What actions should HR and business leaders take to curb mental harassment at work? Share your thoughts.
Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi believes in speaking up for what she believes in. Her feminist husband chose her, she says, because she had made clear that unlike the norm, she wouldn't tolerate her parents being treated any lesser than her husband’s parents.
Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi believes in speaking up for what she believes in. Her feminist husband chose her, she says, because she had made clear that unlike the norm, she wouldn’t tolerate her parents being treated any lesser than her husband’s parents.
The Women’s Web team every month identifies three contributors whose work has really resonated with readers, who have brought something new and impactful to our community. This November 2018, Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi is one of our featured Authors of the Month.
Sudeepta thinks that for the issues she feels strongly about, and want to do something but finds herself helpless, writing becomes empowerment. You can read Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi’s articles here at Women’s Web.
Authors are often asked this question, but everyone has their own reasons, very personal to them. So, why do you write?
Writing for me is liberation. The best way to express myself; many-a-times, to vent out my frustration. For issues, I strongly feel about and want to do something, but find myself helpless, writing becomes empowerment.
What do you enjoy reading? Does any of it help your writing?
I read both fiction and non-fiction. Biographies are my favourites. I regularly follow politics and read about social issues. Reading fiction develops my imagination and definitely helps me in exploring more and writing better. A few authors who have influenced me are Ruskin Bond, R. K. Narayan, Paulo Coelho, Maya Angelou & Jhumpa Lahiri.
When it comes to writing on/for/about women, what questions and issues drive you the most?
Gender inequality and patriarchy! All problems of women stem from these two issues, in one way or the other. I believe that the social construct of gender inequality, in fact has its roots in patriarchy, especially in the Indian societies.
Could you narrate an issue or incident in your life which you think was gender related, and you handled it in a way that has made you proud.
We are only two sisters in my family, with no brother. I have grown up watching many of our relatives and neighbours making my parents (especially, my mother) feel deprived because they don’t have a son. This was actually the seed from which the feminism within me has developed over time. So much that while talking to the prospective grooms for my ‘arranged marriage’, I would spell out to them, right from the beginning of the conversation, that unlike the norm, in no manner, whatsoever, will I tolerate my parents being treated any lesser than the groom’s parents. Coming from a semi-conservative middle-class family, even my parents disliked this barefaced attitude. However, the same approach became the reason why my feminist husband chose to marry me!
What are the things you would like to write about in the future for Women’s Web?
I would love to write on any and every issue that affects the status of women in our society, be it from within the home and family or the world outside.
Women's Web is a vibrant community for Indian women, an authentic space for us to be ourselves and talk about all things that matter to us. Follow us via the read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
I wanted to scream with excitement that my daughter chose to write about her ambition and aspirations over everything else first. To me, this was one of those parenting 'win' moments.
My daughter turned eight years old in January, and among the various gifts she received from friends and family was an absolutely beautiful personal journal for self-growth. A few days ago, she was exploring the pages when she found a section for writing a letter to her future self. She found this intriguing and began jotting down her thoughts animatedly.
My curiosity piqued and she could sense it immediately. She assured me that she would show me the letter soon, and lo behold, she kept her word.
I glanced at her words, expecting to see a mention of her parents in the first sentence. But, to my utter delight, the first thing she had written about was her AMBITION. Yes, the caps here are intentional because I want to scream with excitement that my daughter chose to write about her ambition and aspirations over everything else first. To me, this was one of those parenting ‘win’ moments.
It's well known how diplomatic and professional Priyanka Chopra is. Why would she want to stir the hornet’s nest when everyone’s happy in their personal space?
Priyanka Chopra (PC) did something completely out of character. She’s usually known for being articulate and mostly diplomatic, unless she wants to give sassy comebacks to people who try to put her on the spot or ‘in her place’.
She’s someone who’s never fought the establishment because she understands you can’t win against it anyway. But you can work around it to get your way to the top. She’s a thorough professional and team player.
For someone like Priyanka Chopra who’s never played victim so far, to admit being the scapegoat of petty politics in the Hindi film industry was refreshing. It’s good to see this unfiltered, vulnerable side of her for a change. PC revealed one of her reasons for shifting to Hollywood on the podcast, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
Please enter your email address