Exploring Identity, Writing, and Womanhood: A Session with Shobhaa De

As part of the Exide Kolkata Literary Meet, The Bhawanipur Education Society College organised an interactive session with Ms Shobhaa De on the theme “Birth of a Nation, Birth of a Daughter” on 26th January at 10:30 a.m. in the Society Hall, on the occasion of Republic Day.

The highlight of the session was an engaging interaction with Ms Shobhaa De, a renowned Indian author, columnist, and cultural icon. Known for her bold voice and contemporary outlook, she shared insightful reflections drawn from her life, writing journey, and observations of society.

Ms Shobhaa De spoke about the importance of looking towards the future rather than remaining anchored in the past. Drawing parallels between the changes in her own life and the transformation of India over the years, she reflected on what it meant to be Indian after gaining freedom from colonial rule and how the idea of independence continues to evolve. She emphasised that the true strength of today’s India lies in its people.

Addressing the younger generation, especially young girls, she described social media as a powerful tool whose impact depends entirely on how it is used. She stressed that social media should not be viewed as something parents need to be paranoid about, but rather as a medium that needs to be understood, tamed, and processed wisely.

She also spoke about the emergence of Hinglish as a language that reflects the rhythm of the streets and everyday conversations, which has greatly influenced her writing. Emphasising the importance of self-discovery, she encouraged students to identify themselves for who they truly are and to find their own voice. She highlighted how reading plays a crucial role in strengthening writing skills and urged aspiring writers to develop a genuine love for their craft.

Ms Shobhaa De reminded the audience that writing is an expression of individuality and motivated young writers to simply begin writing, reassuring them that clarity and direction follow with persistence. Sharing her perspective on success, she described a successful woman as one who possesses the power to say no. She encouraged students to walk away from situations that cause discomfort—whether a tempting job opportunity or any circumstance that compromises personal happiness. She strongly emphasised that gender equality is a birthright and must be believed in without hesitation.

Towards the end of the session, she recommended several books for aspiring readers and writers, inspiring them to deepen their literary interests.

The session was moderated by Prof. Dilip Shah, with student Shraddha Singh, and an interactive question-and-answer segment with the audience further enriched the discussion, making it engaging and inspiring.

The event concluded at 12:00 p.m. with Ms Shobhaa De being felicitated by Smt. Nalini Parekh, Member of the Governing Body. The session proved to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience, leaving the audience with valuable insights into writing, identity, and the courage to stay true to oneself.

Reporters: Amna Shamim and Neelesha Nath