We have been featuring the best writers from our writer community for their committed contribution to FII, making it what it is today. FII would not exist if not for the passionate and loyal feminist writer community that we have steadily been building over the last three years.
This month’s featured writer is Ruchira Ghosh. She is a diverse writer and has a particular flair for writing history pieces, that are detailed and well-researched. She has consistently kept our history section going. Some of her enjoyable pieces are the history profiles of Madhubala, Suchitra Sen and Matangini Hazra, as well as her take on Indian Hindu festivals.
FII: Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
Ruchira Ghosh: I am a professional journalist, mother and housewife. I am also a footloose, fancy-free traveller. I nurture a passion for the sea. I’m avid reader of British Classics and harbour an interest in gastronomy. I enjoy music – English Pop, Hindustani Classical and Rabindra Sangeet. I dream of taking a world tour before I die.
FII: How did you become a part of the FII writer family?
RG: A close friend of mine knows the founder of FII. She too is a feminist in her own right. Then I stumbled upon a vacancy on FII and applied for the same. When I found I was not selected, I thought I could at least try my hand at occasional writing instead of a regular job.
So there I was – my first story was accepted, albeit with some changes. That spurred me on to churn out more stories. It has helped to bring out the feminist in me. I enjoy my work.
FII: How and when did you become a feminist? Which issues within feminism are close to your heart?
RG: Since I was an adolescent. As a highly sensitive person and a keen observer, I saw gender bias all around me. Discrimination in career choices, higher education, choice of life partner, faith, among others. In highly educated, economically comfortable families, this was palpable as well.
Many educated women known to me, took everything lying down in order to maintain peace. But I decided to be a rebel. I have since inspired many of my female acquaintances, friends and relatives to break the shackles and strike out on their own. I have succeeded to an extent that parents and guardians sat up and took notice. Their disapproval was my triumph.
FII: What is your favourite piece on this site that you have written, and your favourite piece on this site that you have read? Why did they strike you?
RG: The story I wrote on Maitreyi Devi. I admire her courage and idealism. In a puritan age, she dared to give vent to her passions. What is more surprising is that she dared to talk about her true love before the entire world. I salute her indomitable spirit.
I liked reading the recent Hindi article by Sakshi Baranwal. She has lampooned society’s attitude – marriage is the be all and end all of life for women. How disgusting! How revolting!
FII: What do you like about FII and our work? What more would you like to see from us?
RG: I like the straight matter of fact attitude, the no-holds-barred discussions on topics which hitherto were taboo. There is an air of frankness and openness which is laudable.
Come on FII, give a shove! Women in society need to be awakened from a somnolent existence!
FII thanks Ruchira Ghosh for being such a dedicated writer. Her enthusiasm is truly infectious. We are very grateful to have her as part of our writers’ pool. Ruchira can be followed on Facebook.
