Author Interview: A book to inspire modern Indian women

A woman faces many challenges every day, inside and outside her home.

She has little say in choosing her partner or her career. She is often harassed by cads on the roads or at work. However, she stays silent, knowing that it is the victim who is often blamed and shamed.

But city-based author Usha Narayanan strongly feels that a woman must speak up, claim her rights and be recognised for her contribution to the family and society. And this is what she has expressed in her book Awaken the Durga Within. “A woman must be free to be herself and live her life the way she wants to, without being coerced in any way.

“I expanded these thoughts and put them down in a book that is meant for every woman and for the men in her life,” says author.

A passion for books, a postgraduate degree in English literature, and a flair for writing led Usha naturally to a flourishing career in advertising, radio and media. “This helped me polish my skills in writing on a host of topics, appealing to diverse audiences. 

My first book was a thriller, followed by two romances, four mythological tales, and this last one, a unique mix of self-help and mythology. I can say now with total conviction — there’s nothing else that I’d rather be doing!”

Whether you are a college-goer or a homemaker, working woman or mother, the book provides simple strategies to reclaim your respect and rewards. “I’ve explained a three-step process that you can start at once, in order to see immediate improvement in your overall emotional and physical health. 

Identify the fears that are holding you back and push for equal rights and opportunities,” Usha says about her book that also has exciting stories of goddesses such as Durga and a valiant Sita who vanquishes a thousand-headed Ravana. 

Each chapter of the book has a story from mythology that will help transform a person’s mind and transcend limits. “We are fascinated and inspired by heroes and heroines in movies and books.

“Imagine how much more power a goddess can wield on our minds! Without Shakti, even Shiva is said to be a shava or a mere body. These stories will help invoke the ‘Shakti’ within every woman.”

When asked about the #MeToo movement, Usha replies with a smile, “A seething volcano has finally erupted. Women in India have begun voicing protests against abuse and violence, challenging the injustices they have faced for generations. 

This fight must be carried on vigorously on many fronts: in movies where the heroes are often portrayed as  stalkers; in the policing and legal system, where victims face grim barriers to justice; in a society where rape survivors are hounded and humiliated. Women must no longer stay silent.

Men and boys need to be taught  the right values and attitudes. It must be made clear that attacking a woman will result in stringent punishment. Let us all do our little bit to ensure that India is cleansed of this horrific exploitation.”

The author’s message in the book for women readers is this: ‘You are not a rock to just endure, but flesh and blood. The world must honour your feelings and desires and give you your rightful place. So, speak up and watch your life change.’

As for male readers, the book can help them learn to be sensitive to a woman’s problems and discover how to help her find herself.