LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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MARGINALISATION AND OTHERNESS IN GEETA SHREE'S 'LITTI CHOKHA AUR ANYA KAHANIYA'

Ankita Kumari

Abstract

Understanding inclusivity through the lived experiences of exclusion portrays a portrait of resilience in the selected short stories of Geeta Shree's Litti Chokha Aur Anya Kahaniya. The objective of this study, through the collection of short stories and the stories in focus, is to enrich our understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic framework that challenges inclusion and promotes exclusion. The stories focused on a particular state, Bihar highlights group identity and shared understanding of belonging and recognition. The social system in place carefully explores ideas of diversity, social inequality, the need for intersectionality and integration through Inclusion Studies. The intergroup relationships, therefore, influence inclusion as well as exclusion for Neelanti in Swadheen Vallabha. The author, in preserving the cultural knowledge of the rituals and traditions of Biharis, examines individual worth and emphasises the need for dignity, equity and participation. The regional undertones have universal appeal in addressing the global challenges we face today, including health issues, climate imbalance, digital illiteracy, and a lack of social justice. The personal loss of Uma Kumari in the short story Kab le Biti Amavas ki Ratiya weaves a narrative of systemic change in not only one but generations to come. The marginalised voices are denied full participation, and the government's policies can't be divorced from lived realities.

In engaging debates to promote holistic development, the interdisciplinary study of Inclusion Studies and Literature examines 'otherness' and 'marginalisation' as social ills. 'Otherness' excludes opposites to remain in the comfort of a subjective understanding of human experiences, negating diversity. In applying a qualitative approach to our study, we intend to understand how humans are separated from each other because of one's own perception. How did this cultural 'otherness' come into place, leading to marginalisation? The collection of short stories set in Bihar is an interesting and insightful study of subordination within one's own community.

Keywords:Inclusivity, otherness, marginalisation, diversity, inequality

Introduction

This paper investigates Shree's illuminating narratives. It specifically analyses themes having profound socio-political ramifications. The themes bring into focus the entrenched structures that engender 'marginalization' and 'otherness'. The study dissects the mechanisms, their intricate workings to understand not only the creation but perpetuation of these divisions as well. These divisions ultimately shape our understanding of lived experiences of exclusion thereby appeal for inclusion. The selected short stories in Geeta Shree's Litti Chokha Aur Anya Kahaniya have articulated the lived experiences by turning Bihar into a literary landscape. An ethnographic investigation enquires the working of social dynamics. This study of marginalization is brought about by various intersecting factors like caste, class and gender etc. These factors perpetuate exclusion thus reinforcing the marginalized status. At the cusp of adversity, the feminist lens portrays stories of resilience within the patriarchal society. The research also seeks to uncover the urgency for women's agency. The interplay of oppressive factors like caste and gender have not only defined their lived experiences but their double oppression as well at the face of patriarchal structure. The narratives shed a light on the indigenous tradition of Bihar. The hegemonic societal structures and norms remain unchallenged but these narratives challenge these dominant practices. Subversion of these norms in a few stories speak of gender rivalries and caste practices that have deep-rooted perspectives seeking an alternative in the portrayal of unconventional characters. Such portrayals of struggle are not nuanced but hit the core of the readers directly. Seeking agency, the oppressed sections demand broader dialogue on inclusion, justice at societal level, equity and identity. Young (2000) has divided oppression into exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism, and violence. This division widens our understanding of marginalization engendered out of oppression. The five categories are a whole in understanding the dynamics and its interaction with the social mechanisms like caste, class or gender in place.

As the paper foregrounds the lived experiences of characters that have been systemically identified as the 'other'- their periphery identity has been explored. The social structure at place perpetuate exclusion. At the receiving end are the marginalized communities that refuse to remain at the periphery or exclusion. Navigating 'othering', we focus on cross-cultural interaction that led to cultural misunderstanding thus birthing systemic otherness. The collection of short stories sheds light on how economic hardships, low opportunities, less access to healthcare, no means of education often intersect with caste and gender to exacerbate marginalization making inclusion an uphill task. The psychological ramifications of these factors are detrimental to human living. The Hindu Caste System as portrayed by the author is a complex social-economic buildup. Fueled by political biases, the mechanisms of oppression have become even more entrenched and undisputed with time. The select narratives resist monolithic forms of interpretations but opens roads to discourses that challenges hegemonic practices. Power decides exclusion as well as inclusion. This also dictates one's identity because exclusionary practices are often power driven and those at the receiving end in the narratives challenge oppression. Not only that, such systemic violence on one's identity by thwarting attempts at full-participation in the society causes long-term psychological harm. The characters after suffering much at the hands of power ultimately forge path to self-affirmation where discrimination leads to inclusion and violence to liberation. Inclusion Studies, therefore acting as a framework challenge exclusionary practices and ensures equitable representation, participation of all irrespective of caste, class or gender. To ensure inclusive futures, this paper argues for not only an equitable approach but a paradigm shift that makes room for diverse outlook irrespective of background or identity and norms that promote marginalization instead of keeping it on check. We have already underscored the interplay of complex factors that shape the lived experiences of individuals at the receiving end. Inclusion Studies, though not only provides a critical framework but the lens through which we can examine the interplay of these complex factors. Social justice is at the core of Inclusion Studies. Such an analysis reveal, for instance, how women who experience layered discrimination and oppression. Caste and gender intersect to create a rather intertwined form of marginalization within literary works. Bihar, the second largest state in India with respect to population is a cultural powerhouse. With a history so promising and enlightening, it has suffered the ravages of time in governance, education and economic prosperity. In the selected short stories, modernity crosses path with tradition in evoking a need for change and advancement.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Ankita Kumari
Research Scholar
Ranchi University
Ranchi - 834001
ORCHID ID: 0009-0008-9467-3738
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