MODERN OUTLOOK OF INDIAN WOMEN FOR EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT: A STUDY OF MANJU KAPUR’S HOME

Abstract

            Manju Kapur is one of the most renowned Indian woman novelists of the modern India. She has realistically portrayed the vulnerable condition of women in the Indian society and at home, dominated by patriarchy and traditional cultural habits. But at the same time, she has highlighted how such Indian women move heaven and earth in order to become educationally empowered with the sole aim of establishing their individual identity and independence. In order to achieve their life’s desire, her women cannot but meet with a lot obstacles that lead them to their mental sufferings and silent pain. Besides, Manju Kapur has also brought out her women’s inner spark of revolt against the attitudes of patriarchy as well as matriarchy senior in age. The protagonist Nisha of Manju Kapur’s Home has to struggle in her life just because of the rules set for the women in the closed Indian society. Nisha not only respects her traditional brought up but also she never entertains any idea of violation. However, she does not remain silent by accepting all types of her discrimination and sufferings without voicing her concern. She also thinks of her own predicament and takes steps in order to make her educational dreams come true. As a consequence, she can establish her independence. Her attempt becomes successful only after her having established her own independent individuality. But at the same time, she cannot but become the great sufferers at the hands of her patriarchy and matriarchy senior in age and experience. However, she also realizes her own responsibilities to achieve her desired end. Till her dream comes true, she never minds her own sufferings. Thus Nisha has a strong of inherent dynamism in her character. All modern women should be like Nisha that they can establish their individual identity through educational empowerment. But the pity is that all young modern women cannot act as Nisha has done. It is because of their different nature of traditional brought up. However, all should realize that it is only their educational empowerment that provides them with an indelible individual identity.