Acknowledging womanhood

The Indian woman in general is known as ‘Nari’- one who abides by the regulations of ‘Nar’(man), but Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh, feels the right word to be used for a woman in India is ‘kanya’. The word originates from ‘kanak’, which means gold in Sanskrit, and as one can decipher, 'kanya' is pure like the metal and the auspicious fire. Every ‘agnipariksha’ makes her more attractive and confident.

Celebrating womanhood, Dr Sonal Mansingh recited her latest Natyakatha ‘Stree’ accompanied by sarod, flute, tabla and keyboard at the India Habitat Centre on International Women’s Day in the national Capital.

She spoke of the lives of women from the Jain scriptures, and Hindu holy scriptures during the event and described how a ‘Kanya’ is not bothered or is untouched by the 18 weaknesses- Chain of birth, old age, desire, hunger, surprise, helplessness, regret, disease, sorrow, arrogance, greed, fear, sloth, worry, nervousness, attachment, jealousy, and fear of death. 

She also elucidated about the untold stories of some of the strong women from the Indian history - Meera, Tara, Ahalya, Draupadi and finally ‘Aaj ki Kanya’ (today’s women). 

The final part of the katha was performed in the form of  a dance by the maestro. She as well explained the eight 'nayeekas', the emotional statuses of women in a lighter tone for the audience, with reference to a modern day scenario. The eight different moods included happiness, deceived waiting, anger, regret/ sadness and love, which eventually makes her the master of any event between her and a man.

The eminent Indian Classical dancer questioned the patriarchal society’s role in never appreciating and approving the contributions of these women in several fields like that of Spiritualism, Art and Culture. She pointed out the role of Meera, Radha, Draupadi and many other women from the Puranas, to the audience claiming the authority and power they held several centuries ago, yet were not mentioned as authoritative figures in history. 

It is always the male ‘rishis’ and saints who have gained fame and reference in the scriptures, but the works and achievements of the female saints over the centuries have never been noted with importance. From the earlier times, the injustice still prevails and we still have likes of Draupadis and Ahalyas among the modern Kanyas all around the world.

At the end of the session, Sonal Mansingh emphasised on the need  for India to wake up and be the change. Her aim is to bring a change in the society and make it more respectable for women.