Rajathi Salma is one of Tamil’s most important contemporary poets. Overcoming orthodoxy, marital violence and imprisonment in her own home, Salma has become an international literary figure and spokesperson for women’s rights. Her work articulates the nuances of repressed desire and sexuality, as well as bringing life to the often-invisible domestic space inhabited by many Indian women. With two volumes of poetry, one novel and a collection of short stories, Salma has made her mark as a distinctive Indian literary voice.

The late Lakshmi Holmstrom’s English translation of her novel The Hour Past Midnight was shortlisted for the Crossword Book Prize and long-listed for the Man Asian Prize. As well as being a woman of letters, Salma is a committed public servant and activist, running an organization for the promotion of women’s rights and education in rural India. She is the subject of a multi-award winning documentary film, Salma, by British filmmaker Kim Longinotto.

Salma is the author of two books of poetry: Oru Maalaiyum Innoru Maalaiyum (An Evening and Another Evening) (2000) and Pachchai Devathai (Green Angel) (2003).

In an exclusive interview, Rajathi Salma tells Marie Banu how she uses her writing for women empowerment.

About your interest in writing?

I grew up in my hometown Thuvarankurichi, a village at Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. I could not pursue my schooling after the age of 13 as this was the custom in my community– girls cant go to school after they attained puberty.

My parents were liberal intellectuals and they understood the complexities of identity that I might face, but were compelled to encourage some form of conservatism within me. There were always certain things that I couldn’t wear; certain things that I couldn’t eat; and certain topics I couldn’t discuss. I lived within those confinements for much of my early life.

I felt very lonely and wanted to study. I started reading all I could get hold of. I spent two hours a day in the library nearby and my brother used to also bring me books from here.

After marriage my husband and his family did not allow me to read or write. So, I would wait until everyone was asleep at night before sneaking to the toilet to write.

We had a small box for sanitary napkins and I used to hide my pen and papers here. I wrote on a pen name Salma, as I did not want to disclose my identity. In the morning, I would seek the help of my mother and my maid to post my writings to magazines. They used to also secretly deliver the response letters to me. A lot of comments that I received on my writing/ poems made me feel confident.

Why do you choose to write mostly about women?

I read a lot of literature, mostly Russian literature that was translated into Tamil, Walt Whitman, Kaleel Gibron and Poplon Neruda. I learnt about the issues that were happening around the world and realised that this was totally different to what women in my community/village were experiencing. I felt a conflict within. This influenced me to write about women and the changes that I wanted to see happen. There is a need for social awakening and a woman certainly deserves a better treatment!

The Social issues you are passionate about?

I am concerned about the social pressure on women that curtails their freedom. Some women do not understand these issues as they accept these restrictions as part of their religious and cultural beliefs. There is a need to sensitise them and make them realize that no religion states that women needs to be suppressed. I want to create a dialogue with women and make them aware of their rights.

Are the present laws adequate to protect the rights of women in India? Your thoughts?

Although there are laws to govern rights for women, it comes to effect only when there is an issue. There is a rising incidence of crime against women, which can’t be denied.  What is required is the change in people’s mindsets.

The value of gender equality needs to be inculcated since childhood and can be achieved through education. Families need to treat their children equally. This is what I have been emphasizing in my writing!

Can you tell us about your Trust?

In 2010, I launched a Trust “Your Hope is Remaining with with an aim to achieve gender equality and voice against any form of discrimination against women. Social order with justice and liberty are our twin principles and we work for development, capacity building, enlightenment, and empowerment of women in Chennai and Trichy districts.

We are also engaged in creating awareness on the importance of education especially girl child education.