Reading Heart Lamp Through a Kashmiri Lens
On International Day of Rural Women
Reading Heart Lamp Through a Kashmiri Lens
“On the occasion of the International Day of
Rural Women, Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq offers a powerful reflection on the
unseen struggles of women in rural and traditional societies. Though set in
Karnataka, its themes of gender injustice, hypocrisy and societal expectations
echo deeply within the context of Kashmir, urging us to confront these shared
struggles and advocate for meaningful change.”
Peerzada Mohsin Shafi
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October 15th each year, the
International Day of Rural Women is celebrated globally, offering a meaningful
opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges faced by women, particularly in
rural communities. This day serves as an ideal moment to deepen our
understanding of their struggles and it feels especially fitting to explore
these issues through the lens of Heart Lamp, Selected Stories by Banu Mushtaq.
After
reading Heart Lamp, a powerful collection originally written in Kannada by Banu
Mushtaq, a distinguished lady advocate and the recipient of the prestigious
Best Booker Prize in 2025, I found myself profoundly moved by how the book
resonates with the social realities of Kashmir. Mushtaq's storytelling is not
only masterful but also deeply relevant, offering an honest portrayal of the
multifaceted hardships faced by women in society. The language, tone and
perspective she employs transcend regional boundaries, making the narrative
universally applicable.
Each
chapter of Heart Lamp struck a personal chord, drawing stark parallels to the
struggles women face here in Kashmir. The stories are more than literary works;
they act as a mirror to our own societal issues, shedding light on the silent
battles women fight every day. On this International Day of Rural Women, it is
the perfect time to immerse ourselves in Mushtaq’s poignant storytelling. The
book becomes not just a reflection of women's struggles but a powerful call for
moral awakening. It urges us to confront the harsh realities of gender
inequality and challenges us to rethink our attitudes and actions. There is no
better time than today to engage with this work and reflect on the urgent need
for change in how we treat and empower women, particularly in rural and
marginalized communities.
The
very first chapter, “Stone Slabs for Shaista Mahal,” sets a powerful tone. The
story narrates the plight of a woman with many children, focusing on the eldest
daughter who, despite her brilliance is denied further education and forced to
care for her younger siblings. The author in this chapter recounts a visit of
one lady to his husband’s colleague’s house, where the man had once showered
praise on his wife, claiming he loved her enough to build a palace like the Taj
Mahal for her. Yet, shockingly, after the wife’s death in childbirth, he
quickly remarried without waiting for few months and without regard for the
children of the first marriage. This stark contrast between words and actions
reveals a toxic selfishness prevailing in society, where empty promises
overshadow true compassion. It reflects the brutal reality that emotions and
responsibilities are often neglected, turning humanity into something barbaric.
This reality resonates deeply with the situation in Kashmir, where broken
promises and self-serving attitudes have become all too common, eroding the
fabric of social trust and unity. In the region, people often make grand
commitments, offering words of encouragement and support, but when the time
comes to follow through, those promises are quickly forgotten. In Kashmir, this
tendency is encapsulated in the saying, “Dammas seet chu Namaskaar,”
which translates to "Respect and love are given only as long as a person
holds rank, position, or benefits."
In
the chapter “Fire Rain”, the author presents Mutawalli Sahab, a
respected figure who leads the Mohalla and Jamia Mosque Committee, positions
that give him authority and admiration in the community. He is seen as a leader
who resolves local issues, guides people, and often preaches about justice,
fairness, and responsibility. However, his image as a moral leader quickly
unravels when it’s revealed that he refuses to share his parental property with
his sisters. This stark contradiction exposes a deeper hypocrisy within his
character and highlights a broader societal issue.
In
Kashmir, many leaders publicly advocate for justice and equality but fail to
apply these principles in their personal lives. This is especially common among
men in positions of power who claim moral authority over others, yet fail to
uphold those values within their own families. Mutawalli Sahab’s behaviour
serves as a powerful critique of such leadership. It reveals the hollowness of
individuals who preach fairness but act in self-interest when it comes to
personal matters.
The
chapter underscores the failure of many so-called leaders to create genuine
change, as their actions often betray the values they claim to promote. It
raises an important question: How can leaders speak of justice when they fail
to practice it in their own homes? Mutwalli Sahab’s hypocrisy is not just a
personal flaw, but a reflection of the larger societal problems, where
entrenched patriarchal values and power structures continue to shape the behaviour
of those in positions of authority.
In
the chapter “Black Cobras”, the author paints a heartrending picture of a woman
who, abandoned by her husband, is denied both justice and basic care. Despite
her desperate appeals to the local mohalla committee head, the man she once
called her husband marries another woman without ensuring any form of financial
support for his first wife or their children. The tragedy deepens when the
woman's daughter dies due to neglect and poverty. In the wake of this
heartbreaking loss, the community turns against Mutawalli Sahab, the man in
charge of delivering justice, who has failed to uphold his duty. This chapter
exposes a grim truth about society and resonates with Kashmir as well, where
women, especially those from impoverished backgrounds, suffer abandonment and
their cries for justice are ignored or delayed. The apathy of those in
positions of power, like Mutawalli Sahab, not only neglects their
responsibilities but leads to tragic outcomes for the most vulnerable. This
narrative condemns the failure of those who are entrusted with safeguarding the
welfare of others, especially women and children, whose suffering is compounded
by societal indifference.
In
contrast, the chapter “The Decision of the Heart” delves into the complexities
of domestic life, focusing on a conflict within a family. Here, the wife
resents her husband’s equal affection for her mother, which creates tension and
strife in their relationship. The emotional turmoil reaches a point where the
son, seeking peace and harmony in the household, arranges for his mother’s
remarriage, believing that this act will restore balance and calm to the
family. The mother, despite her initial reservations, accepts the decision and
the family begins to heal. Although, deep in her heart, the wife recognized
that her constant quarrels with her husband were misguided, the moment for
reconciliation had long passed. This realization came too late, as the
emotional damage had already taken root, and the opportunity to mend their
relationship had slipped away. Her regret was bittersweet, for while she
understood the wrongness of her actions, time had moved on, and the family
dynamics had already been irreparably altered.
This
story explores the emotional complexities of familial relationships,
highlighting the delicate balance of love, sacrifice, and compromise needed to
maintain harmony. It resonates and reflects the emotional landscape of many
Kashmiri families, where conflicts are often resolved through difficult choices
and sacrifices, all in the hope of preserving peace. However, despite these
efforts, the damage caused by unresolved tensions often leaves lasting scars.
In Kashmiri society, the pursuit of peace within the family can come at a high
emotional cost, with the realization that, sometimes, the harm done cannot be
undone.
Together,
these chapters offer a stark contrast in the portrayal of human relationships.
While “Black Cobras” highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and
injustice, particularly the abandonment of women, “The Decision of the Heart”
provides insight into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and family dynamics.
Both stories resonate deeply with the realities of Kashmiri society, where
power structures and emotional bonds shape the lives of individuals in profound
ways. Whether it is the failure of a community leader to protect the vulnerable
or the emotional challenges within a family, both narratives underline the
importance of justice, empathy and understanding in creating a fairer, more
compassionate society.
In
“Red Lungi,” Razia, a mother overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of many
children, organizes a mass circumcision ceremony for boys in her community. She
buys red cloth to stitch lungis for the children, including those from poorer
families. Although the procedure is carried out with minimal medical care, a
poor boy, Arif, surprisingly heals faster than Razia’s own son, who received
better care. This unsettles Razia, prompting her to reconsider her assumptions
about privilege and divine justice. She extends kindness to Arif, inviting him
into her home and sharing food. This story critiques social class divisions and
challenges condescension disguised as charity. It urges to respect the
resilience and dignity of the underprivileged and embrace empathy and humility
rather than pride in material wealth and same applies to our valley.
The
chapter “Heart Lamp” focuses on Mehrun, a woman struggling with postpartum
depression and isolation despite being surrounded by family. She battles
intense emotional pain and contemplates suicide, but the love of her young
daughters gives her hope and a reason to continue. This story sheds light on
how women’s mental health, especially postpartum depression is often ignored or
stigmatized and it resonates with the Kashmir. It exposes the societal
expectation for women to silently endure suffering and conform to traditional
roles, worsening their pain. This chapter calls for greater awareness,
emotional support and the creation of safe spaces where women’s mental health
struggles are openly acknowledged and compassionately addressed. Mental health,
especially among women, is often overlooked or misunderstood, yet it is a
crucial part of overall well-being.
The
same theme is powerfully explored in another chapter titled “Soft Whispers,”
which delves into the quiet, often invisible suffering that women endure. These
soft whispers symbolize the subtle, restrained ways women express their pain
and hold on to hope in a society that discourages open emotion. In many cases,
women carry heavy emotional burdens in silence, often in the name of preserving
family honour. This silence, however, comes at the cost of deep isolation and
inner turmoil. The story is a gentle yet urgent plea for society to truly
listen to tune in to the quiet voices that often go unheard.
It
calls for the creation of spaces where women can speak without fear, be met
with understanding and receive the emotional support they deserve. Above all,
it reminds us that real compassion means recognizing the hidden struggles many
women live with daily and responding with empathy, not indifference. In our own
valley, these struggles are deeply rooted and far too common. Many women
silently carry emotional burdens, shaped by societal expectations, cultural
pressure and a lack of supportive environments. It is time we confront this
reality with sincerity and sensitivity.
We
must learn to listen without judgment, to offer comfort without hesitation and
to create spaces where women feel safe to express their pain and seek help. Let
us be the shoulders they can lean on and the voices that advocate for their
healing. True progress will come only when mental health is treated with the
same importance as physical health, and when every woman feels seen, heard and
supported.
In
“High heeled Shoe,” a young woman grapples with societal pressure to conform to
rigid notions of femininity and appearance. The high-heeled shoe becomes a
symbol of the sacrifices women make to meet oppressive beauty standards at the
cost of their comfort and freedom. This chapter reveals the emotional and
psychological toll of these expectations on women, particularly in patriarchal
settings. It urges society to question and dismantle harmful gender norms,
advocating for acceptance of diversity in self-expression and greater empathy
from families and communities.
“Taste
of Heaven” tells of a young widow whose husband dies soon after marriage.
Despite her youth, she is not remarried and is passed between brothers, each
unwilling to take responsibility. Her kind nature wins the affection of the
children in the household, who comfort her with a cold drink they call “a drink
from heaven.” She finds solace in this, reminiscing about her late husband.
This story resonates and reflects the plight of many widowed women in Kashmir,
whose lives are often ruined by societal neglect and refusal to remarry or
support them. It calls for change and compassion toward these women.
Finally,
the deeply moving chapter “Be a Woman Once Oh Lord” is a powerful plea to the
Almighty. It depicts the cruel reality women face, including a wife forced by
her husband to demand money from her in-laws and bear child after child,
highlighting the societal expectation for women’s endless sacrifices. When she
finally gives birth to a boy, her joy is not for the child’s gender but for the
hope that another girl a “prisoner of life” in our society has not been born.
This chapter encapsulates the profound suffering and injustice faced by women
and calls for equal rights and empathy. It reflects the harsh realities in our
societies, urging society to recognize women’s pain and work toward true
equality.
Together,
these chapters from Heart Lamp provide a comprehensive reflection on social
issues, gender injustice, leadership hypocrisy, mental health neglect, cultural
expectations, education, identity, death and compassion. Each story resonates
deeply with Kashmiri society, revealing truths we must confront and lessons we
must learn. The book teaches us to value empathy, justice, and dignity above
tradition and appearance; to listen to the silenced voices and uplift the
marginalized; to challenge toxic norms and embrace diversity; and above all, to
foster a community rooted in love, respect, and equality.
Heart
Lamp is not merely a collection of stories but a beacon illuminating the path
toward a more just and humane society. For Kashmir, these narratives are both a
mirror and a guide reflecting our struggles and inspiring change. May we heed
its lessons and strive to create a society where every individual, especially
women is valued, supported and free.
