Monica Khanna | University of Mumbai, India (original) (raw)
Papers by Monica Khanna
IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies (ISSN 2455–2526), 2016
Feminist studies accord great importance to the issue of reproductive rights, because the control... more Feminist studies accord great importance to the issue of reproductive rights, because the control over her body is the first step that a woman takes towards liberation and freedom from the oppression by patriarchy. Adele Clarke in her essay ‘Subtle Forms of Sterilization Abuse’ comments: Reproduction is a fundamental human right: neither the state nor the actions of others should deny any person autonomy over their reproductive processes […] Reproductive freedom is the prerequisite for any kind of liberation for women. The right to decide whether and when to bear children is fundamental to a woman’s control of her own body, her sexuality, her life choices. (Clarke 1984: 189-190) This paper examines two stories which deal with the right of a woman to birth control and family planning, ‘Daktaramma’s Room’ (2004) by R. Chudamani and ‘Giribala’ (2004) by Mahashwta Devi.
I hereby declare that the paper submitted by me is an original piece of work, and has not been su... more I hereby declare that the paper submitted by me is an original piece of work, and has not been submitted for publication anywhere else.
The paper examines the theoretical reproductive rights of a woman, and juxtaposes them with real ... more The paper examines the theoretical reproductive rights of a woman, and juxtaposes them with real life situations. Through an analysis of literary texts, it attempts to examine whether reproductive rights in India actually exist for women, or whether they are only the rights accorded to women by law but not by their families.
The concept of 'Make in India' is not necessarily limited to production of tangible objects alone... more The concept of 'Make in India' is not necessarily limited to production of tangible objects alone, but can even refer to a value system, beliefs, principles and theories that have originated in India. The Bhagwad Gita has been perceived as an embodiment of management wisdom, and its teachings have been incorporated in the paper 'Indian Ethos in Management' offered by the University of Mumbai. While many teachings of the Bhagwad Gita are relevant in modern times, and can be seen as lessons in management practices, the theory of motivation appears to be extremely idealistic, and contradicts the perspective of modern management theories. Objective: This paper attempts to explore the concept of motivation from the point of view of the Bhagwad Gita, and juxtapose it with modern management theories, and illustrates how the theories can be combined to enhance productivity. Methodology: The paper uses secondary research and presents a critical analysis of various theories.
In this paper, I will attempt to explore the relationship between myth and gender, and examine ho... more In this paper, I will attempt to explore the relationship between myth and gender, and examine how mythology is used and misused by patriarchy to enforce a subordinate status on women. By providing women with idealized role models and creating their own definition of morality, patriarchy uses myth as an instrument to impose their ideology on women. In this paper, I will attempt to analyze literary texts that have tried to reinterpret mythology from a feminist perspective, and in so doing, have subverted mythical stereotyped images of women. The popular definition of the term " myth " refers to stories passed down from generation to generation. Myths, however, have an additional function, which, according to Alan Swingewood (1977), is " to eliminate the historical basis of institutions and processes, and create within popular consciousness an acceptance of the inevitable facts of class inequality and power " (p. 119). This brings us to the relationship between myth and ideology which appear to be inextricably linked. Terry Eagleton (1976) defines ideology as " that complex structure of social perception which ensures that the situation in which one social class has power over the others is seen by most members of the society as 'natural' or not seen at all " (p. 6). Myth, which plays an important role in shaping the cultural heritage of a nation, thus functions as a significant tool for patriarchy (the dominant group) for imposing its ideology on women (the subordinate group). It does so by providing women with a series of role models who are glorified, revered and rewarded precisely because they uphold the morals of patriarchy. Myths also provide contrasting images of evil women who transgress from the roles assigned to them and are punished for their deviant behaviour. The " good " woman like Sita in Ramayana is passive, submissive, docile and self-sacrificing, and devoted to her husband, while the " evil " woman, like Surpanakha, is sexually aggressive and assertive. Patriarchy is therefore very clear in its stipulation of the qualities that a woman should and should not possess. However, if myth has been used as a tool by patriarchy to impose its ideology on women, it has also been used as an area of negotiation, conflict and contestation by the subordinate group. The control of myth therefore is very significant for the achievement of some kind of cultural hegemony. As is seen historically, for a subordinate culture to establish its status, it needs to gain control of a myth by undermining and demythifying the " original " or popular myth. In the rest of this paper, I will examine literary texts that have challenged, and tried to question and subvert popular myths by portraying mythical characters from a feminist perspective. I will also analyze the subversion of the characters of Sita, Gandhari, Draupadi and Ahalya by feminist writers. Of all the characters in Hindu mythology, the most popular role model all women seek to emulate is undoubtedly Sita. The epitome of self-sacrifice, chastity and virtue, Sita is glorified because she unquestioningly follows her husband into exile, and remains devoted to him despite the hardships she has to endure. Bina Aggarwal (1988), analyses the character of Sita in her poem, " Sita Speak ". The poem is a series of questions posed to Sita, who is urged to put an end to her silence and speak
Ancient Indian texts are replete with management lessons, and the inclusion of a subject entitled... more Ancient Indian texts are replete with management lessons, and the inclusion of a subject entitled 'Indian Ethos in Management' by various universities in their post graduate management courses reflects the acknowledgement of the contribution of Indian philosophical thought to management theory. This paper presents an analysis of three Panchatantra stories, which on the surface, seem to be animal fables for children. However, a deeper insight into the stories reveals the management wisdom embedded within the tales.
Stress is an inevitable part of corporate life, and all managers go through stress at the workpla... more Stress is an inevitable part of corporate life, and all managers go through stress at the workplace. Women managers, in addition to the stressors experienced by their male counterparts, experience gender-specific stress on account of the social perception of their roles as women. The paradigm shift which is evident in most spheres of life, seems to be eluded in the construction of the attributes of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’, and the sexual division of labour. This has a direct impact on women managers as it results in sexual discrimination, vulnerability to sexual explore the stressors that women managers experience, and study the impact of stress on their performance at work and personal lives.
Conference Presentations by Monica Khanna
Children’s literature plays a significant role in their growth and development, and the shaping o... more Children’s literature plays a significant role in their growth and development, and the shaping of their value system. India boasts of one of the oldest and richest traditions of children’s literature – be it the Panchatantra or the Jataka Tales or the Hitopadesa, not to mention the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These stories have been told and retold, written, reinterpreted and rewritten by generations of Indian story tellers. For years, Amar Chitra Katha popularized stories from Indian mythology through comic books. The other major genre that dominated Indian writing for children was moral stories. Each story was a lesson in ethics, and had a clear objective in mind. It ended with an overt and direct message that it wanted to convey to children to inculcate values of honesty, hard work, loyalty and righteousness.
With lack of interesting reading material from India, Indian children turned to foreign authors like Enid Blyton for creating a fairy tale world of magic and fascinating boarding schools. The Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Sherlock Holmes series quenched the thirst for mystery and adventure. The books transported children to a world very different from their own – one that they could enjoy but never identify with, because such books presented them with a culture that was a stark contrast to their own.
The last few decades, however, have witnessed an experimentation with numerous contemporary themes, and an advent of publishers exclusively focusing on children’s books. It is ironic, because this is an age of digitization, and ostensibly that of decline in the reading habits of children which are gradually being replaced by gadgets like phones and tablets. Despite the threat from technology, there is a conscious movement to inculcate reading among children, creating for them a world that is fantastic, and yet often close to reality.
This paper focuses on some of the lesser known books in Indian English writing for children, and explores new and contemporary themes that convey important lessons, but yet in a subtle and indirect manner. In some cases, the characters are children, but in other books, they are animals. Human qualities are projected on to animals, which ensures that the message is understated and restrained. Why are you Afraid to Hold my Hand by Sheila Dhir, published by Tulika books, deals with attitudes of people to children with disabilities, and the emotions of a disabled child who just wants to be accepted and not treated with sympathy. The Mouse with Seven Tails by Bapsi Sidhwa published by Pratham Books talks about peer pressure and the need for acceptance by one’s peers which often leads an individual to change his or her own personality in order to conform. Samaira’s Awful Lunch by Bharati Jagannathan, published again by Pratham Books, centres on the need to value, appreciate and respect the food we have been given. Vishv Books’ My Nose is Ugly by Bina Kapoor stresses the unique features of each individual, which make him or her distinct from others. It also deals with the concept of self-image and self-confidence. Another book by the same publication, Ma, Can I Help by Girija Rani Asthana, breaks gender stereotypes by projecting gender role equality within a family, where each member, regardless of sex, helps with the household chores. Fun Ok Please’s book Brown Like Dosas, Samosas and Sticky Chikky by Rebecca Manari, is a beautifully told story which challenges the Indian obsession with fair complexion, and defies the notion that fair is beautiful. The paper finally examines a short story entitled ‘The Missing Suitcase’ from my book Peek A Boo Manya, published by Omji Publication House. The story deals with valuing relationships over materialistic objects.
Through an analysis of various books, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of Indian children’s literature in English today. While publishers, authors and illustrators are working together to create meaningful books for children, the genre of children’s literature is still sadly not accorded the importance it deserves. Considering the fact that children’s literature lays the foundation for the thought process of an entire generation, the miniscule media coverage and critical thinking on children’s literature is indeed deplorable. More experts in the field need to come together to revolutionize the movement and spread awareness of the importance, need and variety of Indian children’s literature in the market today.
IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies (ISSN 2455–2526), 2016
Feminist studies accord great importance to the issue of reproductive rights, because the control... more Feminist studies accord great importance to the issue of reproductive rights, because the control over her body is the first step that a woman takes towards liberation and freedom from the oppression by patriarchy. Adele Clarke in her essay ‘Subtle Forms of Sterilization Abuse’ comments: Reproduction is a fundamental human right: neither the state nor the actions of others should deny any person autonomy over their reproductive processes […] Reproductive freedom is the prerequisite for any kind of liberation for women. The right to decide whether and when to bear children is fundamental to a woman’s control of her own body, her sexuality, her life choices. (Clarke 1984: 189-190) This paper examines two stories which deal with the right of a woman to birth control and family planning, ‘Daktaramma’s Room’ (2004) by R. Chudamani and ‘Giribala’ (2004) by Mahashwta Devi.
I hereby declare that the paper submitted by me is an original piece of work, and has not been su... more I hereby declare that the paper submitted by me is an original piece of work, and has not been submitted for publication anywhere else.
The paper examines the theoretical reproductive rights of a woman, and juxtaposes them with real ... more The paper examines the theoretical reproductive rights of a woman, and juxtaposes them with real life situations. Through an analysis of literary texts, it attempts to examine whether reproductive rights in India actually exist for women, or whether they are only the rights accorded to women by law but not by their families.
The concept of 'Make in India' is not necessarily limited to production of tangible objects alone... more The concept of 'Make in India' is not necessarily limited to production of tangible objects alone, but can even refer to a value system, beliefs, principles and theories that have originated in India. The Bhagwad Gita has been perceived as an embodiment of management wisdom, and its teachings have been incorporated in the paper 'Indian Ethos in Management' offered by the University of Mumbai. While many teachings of the Bhagwad Gita are relevant in modern times, and can be seen as lessons in management practices, the theory of motivation appears to be extremely idealistic, and contradicts the perspective of modern management theories. Objective: This paper attempts to explore the concept of motivation from the point of view of the Bhagwad Gita, and juxtapose it with modern management theories, and illustrates how the theories can be combined to enhance productivity. Methodology: The paper uses secondary research and presents a critical analysis of various theories.
In this paper, I will attempt to explore the relationship between myth and gender, and examine ho... more In this paper, I will attempt to explore the relationship between myth and gender, and examine how mythology is used and misused by patriarchy to enforce a subordinate status on women. By providing women with idealized role models and creating their own definition of morality, patriarchy uses myth as an instrument to impose their ideology on women. In this paper, I will attempt to analyze literary texts that have tried to reinterpret mythology from a feminist perspective, and in so doing, have subverted mythical stereotyped images of women. The popular definition of the term " myth " refers to stories passed down from generation to generation. Myths, however, have an additional function, which, according to Alan Swingewood (1977), is " to eliminate the historical basis of institutions and processes, and create within popular consciousness an acceptance of the inevitable facts of class inequality and power " (p. 119). This brings us to the relationship between myth and ideology which appear to be inextricably linked. Terry Eagleton (1976) defines ideology as " that complex structure of social perception which ensures that the situation in which one social class has power over the others is seen by most members of the society as 'natural' or not seen at all " (p. 6). Myth, which plays an important role in shaping the cultural heritage of a nation, thus functions as a significant tool for patriarchy (the dominant group) for imposing its ideology on women (the subordinate group). It does so by providing women with a series of role models who are glorified, revered and rewarded precisely because they uphold the morals of patriarchy. Myths also provide contrasting images of evil women who transgress from the roles assigned to them and are punished for their deviant behaviour. The " good " woman like Sita in Ramayana is passive, submissive, docile and self-sacrificing, and devoted to her husband, while the " evil " woman, like Surpanakha, is sexually aggressive and assertive. Patriarchy is therefore very clear in its stipulation of the qualities that a woman should and should not possess. However, if myth has been used as a tool by patriarchy to impose its ideology on women, it has also been used as an area of negotiation, conflict and contestation by the subordinate group. The control of myth therefore is very significant for the achievement of some kind of cultural hegemony. As is seen historically, for a subordinate culture to establish its status, it needs to gain control of a myth by undermining and demythifying the " original " or popular myth. In the rest of this paper, I will examine literary texts that have challenged, and tried to question and subvert popular myths by portraying mythical characters from a feminist perspective. I will also analyze the subversion of the characters of Sita, Gandhari, Draupadi and Ahalya by feminist writers. Of all the characters in Hindu mythology, the most popular role model all women seek to emulate is undoubtedly Sita. The epitome of self-sacrifice, chastity and virtue, Sita is glorified because she unquestioningly follows her husband into exile, and remains devoted to him despite the hardships she has to endure. Bina Aggarwal (1988), analyses the character of Sita in her poem, " Sita Speak ". The poem is a series of questions posed to Sita, who is urged to put an end to her silence and speak
Ancient Indian texts are replete with management lessons, and the inclusion of a subject entitled... more Ancient Indian texts are replete with management lessons, and the inclusion of a subject entitled 'Indian Ethos in Management' by various universities in their post graduate management courses reflects the acknowledgement of the contribution of Indian philosophical thought to management theory. This paper presents an analysis of three Panchatantra stories, which on the surface, seem to be animal fables for children. However, a deeper insight into the stories reveals the management wisdom embedded within the tales.
Stress is an inevitable part of corporate life, and all managers go through stress at the workpla... more Stress is an inevitable part of corporate life, and all managers go through stress at the workplace. Women managers, in addition to the stressors experienced by their male counterparts, experience gender-specific stress on account of the social perception of their roles as women. The paradigm shift which is evident in most spheres of life, seems to be eluded in the construction of the attributes of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’, and the sexual division of labour. This has a direct impact on women managers as it results in sexual discrimination, vulnerability to sexual explore the stressors that women managers experience, and study the impact of stress on their performance at work and personal lives.
Children’s literature plays a significant role in their growth and development, and the shaping o... more Children’s literature plays a significant role in their growth and development, and the shaping of their value system. India boasts of one of the oldest and richest traditions of children’s literature – be it the Panchatantra or the Jataka Tales or the Hitopadesa, not to mention the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These stories have been told and retold, written, reinterpreted and rewritten by generations of Indian story tellers. For years, Amar Chitra Katha popularized stories from Indian mythology through comic books. The other major genre that dominated Indian writing for children was moral stories. Each story was a lesson in ethics, and had a clear objective in mind. It ended with an overt and direct message that it wanted to convey to children to inculcate values of honesty, hard work, loyalty and righteousness.
With lack of interesting reading material from India, Indian children turned to foreign authors like Enid Blyton for creating a fairy tale world of magic and fascinating boarding schools. The Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Sherlock Holmes series quenched the thirst for mystery and adventure. The books transported children to a world very different from their own – one that they could enjoy but never identify with, because such books presented them with a culture that was a stark contrast to their own.
The last few decades, however, have witnessed an experimentation with numerous contemporary themes, and an advent of publishers exclusively focusing on children’s books. It is ironic, because this is an age of digitization, and ostensibly that of decline in the reading habits of children which are gradually being replaced by gadgets like phones and tablets. Despite the threat from technology, there is a conscious movement to inculcate reading among children, creating for them a world that is fantastic, and yet often close to reality.
This paper focuses on some of the lesser known books in Indian English writing for children, and explores new and contemporary themes that convey important lessons, but yet in a subtle and indirect manner. In some cases, the characters are children, but in other books, they are animals. Human qualities are projected on to animals, which ensures that the message is understated and restrained. Why are you Afraid to Hold my Hand by Sheila Dhir, published by Tulika books, deals with attitudes of people to children with disabilities, and the emotions of a disabled child who just wants to be accepted and not treated with sympathy. The Mouse with Seven Tails by Bapsi Sidhwa published by Pratham Books talks about peer pressure and the need for acceptance by one’s peers which often leads an individual to change his or her own personality in order to conform. Samaira’s Awful Lunch by Bharati Jagannathan, published again by Pratham Books, centres on the need to value, appreciate and respect the food we have been given. Vishv Books’ My Nose is Ugly by Bina Kapoor stresses the unique features of each individual, which make him or her distinct from others. It also deals with the concept of self-image and self-confidence. Another book by the same publication, Ma, Can I Help by Girija Rani Asthana, breaks gender stereotypes by projecting gender role equality within a family, where each member, regardless of sex, helps with the household chores. Fun Ok Please’s book Brown Like Dosas, Samosas and Sticky Chikky by Rebecca Manari, is a beautifully told story which challenges the Indian obsession with fair complexion, and defies the notion that fair is beautiful. The paper finally examines a short story entitled ‘The Missing Suitcase’ from my book Peek A Boo Manya, published by Omji Publication House. The story deals with valuing relationships over materialistic objects.
Through an analysis of various books, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of Indian children’s literature in English today. While publishers, authors and illustrators are working together to create meaningful books for children, the genre of children’s literature is still sadly not accorded the importance it deserves. Considering the fact that children’s literature lays the foundation for the thought process of an entire generation, the miniscule media coverage and critical thinking on children’s literature is indeed deplorable. More experts in the field need to come together to revolutionize the movement and spread awareness of the importance, need and variety of Indian children’s literature in the market today.