Brilliant women are almost without fail maligned, diminished and erased in life and death. Glad to see this writing-in for Kamla Chowdhry, a pioneer in so many

I loathed Khushwant Singh for his sexism (that I could spot in his writings even as a teen).

The harm he did to SO many women as he pushed his sexist bile thinly disguised as wit is incalculable
I think he was the first writer I encountered that I read first, quite liked the work, then slowly recognised the issues.

By the time I met him in Delhi, I had zero tolerance for sexist, predatoey men who thought they could make and break women’s careers and lives with impunity
I met him around the time my book came out at a literary do. He was holding court, surrounded by lots of women, men leering at the women while snarking enviously. One of the publishing folk introduced me. He immediately checked me out and told me to ‘drop in for a visit’
I made appropriate noises and walked away. Then someone else at the party told me that I should visit him because ‘if he likes you, he can make your career.’

The implication of what the visit would entail was clear.
I got a message via someone that he was considering reviewing my novel that he had ‘enjoyed’ it and wanted me to visit.

I never bothered. I never got a review. That novel is out of print.

But you know what? I have never second guessed that choice. Not for a second
But reading that he had dismissed Chowdhry as ‘Sarabhai’s mistress’ just set off SO much rage this morning.

SO many women he diminished in writing and harmed in person.
But he isjuat a passing reference in @ChinmayTumbe’s great write up which really brings home how sexism is global.

Harvard or Ahmedabad, then or now, women are rarely allowed to reach their potential and despite all their achievements, maligned, diminished and erased
And that makes Prof Chowdhry’s achievements even more extraordinary
Last word to Prof Kamla Chowdhry: “Most changes that have altered the course of history have begun by individuals who by their examples and actions did what many thought was impossible. Underlying each one was a moral conviction, a fearlessness, that refused to be subdued.”
Pitch perfect choice to end with that quote. And also delighted that the brilliant @supriyan is credited! Ace work

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I first met her in Coimbatore,when she was doing the film , ஆயிரத்தில் ஒருவன் with the late MGR. She had come down for a dance recital , & was put up in hotel Alankar which was supposedly the best , those times ; the meeting was brief and as I grew up the charm changed to others


2. she was on her way up as Star; it must've been nearly 4 to 5 years, the editor of our college magazine wanted me to do an article on her, (by that time she was known as s gutsy person, no holds barred); I was rather taken aback when she recollected our earlier meet and then

4. All went smooth. I was in touch with her on and off and I was never into the movies , as I disliked their debauchery and multi faceted life style , however I was in touch with late Nagesh, JaiShankar, and a couple of others. It was fun being with them and I was elevated from

3. my favourite E stand at chepauk to pavilion terrace as Nagesh was a member and one ticket was for me always. She went into politics and our contact was lesser, except when she took a daring stand on the subject of Lord Rama: quote " சிலரை போல், நான் இல்லை. எனக்கு ராமர் கடவுள்

5. அவர் எனக்கு எப்போதும் வேண்டும் ". This was a dig at BJP who had at that period were playing low key on RJB. I was just out of the leftist clutches and this took me by surprise. She was a member of the RS, by then. I wrote a letter , appreciating her and it was responded to

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