July 28, 2002

All human beings are born equal but they create inequalities among themselves. They also proceed to count man as ‘superior’ to the woman. Albeit, every man owes his existence to a woman. Nature did not define anyone as superior or inferior but patriarchal society created gender biases. Tirandar chhokra, koomainar chhokriyoon, (Flowering boys, withering girls), tries to counter this flawed approach, especially in the rural communities, where prejudices run deeper.

However, there are some who strive incessantly to achieve gender equality in society, such as Kamla Bhasin and her contemporaries. An Indian writer and women rights’ activist, Kamla seeks to spread her message of gender sensitization through the booklet Tirandar chhokra, koomainar chhokriyoon, (Flowering boys, withering girls).

The booklet attempts to reach out to the readers through a handful of pages and through five or so short and simple sentences on each page, together with graphic illustrations. The Sindhi translation by Hameed Diplai makes this book accessible to a large number of Sindhi speakers in the province.

Her message is simple: the differences between the role of men and women are not inborn. They have been created by society. Where women given the chance have proved themselves as capable as men. The words are plain but powerful, forceful, and carry a strong appeal.

The writer seeks to bring about a change in the socio-economic conditions in a society, where age-old traditions and customs are still in vogue.

The idea of translating this book from English and Hindi into Sindhi is to start a debate on the norms of feudal society, which is perpetuating inequities and suppressing women in the name of culture. This book would not have been published without the help of a relatively unknown NGO, the Tharparkar Rural Development Project. This NGO had been set up when the drought and famine in Thar in 1987, prompted a survey of the area by the Sindh government, Unicef, and Save the Children Fund-UK. This survey had shed light on the extreme poverty and lack of physical infrastructure in the region.

The TRDP believes it can act as an agent of change. It seeks to expand the choices available to all, including women. This booklet is designed to contribute to the gender sensitization education which Thardeep has undertaken.

“We should not let the girl wither in the name of honour and dignity, but let her also flourish like boys, because in nature’s eye she is no inferior being,” declares Thardeep.

Tirandar chhokra, koomainar chhokriyoon, (Flowering boys, withering girls)
By Kamla Bhasin
Translated by Hameed Deeplai
Thardeep Rural Development Programme, Near Dargah Hussain Shah Siran, Mithi, District Tharparkar
Tel: 09-234261462
Email: info@thardeep.org
48pp. Rs35

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