women who silently give up their dreams for their families. Her realization that self-respect and peace matter more than material comfort is the heart of the story. Murty shows that a woman’s strength doesn’t always come from rebellion — it can also come from quiet courage and self-awareness.

Strengths:

The novel’s biggest strength lies in its simplicity and emotional truth. Murty’s writing is clear, direct, and heartfelt. The characters feel real, and the feminist theme is presented in a subtle yet powerful way. The book beautifully captures how love and ambition can clash when equality is missing in a relationship.

Weaknesses:

The plot can feel predictable and slow at times, with few surprises. However, this simplicity makes the story genuine and relatable.

Recommendation:

House of Cards is a must-read for anyone who enjoys emotional, meaningful stories — especially those that highlight women’s inner strength and the importance of self-respect.

By Kanchan,651

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THAT LONG SILENCE

Shashi Deshpande’s That Long Silence beautifully captures the inner world of Jaya, a woman who has spent most of her life trying to be the ideal wife and mother. When her husband Mohan faces a professional crisis, they move into a small Bombay flat. Away from the noise of daily life, Jaya begins to reflect on her marriage, her choices, and the silence that has ruled her existence.

Through her thoughts, we see how Jaya once had dreams of being a writer, but over the years, she buried them to maintain peace at home. She remembers times when she wanted to speak her mind but chose silence instead, afraid of hurting her husband or breaking social expectations. This silence becomes both her shield and her prison.

As Jaya looks back, she realises how her identity has slowly disappeared under the weight of her roles. Deshpande gently shows the quiet suffering and strength of women who suppress their true selves for the sake of family and tradition. By the end, Jaya understands that silence cannot bring peace—it only deepens pain. She decides to find her voice again, marking the beginning of her emotional freedom and self-discovery.

Harman

BA programme

24/1288

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BOOK REVIEW: A room of one's own by virginia woolf

Virginia Woolf’s ' A Room of One’s Own' is one of those rare books that quietly changes the way I see the world. It begins with a simple idea — that every woman needs money and a room of her own if she is to write — but behind that simplicity lies a deep and powerful truth. Woolf isn’t just talking about writing; she’s talking about freedom — the kind of freedom that comes from having space, time, and independence to be yourself.

Through her calm yet piercing reflections, Woolf examines the long history of women’s absence from literature and public life. She imagines Judith Shakespeare, a sister of equal genius to William, who is denied education, mocked for ambition, and finally silenced by society. The story is heartbreaking because it feels real — a symbol of countless women whose voices were lost to patriarchy. What makes this book so beautiful is Woolf’s tone — calm, poetic, and full of quiet determination. She doesn’t attack men or preach anger; she simply invites us to see how unfairness limits everyone, not just women. Even a century later, her message feels alive — because the “room” she speaks of isn’t just a physical space, it’s a symbol of independence, dignity, and choice.

What makes the book timeless is how relevant it still feels. Nearly a century later, women across the world continue to fight for financial independence, respect, and creative space. The “room” Woolf speaks of is no longer just a physical place; it represents dignity, identity, and freedom of mind. Her message is universal — that creativity and equality can only thrive when every individual has the right to their own space and choices.

A Room of One’s Own is not just a feminist classic; it’s a reminder of the silent struggles behind every woman’s voice. Gentle yet revolutionary, it leaves readers inspired to question, dream, and create fearlessly.

JIYA KESHWER

24/816

Bap

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The Liberation of Sita - Volga

The stories in this collection regarded as feminist revolve around the character of Sita against the backdrop of the Ramayana. It has five major segments talking about the journey of Sita- The Reunion, Music of the Earth, The Sand Pot, The Liberated and The Shackled.

In Reunion, Sita notices Surpanakha’s deep insight. She notes Surpanakha’s empowerment and struggle with herself to achieve it. Sita, who loved Rama so much and received so much love from him, was subjected to insults and scorn by the same man. Sita who would ensconce herself in the loving embrace of Rama, Sita who would walk in the footsteps of Rama, rejected the same man, even deserted her children and followed her own path. Her experiences pushed her in that direction. But there must have been other women who joined Sita in her journey. Sita must have struggled hard with herself to leave Rama. Merely being angry with him would not have been enough to separate herself from him. Psychoanalysts say that anger and hatred tie people together. More than love, anger and malice bind people to each other rather than liberate them. Therefore, Sita did not leave in anger. She left with a matured mind. Her maturity may have come from her worldly experience. She must have internalized the strength that she got from outside. There were many women before her in the Ramayana itself, who were victims of insults, rejections, curses and neglect by the world, families and husbands.

The story ‘The Music of the Earth’ was written with the idea of a meeting between Ahalya and Sita. What Renuka and Urmila had to experience was not any less. If they share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom with Sita, perhaps it would add further strength to her. The stories are infused with such cooperation among women.

The last segment, 'The shackled', however portrays the story of Rama and his suffering as not to present him as someone who only was afflicter of her suffering and caused her to be humiliated and abandoned. This section showed how he dealt with the agony of losing his love and how much burdened he was because of his actions. As he was resistless in front of societal power.

These stories also represent women’s suffering in contemporary society. While some women overcome the restrictions, insults and violence they are subjected to, many others remain trapped, unable to escape, and unaware of the need to escape. Women who are unaware of the need to liberate themselves from abusive husbands continue to hang on to them even while loathing them. Women are used to in icting violence upon themselves out of hatred. Volga hopes that through these stories, women will get strength, courage and wisdom.

-By Devyanshi (24/1033) BAP, LSR

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LIFTING THE VEIL BY ISMAT CHUGHTAI

I recently read Lifting the veil by Ismat Chughtai, and it really left a strong impression on me. The book is a collection of short stories and essays that talk about the real lives of women—their feelings, struggles, and the things the society usually tries to hide. Chughtai writes with honesty and courage. She doesn't try to make her characters look perfect. Instead shows them as real people— full of curiosity, flaws and strength. Her most favourite story, Lihaaf(the Quilt), was once banned because it talked about female sexuality. But Chughtai didn't write all this to shock anyone; she simply wrote what she saw and felt was true. Her writing style is simple, direct and sometimes funny in a sarcastic way. She points out the unfair rules and double standards that women face, and she does it with wit and confidence. What makes her feminism special is that it comes from her own life and the world around her— not from theory or big ideas. Even though these stories were written years ago, they still feel fresh and real today. The way she talks about freedom. love and judgement still connects with modern readers. Overall, Lifting the veil is a brave and honest book that made me think about how society treats women and how strong they can be. It's sharp, emotional and full of truth and i would definitely vouch this book to anyone who wants to read something bold and meaningful. {Lois Kim Guite, 24/960}