As an Indian, growing up listening to mythological tales from my parents and grandparents was a core part of my childhood. However, those stories often centred around male figures, which I didn’t question until I discovered voices like Koral Dasgupta's. She changed the entire perspective of those tales, giving it a feminist lens. I read her Sati series a while ago and was completely drawn to the idea behind it. For those unfamiliar, The Sati Series is a collection of five books, each focusing on one of the Panchakanyas: Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari, and Tara. Reading this series left an indelible mark on me— reflections that will stay with me forever.
When I had the chance to speak with Koral, she not only shared more fascinating and motivational tales but also let me in on some of her favourite things that are absolutely worth checking out!