A woman’s perspective on erotica and sexuality in literature

The Write Circle, an initiative of Prabha Khaitan Foundation in association with Ehsaas Women of Raipur, Hyatt Raipur and presented by Shree Cement Ltd- is aimed at promoting writings in English. They recently presented the eighth, and third online event with an incredible lineup of speakers and no-holds-barred-conversation on erotica, sexuality, feminism and emphasis on narrating stories from women’s point of view.This session was highly poignant and had intellectual exchanges.

A queer Indian woman from Chhattisgarh living in the UK- Simran Roy was in conversation with polymath Seema Anand, a London-based Indologist, mythologist, storyteller, and doctor of narrative practices, specialising in women’s narratives- made for an intellectually stimulating session for all.
Seema Anand is credited with the revival and reproduction of oral literature from India for Endangered Oral Traditions in association with the UNESCO. Her expertise on Mahabharata, Ramayana, Tantra, Mahavidyas, Kama Sutra as well as the Bhagavad Gita is unparalleled. Seema also conducts soft skill training using storytelling and the Power of Narrative within the corporate sector. Seema is the author of the well-received book, Arts of Seduction.
While Simran Roy is an avid LGBTQ+ and women’s rights supporter, and previously hosted a limited podcast focusing on both topics through the Indian diasporic lens.
In the session, Seema explained, “Ancient Indian culture, literature and poetry celebrated all aspects of love and pleasure. Even our music - ragas and raginis were based on a range of these emotions.”
According to her- gender fluidity is not just something that has evolved and come into being in now. It has always been mentioned in our ancient texts and our culture has been most accepting of it. Seema held the audience captive with her narratives of erotology from our ancient texts. Kalpana Choudhary, mentor N H Goel and one of the Ehsaas Women Raipur, welcomed everyone with an introduction of the literary work done by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation both the writer and conversationalist. Also joining the session was Harkaran Singh, general manager of
Hyatt Raipur.
The session ended with a thank you note by Shrishti Trivedi, a lawyer turned entrepreneur and founder of Project Getout, a local community venture and fellow Ehsaas Woman. Prabha Khaitan Foundation is dedicated to the social, cultural and educational advancement of the society. The Kolkata based NGO runs humanitarian projects across the country which includes women's training centres, child literacy programs, and aid drives. Ehsaas is an initiative of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, it is a conglomeration of women from all walks of life who are graceful in their own ways and inspire others for the betterment of the society.