Feminism In Meera Hera

Introduction:

The issue of self and society when questioned in the context of female’s self image and identity had come to acquire many dimensions and approaches. The rigid patriarchal based tradition and religion made the question of empowerment difficult- the empowerment of knowledge, empowerment of socio- political survival and over and above the power of existence. The fairer sex by default lacked it. She had always been considered to be at the receiving end from the social system and practices. Brought up on the stories of Sita, Urmila and many more of such kinds, the psycho social conditioning of such stories silenced them and their ideologies. Thus, the basic division between male and female remained intact. The process of mental conditioning of promoting male intelligence and rationality became insurmountable barrier in recognizing their own existence and identity.

She hears his laugh emerge from a group of men. She smiles. The wind is Hera’s own. But it is only when Zeus smiles that Hera can puff the sails and winnow the fields or what use is the wind to Hera? Wives are same everywhere….A wife in love. Meera Hera” (5). Meera decides to take the reign of her household once she realizes the importance of moving ahead in life after being ditched by her husband. A complete makeover becomes symbolic of new life which waits for her:

“Give me a new hairstyle……I’ve had this same hairstyle for the last twenty two years. Ever since Giri came into my life and I didn’t want to change anything. My hair, my home, my dreams, myself. It’s time I become a new woman. Someone I would like to be” (177).

She takes up the job as a secretary to Prof. Jayamkodan Anantharaman Krishnamurthy or Jak as he’s called in short. This job gives a second innings to her life- to live her dreams and be true to herself along with financial independence. An introduction to Smriti and Kala Chhithi infuses a new positive dimension to her mangled