In one night,
You have stolen
All the nights of a woman
Even the nights after her death
(translated from Alok Dhanwa’s poem “Bhagee Huyee Ladkiyan”)
These lines by Alok Dhanwa are a merciless attack on the patriarchal grip on the institution of marriage in our society.
Solemn desires articulated through literature and art are considered immortal but do they have any impact on society? I am not aware of any research on how literature has influenced society in the Hindi belt. But what I know is that there are some individuals who not only take the written word seriously but also have the courage of translating it into action.
