Feminine Genius: July 2016

Aasita Bali

Paper: Changing Representation of Women in Recent Bollywood Films

Abstract

Cinema deals with gender representation in a consensually problematic manner where the provider of the image as well as the receiver of the medium believes that the space is designed to give women her place only in a particular way. For almost a century, popular Hindi films rarely dealt with women issues and if at all it attempted to do so, the role of women were restricted to be either that of nurturer or the epitome of sacrifice and forgiveness. Films like Mother India or Bandini glorified woman’s ability to give up her choices and even life for the sake of her family and dear ones. This scenario, however, has gradually changed post LPG (Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization). Today, we come across films where a woman not only expresses her choice but she is also unapologetic about herself. Coming of age films are now starting to represent women in a much stronger light with characters who are confident, independent and ambitious. This paper examines the issue of women and changing representation of women in nine Indian Hindi films in the recent past (2014-16) using content analysis as method and feminism as a framework, highlighting the strength of a woman, not only in terms of being physically strong but also being mentally resilient .

Aasita Bali, Assistant Professor in Christ University, Bangalore, holds MSC from Maharaja Sayajirao University and MPhil from Christ University. Her Research publications include "Female Body in Indian Cinema - A Reflection, Lingua-International Journal Linguistics, Literature and Culture, August 2014, "Gulaab Gang: Is It about the Battle of Sexes or Women Empowerment or Clichés?" Indian Research Journal, December, 2014, and "Politics of Twitter Engagement," Media Matters, September 2015.

Abhinav Anand

Paper Title: Women and Nibbana: An Analysis of Early Buddhist Texts

Abstract

Whether the early Buddhism was biased in favour of bhikkhus over bhikkhunis and men over women is the subject of this study. Pali Buddhist texts, i.e., Vinaya Pitaka, Anguttara Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya and selected discourses from Samyutta Nikaya present a mixed basket of egalitarian and non-egalitarian, and soteriologically inclusive and androgynous Buddhist worldviews. Despite the institutional androcentrism and ascetic misogyny these texts teach that the Buddha gave dhammas (teachings) to all human beings irrespective of their caste and gender, and also taught that women are equally capable of realising the fruit of stream-attainment (sotapanna), once-returning (sakadagami), non-returning (anagami) and perfection (arahant). The realisation of perfection (arahant) is nibbana or complete absence of dukkha, which is considered within Buddhist tradition as the highest goal attainable by personal efforts by both men and women. The Theragatha and Therigatha narrate the stories of Buddhist men and women who realized perfection during the life and after the Buddha. These texts and the Buddhist teachings such as paticcasamuppada, Anicca, Anatta and Dukkha are interpreted to show that theoretically there is no difference between men and women as both are association of five aggregates, which is not identical with male or female, though because of the cultural influence there are also evidence for discrimination against women.

Abhinav Anand is a Research Scholar at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, India. He completed Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from University of Delhi. His areas of interest are Buddhist Literature, Philosophy and Ethics, Indian Literature, Philosophy, Religious and Culture Studies.

Ajit Kumar Behura

Paper: Women and Nibbana: An Analysis of Early Buddhist Texts

Abstract

Ajit Kumar Behura, Associate Professor, and former head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, ISM, Dhanbad, India has 12 of teaching and research experience to both undergraduate and Post-graduate students. He also taught at the University of Dayton Academic Program at Deepahalli Campus. Dr. Behura is a member of few Professional Associations like, The Council for Research in Value and Philosophy (Washington), Indian Philosophical Congress, and All Orissa Philosophy Association, etc.

Ankita Das

Paper: Empowering Lives: The Journey of Jaycee Dugard, Mukhtar Mai and Elizabeth Smart

Abstract

Social activists and feminist scholars across the globe have endlessly stressed on the need for women to lend support to other women; for victims to help other victims and for survivors to aid other survivors. Empathy and compassion for fellow human beings is one of the possible ways of raising the standards of humanity. The present paper highlights the endeavours of such women who despite having undergone unspeakable privations have not only pulled themselves up but also are striving hard to make the society a better place to live in. In order to help people who have had similar fate and endured similar traumatic experiences, women like Jaycee Lee Dugard who was illegally held captive for eighteen years, Mukhtar Mai, who survived a gang rape and Elizabeth Smart, who too had suffered nine months of abduction and sexual abuse, are at present running organizations which provide shelter and assistance to survivors like them.While Smart and Mai are attempting to work against violence through spreading education and awareness, Dugard’s foundation, ‘Just Ask Yourself To Care’ aims at providing support to not barely the survivors of traumatic experiences but also help their families to reintegrate into the society. The objective of the present paper would be to underline the contribution of these women towards bringing a desired change in the society. The paper closely examines the personal lives of the three women in context thereby analyzing their ways of self-affirmation which is not just confined to them but also extends to other survivors. Since the change is envisioned by those who are typically expected to have a submissive demeanour, the paper to traces the socio-cultural elements that facilitate or hinder such initiatives.

Ankita Das is a Junior Research Fellow at the Humanities and Social Sciences Department in Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. She has completed her Masters in English from Ambedkar University, Delhi. Her areas of interest include Captivity and Slave narratives, Trauma Theory, Indian Writing in English and Gender Theory.

Aparna Kottapalle

Paper: Manodhairya Scheme: A Milestone Object and Feeble Mission in Maharashtra

Abstract

Victimisation is often traumatising and life changing event. Victim of crime does not only suffer physical injury but also suffers psychological, economic and other harms. Apart from punishing the offender, the state also shoulders the responsibility to rehabilitate the victim. The researcher, in this paper, discusses the theoretical perspectives of state's liability to pay compensation to the victims of violence and specifically in cases where women are victims, referring to the reports of J. Malimath Committee and J. Varma Committee, amendments in Cr.P.C., and also judicial contribution towards evolution and expansion of compensatory justice in India. The focus is on Manodhairya Scheme in Maharashtra which creates provisions to provide compensation to the victims of rape, acid attacks and cases of child sexual abuse. This research paper is an outcome of information and experiences researcher gathered during her work as a member of Manodhairya Committee for Aurangabad District, in Maharashtra. Along-with the objectives and reasons for the introduction of the scheme the researcher further studies implementation of the scheme, for which she refers to the statistical data of Maharashtra State and also Aurangabad District. Some case studies also are placed based on the available documentation. Though this research work is doctrinaire, some of the concerned authorities are interviewed for the qualitative analysis. The researcher also has studied approaches of committee members and tried to find out whether justice hampers due to the prejudices of committee members. The research also points out some inherent defects in the scheme such as no notifications for constituting trauma team and problems in the implementation of the scheme such as financial crunches, inadequate infrastructure, lack of techno savvy employees, and suggests effective solutions to the defects and problems.

Aparna Kottapalle, Assistant professor of Law at M.P. Law College, Aurangabad. Maharashtra, has completed LL.B. from ILS Law College Pune, PG from Mumbai University and Ph.D. from Bharti Vidyapeeth Pune. She has completed one MRP funded by Ministry of Consumer affairs through IIPA, New Delhi. She has keen interest in Gender Justice and is involved in regional activities and movements. She has been an excellent resource person in various training programmes, workshop, seminar and conferences.

Archana Verma

Paper: Susan Sontag as a Feminine Genius of the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Susan Sontag, also known as ‘The Dark Lady of American Letters’, is a feminine genius of the Twentieth Century. Her association with the PEN American Centre, groomed her as a fine writer with ‘free expression’ and with a very specific possession towards the concept of art. As a critic and a creative writer, Sontag touched upon areas as diverse as photography, culture, media, AIDS and other illness, and war conflicts. Disrupting the conventional mode of narrative, her writings enhanced with the “new sensibility” which was “defiantly pluralistic”. Her engagement with the foremost theorists of our time like Derrida, Foucault, Deleuze, Roland Barthes, Walter Benjamin, T.S. Eliot and others is reflected in Regarding the Pain of Others, Illness as Metaphor, and Against Interpretation. Her works aim at delineating “the modern sensibility from as many angles as possible”. Despite being one of the most intellectual figures of her time, her writings were disregarded by the contemporary scholars. The paper brings to the fore Sontag as a feminine genius who with the spirit of assistance and the deliberation of the time ahead has reached out for the well-being of the whole human kind.

Archana Verma is a Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. She has completed her M. Phil from ISM, Dhanbad. Her areas of interest include Modern Poetry, Black Literature and Gender Studies.

Charan Singh

Paper: Women Leaders from Sikh Religion

Abstract

In Sikhism, a woman has been given equal status as that of man in all spheres of life. According to Sikh thought, as all things are created and inhabited by God, there is no scope for discrimination on the basis of gender of an individual in the practice of religion in life. The Sikh Gurus condemned the notion of inferiority of women and respected women for she gave life to all human. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion, in early 1500, had observed that women from whom kings are born cannot be considered inferior. Sikh Gurus did not approve of any inferior treatment to one-half of the humanity but rather encouraged the women who had become very meek and submissive by the sixteenth century to become courageous and independent. Consequently, women in Sikh religion have played an important role since the time of Guru Nanak.

The paper will present the role of Sikh women in different leadership positions, by drawing evidence from historical and living Sikh women. The focus of the paper would be on philosophical roots of the role that women should play in society, including marriage. Three Sikh women would be discussed – a) Mata Khivi, who took over management of Langar, community kitchen, in 1539 and provided hospitality, to the growing Sikh community; b) Sundar Kaur who provided leadership to Sikh community immediately after Guru Gobind Singh, from 1708 to 1747; and c) Dr. Inderjit Kaur, presently serving as Director of Pingalwara, Amritsar, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her selfless service to the sick and downtrodden.

Charan Singh, RBI Chair Professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, was a Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund, Washington DC (2009- 2012) and Director (Departments: Research; Debt Management) at the RBI (1997–2009). Earlier, he was working as Director (Research), with the RBI since 1997 where he had joined in 1984 as a Research officer. He earned his doctorate in Economics from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and post-doctorate at Department of Economics, Harvard University and the Stanford Center for International Development, Stanford University. His research is published in academic journals and edited volumes. He contributes in public debates thorough TV channels, and articles in daily newspapers and economic papers like Economic Times, Business Standard, Business Line, The Financial Express, and MoneyControl.com.

Davis Panadan CMI

Paper: Women Leadership in the Dispute Resolution Mechanism among Indian Garo and Khasi Tribes

Abstract

The paper deals with the dispute resolution mechanisms and administration of justice among Garos and Khasis in India. According to 2011 Census, Schedule Tribe constitutes 8.2% of the total population. The dispute settlement mechanisms and administration of justice among twenty tribes in India was analysed with the focus of women leadership in dispute resolution mechanisms. Among these twenty tribes, women are actively involved in the administration of justice in Garos and Khasis tribes, were the matrilineal system is followed. It has been observed that the dispute settlement mechanisms and administration of justice among Garos and Khasis is more democratic and with due process than all other tribes studied, because they have a unique system in the investigation procedure.

In fact majority of the tribal people have never seen the doors of courts, as they preferred settlement within the community which leads to the peaceful life in the society. Many of them consider it as a shame to enter the courts to get justice. In the tribal culture, there is no other plan than the adherence to non-violence in thought, word and deed, and no other goal than to reach justice and welfare. Because good ends can never grow out of bad means, the opponent is not forced to expose him or herself to loss. There is ideally no threat, coercion or punishment. Instead, the idea is to undergo 'self-suffering' in the belief that the opponent can be converted to seeing the truth by touching his or her conscience, or that a clearer vision of truth may grow out of the dialectical process for both parties. This ultimately leads to just and compassionate community among tribal people. In many areas traditional administrative institutions have considerable affinity with the modern administrative institutions of the country. These traditional institutions and customary laws received recognition in the modem political system of the country through the Indian constitution. Several cases remain unattended, unreported, unsettled while others are settled through the dispute resolution mechanisms among the tribes in India.

Davis Panadan CMI holds LL.M and PhD in law from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and a Licentiate in Oriental Canon Law from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram (DVK), Bangalore and Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome. With a specialisation in “Dispute Resolution Mechanism in India: Problems, Challenges and Solutions”, he published articles in research journals and teaches courses in civil and canon laws at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram. He was actively involved in Human Rights, Environmental protection and Social action programmes of Jananeethi, a NGO based at Thrissur, Kerala.

George Karuvelil

Paper: Feminist Epistemology: “…out of the Fly Bottle”

Abstract

Feminist epistemology, like other epistemologies that are built on the debris of modern epistemology, is strong in its critique of the infirmities of modern epistemology but weak in delivering genuine knowledge. At the heart of this quandary lies the problem of attaining objectivity without neglecting the inescapable subjectivity that enters into knowing. Since the heart of feminist epistemology is the situatedness of the knower (and knowledge) the problem boils down to how to attain objectivity or universality of truth without foregoing the situatedness, as the moderns did. Feminists cannot overlook this matter because unlike some shades of postmodernism that does way with all universal norms, feminists are committed to the Enlightenment ideals of justice, freedom, and emancipation, and these call for objectivity and universality beyond one’s preferred/ privileged group. And many feminist thinkers seem to have the right intuition inasmuch as they also make room for universal knowledge along with situated and constructed knowledge. Building on it and complementing it with Quine’s idea of “pure” observations, the present paper shows how contextual realism – an epistemological position that combines contextualism with a post-metaphysical (Platonic) version of realism – can respect both the constructed character of much of our knowledge as well as the mind-independence of realism.

George Karuvelil is a Jesuit, Ordinary Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (JDV), Pune. Specialised in the epistemology of religious experience, his work spans the space between the disciplines of philosophy, theology and the empirical sciences. An accomplished scholar, who has published in prestigious national and international journals, he is also the editor of Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies.

Gyan Prakash

Paper: Early Buddhist Attitude towards Female Body and Mysticism

Abstract

Consciousness, according to the early Buddhist texts, is a stream of becoming and maintains an uninterrupted continuity between two lives. It exists in a state of flux, and the chain of cognition is not eternal. Further, the stream of consciousness characterizes one’s existence and is completely conditioned by the kamma of previous lives. Thus, male or female body is regarded as the effect of kamma of past life. Early Buddhist texts reflect an understanding that female body is the effect of bad kamma of one’s previous life. The present paper re-examines this early Buddhist attitude towards female body and argues that, in the early Buddhist philosophy, there is little or no room for a negative attitude towards the female body. In the first section, the different types - male, female and eunuch - bodies and their qualities are discussed. The paper argues that the body cannot be the material or contributory cause of subjective consciousness. The second section looks into the concept of body and indriyas because, according to Abhidharmakosa of Vasubandhu, the quality of an Arhat can be obtained only with the help of eleven indriyas. This section also analyses as to whether the quality of Arhat can be attained through the female body or not. Finally, the paper examines the early Buddhist attitude towards female body and mysticism.

Gyan Prakash, Assistant Professor (Philosophy) in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, ISM, Dhanbad, has four years of research and teaching experience. His main areas of research are Buddhist Philosophy, Metaphysics and Religion. He did his Ph. D. in philosophy from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay, Mumbai

Harbinder Kaur

Paper: Women Leaders from Sikh Religion

Abstract: In Sikhism, a woman has been given equal status as that of man in all spheres of life. According to Sikh thought, as all things are created and inhabited by God, there is no scope for discrimination on the basis of gender of an individual in the practice of religion in life. The Sikh Gurus condemned the notion of inferiority of women and respected women for she gave life to all human. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion, in early 1500, had observed that women from whom kings are born cannot be considered inferior. Sikh Gurus did not approve of any inferior treatment to one-half of the humanity but rather encouraged the women who had become very meek and submissive by the sixteenth century to become courageous and independent. Consequently, women in Sikh religion have played an important role since the time of Guru Nanak.

Harbinder Kaur, Coordinator at Sherwood School, Bangalore, hails from a Sikh family, which traces its lineage from Guru Nanak. She holds a M. Sc (Physics) from IIT Roorkee, and M.A. (English) and B. Ed (Gold Medalist) from Chaudhury Charan Singh University, Meerut. She regularly participates in panel discussions on Sikh religion, and conducts classes for children on ethics and religion. She has served as a teacher and coordinator in schools and Junior colleges in Delhi, Meerut, Mumbai, Bangalore and Sydney.

Jahanzeb Akhtar

Keynote Address: “Women's Leadership: Indian Roots and Global Reach”

Jahanzeb believes that learning is a fun journey that cannot be stopped just because the hair is turning salt and pepper or the bones are starting to creak a bit! Along with her duties as a tax administrator, therefore, she has been returning to the classroom periodically – to IIM Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, Utkal University and the National Law School(NLS)for degrees in law and public policy. She is currently pursuing her PhD at NLS. She has returned only last monthafter successfully completing the Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship – a Fulbright program of one academic year at the No 1 ranked public administration school in the US - the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Academic learning, professional networking and active community engagement were part of her life in this program.

Public policy, gender, minority and development issues are at the center of Jahanzeb’s interest and she speaks, writes, presents papers and encourages critical thinking in these areas.

Jahanzeb is an out and out people’s person and claims that it keeps her learning curve constantly steep. She interacts regularly with citizens, especially students and professionals, urging them to dream big for India,but include every Indian in that dream, especially those who have got left behind.

Jahanzeb Akhtar, Commissioner of Income Tax, is an officer of the 1989 batch of the Indian Revenue Service with more than 25 years of experience with the Government of India. She finds her roots in Orissa, the state where she was born, her wings in her identity as ‘Indian’ and her vision as a global citizen.

James Mathew Pampara CMI

Paper: Fundamental Rights and Duties of Women in the Catholic Church: A Comparative Study of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the Code of Canon Law

Abstract

Pope John Paul II, through his apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (1994) taught in a definitive manner that the Catholic Church is unable to ordain women to priesthood. However, that document did not address the question whether women could be ordained as deacons in the Catholic Church. Recently, Pope Francis, while answering the questions during the final session of the Union of International Superiors' General's (UISG) meeting held in Rome in May 2016, said that he would like to study through the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith whether there could be ordained deaconesses in the Catholic Church. This answer has created a renewed interest among many within and outside the Catholic Church to look into the Canon Law of the Catholic Church to see the place and role of women in it.

The Code of Canon Law (1983) of the Latin Church and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (1990), the two law books of the Catholic Church, have clearly articulated the fundamental rights and duties of every Christian faithful in the Catholic Church. In these codes of canon law, there is a clear and evident departure from the pre-conciliar understanding that women were not equal to men. This study tries to analyse more closely and critically the place and role of women in the Catholic Church, examining the long way in her understanding of the fundamental rights of women and the post-Vatican II reform of her canon law; now the Church places women on par with men regarding the fundamental rights and duties.

James Mathew Pampara CMI is Associate Professor of Canon Law and Latin in the Institute of Oriental Canon Law, DVK, Banglaore and the Head of the Department of Latin Studies in Dharmaram Institute of Languages (DIL). After having completed degrees in Philosophy, Science (BSc Zoology) and Theology with first rank, took Licentiate (1997) and Doctorate (2007) in Oriental Canon Law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome with specialization in Penal Law and Penal Procedure. He has also specialized in Medieval Latin (Oxford University, UK) and Jurisprudence (Rota Romana, Vatican). He was the Postulator General of the CMI Congregation (2004-2007), the Director of the Institute of Oriental Canon Law (2009-2012) and the Vice President of the Oriental Canon Law Society of India (2010-2013) and he continues to be a member of OCLSI executive committee.

Jestin Thomas CMI

Paper: One is not Born a Woman or a Man: A Study on Simone de Beauvoir

Abstract

Generally for existentialists, everything what we are is the result of our choices. Simone de Beauvoir, although an avowed life-long existentialist, posits limits to this central existentialist idea of self-creation and self-definition, and presents an ambiguous picture of human freedom, in which women struggle against the apparent disadvantages of the female body. Man is seen as the superhero; woman is the subordinate. Man is seen as the absolute and essential; woman is inessential and incomplete. Man is always the subject; woman is always the object. Philosophically, the subject is what has identity. It exists independently, apart from context. It simply is because it is. On the other hand, the object is dependent on the subject. The object is the observed; the subject is the observer. The subject takes action; the object is acted upon.

A person's sex is considered physiologically while gender identity is described in terms of human behaviour, which involve the characteristics and the classification of being a man or a woman. It is with this in mind that Beavouir states ‘One is not born, but rather becomes a woman’. Beauvoir describes that it is not her physical state that conducts her destiny as a woman; rather she is constructed a ‘woman’ by society.

Even though socialisation has a big effect on how we act as male or female, it cannot wholly determine or override what essentially is in our genes. We are pre-determined to a degree, to act in different ways as we have different hormones, different physical attributes inclining us towards different roles. However, as we have evolved, society has magnified these distinctions whereby the sexes are encouraged to display differences more obviously than genetically determined. The quarrel will go on as long as men and women fail to recognize each other equal in dignity. This is neither to feminize or masculinize but to humanize our understanding.

Jestin Thomas CMI, a research scholar at the Faculty of Philosophy, DVK, is an ordained pries belonging to t he Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. He holds baccalaureates in Philosophy (2006), English (2010), and Theology (2013).

John Jacob CMI

Paper: Taking in the Good Based Bibliotherapy Intervention

Abstract: Adolescent depression is a severe mental health problem and depressed female adolescents habitually seek and retain negative experiences because of their dysfunctional attitude and negative bias. The current study combines the theory of taking in the good and principles of bibliotherapy to develop an innovative psychotherapy intervention to reduce depression among female adolescent high school students. Taking in the Good aims at deliberate internalization of positive experiences in the implicit memory through the four steps of HEAL: 1) Have a positive experience; 2) Enrich it; 3) Absorb it; 4) Link positive and negative material, turning everyday experiences into good neural structure. Bibliotherapy is the deliberate use of the written materials for healing and development, where clients are assisted to read a specific section of a book or a topic that would help to relieve their mental burdens. By practicing the HEAL methods and by obtaining insight through the application of bibliotherapy, depressed female adolescents overcome their prevailing bias of negativity, they find a positive meaning in ordinary and stressful daily events and they will see themselves, others and the world in new ways.

Extensive application of positive neuroplasticity program like the current approach could make clinical psychology and psychotherapy treatment more satisfying and further engaging to clients. Current research is conducted among female adolescents in the Philippines; longitudinal research is recommended to confirm the strength and lasting effect of the researcher-designed innovative intervention program. In the existing scenario of under-diagnosed, untreated cases of females suffering from depression, the hurdles faced by Indian women include inadequate number of mental health professionals, lack of awareness, stigma, deprived position of women, manifold roles, augmented levels of stress, and domestic violence. The intervention is a thrust for school and college community to endow students with stable registration of positive experience in their lives. The positive psychologists need to motivate, educate and empower the clients to use influential intervention that is supported by positive neuroplasticity.

John Jacob CMI obtained M.A. in counseling psychology at De La Salle University and PhD in clinical psychology at University of Santo Tomas, Manila. His research interests include positive neuroplasticity, positive psychology, depression and adolescents. Presently he is the Rector of Mary Immaculate Minor Seminary, Mannanam, Kerala, India.

Jose Nandhikkara

Paper: Feminine Genius: A Christian Perspective

Abstract

Christianity is often criticised by feminists as a contributing factor to the oppression of women. A Christian vision, after Jesus Christ, on the contrary, contributes to upholding and promoting the dignity, role, and rights of women. The problems and the prospects of what it means to be a woman in our time is seen here from such a vision. This vision is based on the Biblical creation account and the life of Jesus Christ, according to which men and women are created in the image and likeness of God, equal in dignity and different in vocation, to live in a fundamental partnership, in mutual collaboration and conversation. Humanity is a project of partnership of men and women, and as partners, they are neither superior nor inferior to each other; they are singularly unique and complementary. In the “unity of the two,” man and woman are called from the beginning not only for a co-existence, but a pro-existence. The inequality and the subordination of women, and the mutual opposition is the inheritance of sin. Lack opportunities for the realisation of the full potential for feminine genius had marginalised women and impoverished humanity. Women have significant contributions to offer in transforming the nature into a world of not only human habitat but also of values. From the Christian point of view, feminine humanity, together with masculine humanity is that of creative stewardship and mutual partnership, to work on nature and transform it for their wellbeing, benefit of all beings, and the glory of God. An effective and intelligent campaign for the promotion of women, concentrating on all areas of women’s life and beginning with a universal recognition of the dignity of women, is imperative on all men and women of good will.

Jose Nandhikkara, Professor of Philosophy, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, holds MA in Philosophy and Theology from Oxford University, Licentiate in Philosophy from Gregorian University, Rome, and PhD in Philosophy (2004) from Warwick University, UK. He was a Visiting Fellow at Sogang University, Seoul, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, and KU University, Leuven, Adjunct Professor, ISM Dhanbad, and International Fellow of KAICIID, Vienna.

Joshy Pazhukkathara

Paper: Reclamation of the Feminine Genius Beyond Misogyny: A Heuristic Reading Of Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract

Kierkegaard’scontribution to feminist thinking is a much debated issue as his writings depict women both beautifully and spitefully at the same time. On the one hand,a few scholars argue that his views are blatantly misogynic, and on the other, some argue that his views are redeeming. In the view of the latter, Kierkegaardian thoughts surpass the abstract patriarchal ethics to an ethics of relation or ethics of care. Our argument is that though one may detect many lines of misogyny in his writings, they can be seen compensated through the insightful lines he writes about women. His insights on feminine qualities and her role in human and religious life can only be an outcome of one who loves and admires them. In this paper I examine his transitions from misogyny to reclamation through a heuristic re-reading of Kierkegaardian thinking, and contribute to women’s voice for their personal identity and appropriation of feminine genius in society and religion. This paper is divided into three parts. In the first part we analyze the dynamics and merits of heuristic reading, which opens the way for a constructive reading of the misogynistic writings of Kierkegaard in the second part, andin the third part we see how a heuristic reading may contribute towards the reclamation of the feminine genius and the up-building of a just and compassionate society beyond the gender divide of the patriarchal categories.

Joshy Pazhukkathara, Lecturer of Theology at Samanvaya Mission Theologate, Jagdalpur, holds a Licentiate in Philosophy from DVK and doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. He engages in teaching and guidance in various educational institutions and seminaries, writes articles in periodicals and books, and presents papers in seminars and symposiums. His area of specialization includes Christology, Trinity, Phenomenology, Liturgy and Sacraments.

Kiran Prasad

Paper: Feminist Genius: Straddling Creativity, Capability and Leadership Everyday

Abstract

Despite rapid economic growth in the post-reform period and all the flagship programmes of the government, India ranks very low on narrowing the gender gap in education, health, economic participation and equal pay for equal work. There is an alarming fall in the participation of women in the workforce in the country and it is found that less than 15 per cent of the women are in any form of paid work. At present India is among the few countries of the world where female labour force participation is shrinking. How is the Feminist Genius straddling the complex intersection of creativity, capability and leadership in the midst of such challenges? In this context, the role of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) is crucial in strategic communication for inter-ministerial convergence of gender mainstreaming of programmes, policies, institutional arrangements and processes of participating ministries which have largely hitherto operated independently and in a stand-alone manner. The Mission must bring in convergence and facilitate the processes of ensuring economic and social empowerment of women with emphasis on health and education, reduction in violence against women, generating awareness about various schemes and programmes meant for women, and empowerment of women in difficult circumstances. Sustainable development in India can be a reality only when there is gender equality and justice based development that accords top priority to the welfare of women.

Kiran Prasad, Professor of Communication and Journalism, Sri Padmavati Mahila University, Andhra Pradesh, was a Commonwealth Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for International Communication Research, University of Leeds, UK and Canadian Studies Research Fellow at Carleton University, Canada. She is recipient Best Teacher Award, Govt. of A.P. and has published twenty-two books including Gender and ICTs: Future Directions in Bridging the Digital Divide (2016), and Transforming International Communication: Media, Society and Culture in the Middle East (2014). She is the Secretary for Communication Education (2013-2016), Asian Congress for Media and Communication (ACMC), Philippines, and series editor of Empowering Women Worldwide, published by the Women Press, New Delhi.

Mareena CMC

Paper: Dignity and Empowerment of Women: An analysis Based on the Endeavours of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Abstract: The language of dignity facilitates the movement to create a supporting global environment for the recognition, respect and protection of individuals. Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, social, political, educational, cultural, gender and economic capability of people. The dream of liberating women can only come true when every section of the society is free from gender bias and advocates improvement of the status of women in the society. In order to empower women, the society needs to adopt an integrated approach towards uplifting them. It is necessary to raise their spiritual, economic, cultural, religious, political, educational and social status so that they are brought into the mainstream of national development. St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a man of vision and action, born in the beginning of the 19^th century, became a blessing for the country, especially for the people of Kerala, more particularly for women and children. His holistic vision comprised the welfare of women and their much-needed empowerment. It can be confidently stated that Chavara was an instrument in executing God’s plan and purpose for women, mainly through the founding of the first indigenous religious congregation for women (TOCD) in 1866 and through the task he entrusted to it. This paper briefly deals with the ideologies of St. Chavara about the dignity of women and the strategies he adapted for their empowerment in the derisory backdrop of Kerala in the 19^th century.

Mareena CMC is a doctoral student at Christ University Bangalore, researching on "Contributions of Kuriakose Elias Chavara in Upholding Human Dignity: A Sociological Analysis with special Emphasis to the Social work centres of CMC." She has published several books including, Visudha Chavarayachan: Girisrungathile Kavalvilakku (2015) Women TOCD Facts Versus Fabrications (Co- author, 2013), Arivinte Vazhiye Thapasamanassu (2012) and Ente Oharium Panapathravum (2012).

Meghna Majumdar

Paper: Changing Representation of Women in Recent Bollywood Films

Abstract

Cinema deals with gender representation in a consensually problematic manner where the provider of the image as well as the receiver of the medium believes that the space is designed to give women her place only in a particular way. For almost a century, popular Hindi films rarely dealt with women issues and if at all it attempted to do so, the role of women were restricted to be either that of nurturer or the epitome of sacrifice and forgiveness. Films like Mother India or Bandini glorified woman’s ability to give up her choices and even life for the sake of her family and dear ones. This scenario, however, has gradually changed post LPG (Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization). Today, we come across films where a woman not only expresses her choice but she is also unapologetic about herself. Coming of age films are now starting to represent women in a much stronger light with characters who are confident, independent and ambitious. This paper examines the issue of women and changing representation of women in nine Indian Hindi films in the recent past (2014-16) using content analysis as method and feminism as a framework, highlighting the strength of a woman, not only in terms of being physically strong but also being mentally resilient.

Meghna Majumdar, a graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata in Mass Communication and Videography, pursues her Masters in Media and Communication Studies from Christ University, Bangalore. Her work experience includes Influence, an e-magazine company, and Help India, a NGO. Meghna was part of Asian Age, as a reporter and contributed in Project and Video unit of The Hope Foundation, Kolkata. Her research area interest includes Women Representation in Bollywood Cinema and Theatre as a tool to promote social awareness.

Naznin

Paper: Feminine Epistemology within Academy: An Alternative Way of Pedagogical Practice

Abstract

The present paper investigates role of women in the field of teaching that has been undervalued and denigrated for a long time by educational ethos. Experience of teaching and academic accomplishments of women are not recognized either in the historical texts of education or in the philosophy of education. The feminization of teaching provided a large number of professional opportunities for women and women teachers applied their distinct ways of learning and teaching to the profession effectively. However, it is supposed that the feminized nature of teaching led to the gradual decline in the social status of teaching mainly because it lacks role models for the male students. The study attempts to analyse the traditional masculine style of teaching that still persists and dominates contemporary pedagogical practice. Accordingly, women teachers are coerced to adopt the traditional patriarchal system of pedagogy, neglecting their unique qualities and abilities. It is argued that ensuing patriarchal pattern not only distances women educators from students but also affects the quality of teaching. It is argued that feminine experience in the domestic sphere offers alternative ways of remodelling the pedagogical practices, facilitating professional educators in developing gender sensitivity, and sensitivity to different learning tendencies among students.

Naznin is a Research Scholar, at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. Her research interests in Applied Ethics include Ethics of Care in Pedagogy and Educational Ethics, Philosophical Aspects of Education, Social and Cognitive Aspects of Education, Educational Psychology, Ethics in Teacher’s Education.