Katha - Short Stories by Indian Women

Edited by Urvashi Butalia, Katha  is a collection of 17 Short Stories by Indian Women across India, from different age group, and different regions, covering varied aspects was 33rd of 2020. Some very nostalgic, some that would bring tears in our eyes, most of it, with so much of pain, that you can feel it. 

First story, on 'How Kava Deceived Kavi and defeated her', by Marija Sres, says women like receiving gift, but with it, they often lose their freedom.' Rudali' by Mahasweta Devi was nostalgic for couple of reasons - The story and The writer. In comparison to the movie, there was some differences. Here Bikhni is Sanichari are childhood playmates, while if I remember right, in the movie, in the end, it is said, that she was her mother. It reflects on the fact that ageing means growing old, means not being able to work, that in turn means death. Poor don't understand right or wrong they understand hunger better. The part on poverty has been the underpin of couple of stories including 'Lotus' by Aishwarya Subramaniam. 'A movement, A folder, Some tears'  and 'Nightmare', throws light on how India has changed over the years - and her view on religion and people. With evolving time, even kids are becoming intolerant, and hatred is the game they play even with dolls mutilating them for being from different religious group. With it, we find changes in people as well. Let us not be trapped by symbols of religion or a nation. Just because we have similar bodies does not mean we should have similar thoughts. Sisterhood, love humility is needed, Some women opt out, others become isolated. Private firms are not women's organisation,we do not get leave for periods, headaches, feasts or fasts. 'Story of a poem'  by Chandrika B, is interesting on how a woman writes a poem in course of her daily routine, after her husband and children leave to work and school, and tears it away, before they are back home. 'Cast-offs' by Wajida Tabasum is an interesting read of a kid who never liked getting cast off cloths from the employers family, and how she takes revenge as a grown up. 'Teaser' by Manjula Padmanabhan, is a typical bus poovalan story, 'Mayadevi's London Yathra'  is encouraging, and reminded me of my Mother's American Yathra; so also 'March, Ma and Sakura'.

Then there is 'The Wife' by Vandana Singh about unsuccessful marriage, 'Mother' by Urmila Pawar, of single mother who is forced to return to her village after her husband's death, but is determined to stay back for her children.' A large girl', about two school friends, 'The Thief' about the house help, 'Spartacus and the Dancing Man' & 'The Giantess'

It's an easy and good read, for anyone but especially for ladies with lessons and insight.