Purity of soul
Nausheen Rahman is charmed by one woman's heroism
A Child Widow's Story is a biography of Sister Subbalakshmi, a very admirable Indian social reformer who brought about an unimaginable transformation in the lives of South Indian child widows. The author, Monica Felton, who was in public service in Britain before going to India (to settle) in 1956, had numerous sittings with Subbalakshmi (stretching over several months) during which the latter related her story. This story has been divided into five sections, five legs of the journey of her life, so to speak: Looking Backward, The Education of Subbalakshmi, The Widows' Home, Living in the World, and Looking Forward. Subbalakshmi's two younger sisters were her students in school and, as they called her "Sister", the other girls did the same. Moreover, she says, "I want to be a sister to all young widows." That is how she came to be known as "Sister". This very kind and equitable lady narrates her story in an unpretentious, but engrossing way. When Monica Felton says, "But most people don't use their opportunities. You did. That's what makes you important!" She responds by "laughing scornfully" and saying, "Who cares about being important? Being useful is the only thing that matters." Subbalakshmi was herself a child widow, but was very fortunate in that she did not have to undergo the severe hardships other widows did. Her progressive and sagacious father, despite scathing criticism and condemnation from many quarters, was resolute in his decision to educate his daughter. She, in turn, set about seriously to acquire education and then to educate other women. Her mother and her aunt were also very supportive. Her aunt, "Chitti's," character makes us have renewed faith in human goodness and forbearance. Subbalakshmi's story is as much the story of the many women she helped, as it is hers; hence, it is not about her own personal sufferings it is about her concern for others and her endeavors to bring some meaning, some dignity and a little happiness into the lives of hapless girls. The story reveals the pleasure Subbalakshmi gets from studying, the joy she derives from teaching, and her pride at being a woman: "I could see no reason why women should be less than men in the eyes of God." Her breaking away from orthodoxy created a big scandal: "No Brahmin lady, much less a widow, had ever become a teacher". Various areas of interest have been dealt with in this book: Child Marriage, Child Widowhood, the dowry system, remarriage of widows, marriage between people of different castes, etc. Different perspectives of human rights, women's freedom, the state of untouchables, spiritualism, etc, are shown, and we see age-old beliefs, customs and traditions with new eyes. We also observe how some conservative people's views change gradually. We read beautiful thoughts on religion and humanity and instances of the adversities and obstacles different women confronted at different stages of their lives. This multi-dimensional book offers an insight into the psyche of women: brahmins, non brahmins, widows, single girls, young wives (some of whom became active propagandists). We get pulled into the lives of courageous young women as they struggle against the odds and emerge as winners. We wonder at the patience and tenacity of these dedicated pioneers of women's rights (particularly rights regarding education) while maintaining their religious beliefs. As Sister Subbalakshmi and her cohorts (who include women of other nationalities), think of new ploys to rope in recruits for the institutions they set up, we feel their tension and excitement, and also their sense of accomplishment when they succeed. Sister's "rendition" of the events, her crystal-clear reminiscences, are awe-inspiring, more so because they are related so honestly, so accurately and so modestly. We realize that she is deeply religious and that none of the changes she was bringing about went against her religion. The expenses, the daunting opposition, the illogical superstitions ("Widows and black cats were equally unlucky"), and other difficulties none of these managed to deter her and the other stalwarts. Some of her students went on to become doctors, some teachers. The stories of some of these girls have been included and each has its own attractive quality. Among Subbalakshmi's students were the children of fishermen and untouchables (for whom she opened a school). In a land where racial prejudices are high and norms of conduct very rigid for women, it was by no means easy to overcome the many problems. Yet, Sister Subbalakshmi continued to persevere in her calm, sensible, unflustered and firm manner. It is difficult to decide which is more enjoyable Sister Subbalakshmi's story as told by her, or Monica Felton's narration of it in her writing. Combined, they form a superb and absorbing piece of writing, a book that is not only a must-read, but a must-have in one's collection.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments