75! The magical number is here! We are extremely elated and proud to present the March 2016 issue of Spark – our 75th issue! What makes this occasion even more special is that it coincides with the month in which we usually publish issues on women. This time, keeping the milestone in mind, we chose the topic, “Holding up a Mirror: Women in Today’s World”. We have a very interesting melange of poetry, stories, essays, art and photography, in addition to an interview and a compilation, bringing in a diverse set of voices and discussions on a theme that is very relevant today. We thank you for all your support in our tough yet rewarding journey of 75 issues. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did in putting it together.
What comes to your mind when you see the phrase ‘Women in today’s world’? The editors of Spark reached out to some women – popular writers and activists – with this question. We are proud to present a compilation of their viewpoints.
Why is it important to demand the right of women to “loiter” in public? What does it mean in a country where women need to fight bitter battles for a range of (basic) freedoms? In an interview with Vani Viswanathan, Neha Singh, who founded the Why Loiter? movement in Mumbai, discusses women’s right to public spaces for leisure and pleasure too.
Anu Kumar shares her perspectives on the theme in a poem which captures the conversations she has with her daughter on women.
A woman and a man discuss Tara, the heroine of Ok Kanmani – an interesting portrayal of an independent woman in today’s world. Anupama Krishnakumar writes a short story.
An oft-heard perception is that women aren’t as creative as men, especially “after a certain point”. S.Ramachandran tries to unravel this idea and explore its manifestations and truths.
Today’s woman is sensitive, serene, strong, among many other things, feels Vinita Agrawal. Her poem reveals more.
Kannagi, the revolutionary protagonist of Tamil epic Silappadikaram, has fascinated Tamil Nadu for several centuries as embodying various virtues — female subservience, perseverance, devotion, chastity, anger, power and justice. Ranjani Krishnakumar traces what she has meant to Tamil filmmakers, who continue to be fascinated to this day!
Hari’s photos from his travels in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana show the extraordinary courage, hope and determination of the local women as they go about their lives.