By looks, the noted Feminist Urvashi Butalia seems strict. I was nervous before I went ahead to discuss her work with her.

Urvashi devoted herself to raising Indian women’s stature in the society from a young age. She co-founded ‘Kali for Women’ and later founded Zubaan Books – India’s 1^st feminist publishing house narrating stories written by women from all walks of life. It was set up in 1984, a time when not everyone was aware of the term – Feminism.

FICCI FLO Jaipur Chapter’s Chairperson Apra Kuchhal, while introducing Urvashi at an event, said, “Talking about commendable Writers and not mentioning Urvashi’s name would be ignorant. Today, as she is paying tribute to our very own Late Rani Laxmi Kumari Chundawat; we will get to know about her publishing projects and feminist ideology that has been evolving continuously. Apart from being a fan of her work myself, I feel she is one of the most humble feminists one can come across. You don’t have to count the age gap or face any awkwardness while interacting with her. She is one woman who is candid and let her smile start the conversation. FICCI FLO is honored to welcome her.”

Read the excerpts from my small conversation with my favorite feminist, Urvashi Butalia, below:

During an interview, you mentioned that boys in your home were supposed to do the household work, too. Talk about that. 

My parents never differentiated between a girl and a boy. If girls were meant to do kitchen work, so were boys. I remember my male cousins buying, washing and chopping vegetables. I think that was the beginning of my development as a feminist. I always wanted to see women on the same stage as men.

The tone of feminism has become angrier and more resentful. What is the future of feminism? Do you see it becoming more contentious and divided in the coming years?

I cannot say if this is the peak moment, but a very crucial juncture indeed. This anger is bringing many changes for the betterment of the women around the world. It won’t fade away but grow as many people are now interested in feminism. The anger is being used in a positive direction. But what we need is a calmer and friendlier approach.

Are the women ready to take responsibility that comes with their empowerment?

Women are brave. They’re handling their ‘empowerment’ very well. They know what comes with the tag of being powerful. Neither anyone is responsible for giving a woman her powers nor can they help her handle it.

Men and feminism – what’s your perspective?

All they need is to be a little more sensitive.

In the meantime, her phone rang, and she excused herself. I was staring at her as she instructed the person on the phone how to unlock the steering of her car, back home.

That was my niece driving my car.

Your publishing house Zubaan Books has launched this excellent book called ‘Shareer ki Jaankari’ in which the rural women have shared valuable information about a female body. What is the feminist definition of a woman’s sexuality?

There is no boundary for a woman to showcase her sexuality. No definition. As we discussed in the session, too, it is wrong to address a book like ‘Shareer…’ as pornography. Unfortunately, the Indian woman has been taught to kill her desires. She hides her sexuality while the man is too good at expressing his.

Are our women daring enough to show their sexuality?

They are.

As the conversation came to an end, we walked towards the parking lot. I offered help to carry the heavy bag of gifts she received from the guests. She politely refused.

Before bidding goodbye, I shyly asked her, “Apart from your work, I love the way you wear your hair. When did you stop coloring them?”

She laughed and answered, “I’ve never dyed my hair. They have been gray for many years now.”

Psst! I admire her for the way she is. Maybe one should request her to write a book on ‘History of Indian Feminism.’ Great idea, eh?

Btw, if you want to know more about Late Laxmi Kumari Chundawat, read our interview with her granddaughter-in-law.