The constant struggle for women

Ushakumari, author of Malayalam book titled ‘Chithirapurathe Janaki’ chronicled the state of women empowerment in Kerala

Malayalam writer Ushakumari has won this year’s prestigious ‘OV Vijayan Literature Award’ (comprising a cash award of Rs 50, 001 and a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunjiraman) presented by Naveena Samskarika Kala Kendram (NSKK) for her novel ‘Chithirapurathe Janaki’ in Hyderabad.

About her novel Ushakumari says, “I have been writing poems since a long time. ‘Chithirapurathe Janaki’ is my second novel which narrates the life and struggle for livelihood; of a woman named Janaki. The woman runs an anganwadi in a hamlet called Chithirapuram in the rural district of Idukki in Kerala. It’s an internal struggle and turmoil of an individual who is living in a rural atmosphere with the fast changing exterior world due to urbanisation.”

Apart from writing, Ushakumari also runs a textile shop. Regarding the story behind her award she says, “It was my son Udaya Ravi who nominated my work for an award, to the jury. This is the first time in my life I am travelling alone to a new city, Hyderabad.”

She intends to bring out another novel on the unfortunate ‘trapped women’ in and around villages, who have been exploited mentally and physically; and have no place in the society. “What is their future? Can they find a home for themselves? Can they get married and lead a normal life?” she asks.

Ushakumari has never gone out of Kerala, but her thoughts reach out to the harsh realities of all the women who have still not been able to earn their self-respect in this ‘fast developing’ world.