Reclaiming Wholeness: Ecofeminist Spirituality And The Healing Of The Self In Krishna Sobti’s Listen Girl!

Abstract

This paper attempts to study how the depiction of ecofeminism is reflected in Indian writer Krishna Sobtis novel Listen Girl (2002). Furthermore, this paper investigates how this English translation of the Hindi novel explore the interrelation of ecofeminist idea, Indian spirituality and the healing of the self. However, the term ecofeminism appeared specifically within the western and feminist thought, its involvement with the connection between women and nature needs differentiated parameters when understood through Indian traditional structures. Classical Indian culture considers that women and nature are similar as they are warm-givers, compassionate, & supportive. Indian women revered the natural world as Prakriti and protected it, which gives humans the ability to survive. The Indian philosophy of Shaivism claims that Shiva and Shakti as complementary universal principles whose integrity leads to creation, vitality and reality. Such concepts support an alternative structure for comprehending the interconnection between feminine, nature and the cosmos beyond the primarily ideological paradigms of western concept of ecofeminism.

Within this frame of reference, the paper shall first probe into the intricacies of ecofeminism and then analyze the selected Indian English novel in light of Sobti’s understanding of ecofeminism. The research assesses the Ammu’s interaction with the environment, the natural world, and the cosmos. To release Ammu from the trials and tribulations of life and to foster a connection between humans and the natural world apart from the problems she faces, Ecofeminism served as both a medicine and a spiritual force for Sobti during her life.