Modern woman, it’s your time now

As a countrty, we are constantly teeming with issues as we form personal opinions of them and try to find solutions for them. One way of doing the same, is to express oneself through arts.

It is now safe to say that a new wave of writers and artists have emerged, addressing issues relevant to our society. One such author is Avantika Debnath, who recently released her book, ‘The Bridal Pyre’.

The book depicts the stark reality of a woman’s struggles in life after marriage. It takes a critical look at the society’s non-acceptance of the modern, independent woman, as well as issues related to the police and judiciary.

Excerpts:

What gave you the inspiration for the book?

Meera, the protagonist is a compound of real-life women whom I have met. The story exposes real problems from insights taken from what some of my women friends and relatives have faced in this male-dominated society we live in.

Who is Meera?

Meera is a modern, educated woman married into a small town family that has several traditional sentiments, which she has to adjust to. For example, her family is forced to give a dowry on her wedding. Later, Meera walks out of home in search for justice, as she fights her internal household issues and the outside world.

What are the issues from the outside world that you have addressed?

There is a wider message to the government employees in this book. When it comes to justice, unless money is given, it becomes difficult to have your voice heard. This is the truth, and we all know it; yet we do not take action on it.

What did your research entail?

Most of Meera’s story is from what I gathered from speaking to people I know. I had to do research on the judicial aspects and parts that dealt with the government through reading on the internet. I also spoke to a relative of mine who practices law.

Could you explain the title of the book?

I’ll first explain the subtitle – “Nainam Dahati Pawakah”, which is borrowed from the Bhagavad Gita. As per lord Krishna, the soul does not end with fire at a person’s funeral. But for Meera, her tragedy ends with marriage – unlike for every girl who dreams of getting married.

For Meera in her Hindu marriage ceremony (it has fire, which the couple has to walk around) ends up as her pyre. Later, in the novel however, she rises up from the ashes as her true soul never dies. The title and subtitle of the book are contradictory, yet apt.

Is there a solution offered to these troubles in the book?

In this world, you have to fight it out. We are neither all black nor all white characters, but grey. You can’t be saint and survive. At some point, you have to stand up for yourself and take necessary action.

Would you call yourself a feminist?

I am a feminist in the sense that I am not against men. Instead, I am against all injustice.

Any upcoming books?

A collection of stories is coming up. It will have tales of bad things happening to good people.

Avantika Debnath is a 30-year-old, born in Kolkata. She is a writer, having contributed regularly for the ‘Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul’ series; she is also a HR professional for a multinational organisation in Hyderabad.

By:Elita Enoch