Lucknow: The third edition of the Metaphor Reading Circle explored the concept of Feminism with the theme “Understanding Feminism through My Eyes.”
The event aimed to foster learning and reflection on feminism from diverse perspectives. Distinguished speakers, Dr. Nishi Pandey, Prof. Rakesh Chandra from the University of Lucknow, Dr. Surabhi Modi Sahai, Education Entrepreneur, Aishvarya Mathur, Lawyer, and Khwaja Saifi Yunus, Director of Eram Group of Institutions, shared their insights and experiences.
Prof. Nishi Pandey highlighted that India’s layered culture requires women to navigate within frameworks, asserting that true empowerment lies in making one’s own choices. At the end of the day, women will have to take that call, will I fight it, or will I give up?
Prof. Rakesh Chandra described feminism as an act of challenge, observing that capitalism and technology have reduced the spaces for dissent. He urged the younger generation to revisit Indian literary voices like Tagore, Mahadevi Verma, and Pratibha Ray.
Dr. Surabhi Modi Sahai noted that the narrative around women remains unfinished, male authority often goes unquestioned, and emphasized that this generation’s key struggle is confronting crony capitalism.
Aishvarya Mathur stressed the importance of equity alongside equality, reminding that women as a class have long been subordinated and must be understood within the social contexts.
Khwaja Saifi Yunus concluded that feminism is an extension of humanism and that men should not feel threatened by the empowerment of women.
Participants engaged in readings and discussions that encouraged a nuanced, personal understanding of feminism.
