Patriarchy exists in all cultures, a universal issue, says Banu Mushtaq

The Hindu

a day ago

Kannada writer and International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq said that readers were perceiving a sense of universality in the central theme of her writings that exposes patriarchy.
She was taking part in a panel discussion at the 9th edition of the Mysuru Literature Festival which got under way here on Saturday. The two-day festival is being organised by the Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust and Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust.
The discussion, moderated by writer and poet Bharath Diwakar, included writer and translator Deepa Bhasthi. It touched upon various interconnected topics including patriarchy, activism, feminism, identity, culture, translation, among others.
In reply to a question, Ms. Mushtaq referred to criticism from a section of the Muslim leaders that her works were exposing the weakness or faults within the community, while a few others sneered at her stating that she was writing to win praise.
But this is not true, said Ms. Mushtaq, citing from reviews of her work from across the globe. She pointed out that the characters and themes have a universality and was not about Muslim community alone as patriarchy exists in all cultures. 'In a telling sign of changing perceptions, the same critics recently honoured me in Hassan,' she said.
Ms. Mushtaq said literature cannot bring closure in conflict situations but help open the door to it. As a lawyer and activist, the mind is oriented towards finding a closure of a case and securing compensation. But as a writer, she leaves it to the reader to explore the various possibilities, and the literature only creates a space for it, she added.
The writer underscored how characters in her stories never drift towards pessimism or despair, and there is an undercurrent of optimism, light, and hope that veer towards life.
Ms. Bhasthi, who translated a collection of short stories by Ms. Mushtaq, said the latter did not micromanage her translation or check for every sentence. 'But when I had doubts or wanted more clarity on an issue, Ms. Mushtaq was always there,' said Ms. Bhasti, underlining the trust that defined their partnership.
The two touched upon how their collaboration was described in some quarters as a 'work of a Muslim author and a Hindu translator'. An attempt was made to thrust religious identity, and it was uncomfortable. I took up the work as the theme is universal,' said Ms. Bhasti.
Earlier, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar inaugurated the literature festival.
Prahalada Rama Rao, a former scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation, who was the chief guest, said that culture, art, creativity, etc., can flourish only when there is security from both external and internal forces.
He said there was a time when India excelled in various spheres, but in the absence of security, that progress was impeded, and the nation became vulnerable to invasions and cultural erosion. 'A secure environment is the foundation on which intellectual and artistic pursuits like literature, etc., can thrive,' he said.
Shubha Sanjay Urs, founder and director of the Mysuru Literature Festival, was present. The organisers said the two-day festival has scores of discussions on various themes, and is a platform for dialogue and creative exchange of ideas reflecting the evolving intellectual and cultural landscape of India.