Ruchira Gupta's Debut Novel

Renowned activist and Emmy award winner Ruchira Gupta, founder-president of Apne Aap, discusses her debut novel, “I Kick and I Fly,” a powerful narrative applauded by figures like Hillary Clinton and Gloria Steinem.

Shaping a Novel of Courage and Resilience: Ruchira Gupta began crafting “I Kick and I Fly” inspired by a 14-year-old girl from a nomadic tribe who triumphed over adversity, winning a karate gold medal. The novel, born from Gupta’s work with marginalized women and sex workers, encapsulates the stories of thousands overcoming hunger, discrimination, and threats.

Choosing Fiction for Real Impact: Gupta opted for fiction to humanize characters often perceived as stereotypes. The novel, narrated in the voice of Heera, avoids preachiness, presenting a fast-paced, gripping story. Gupta shifts the narrative from a white, male savior to a resilient brown girl, offering a unique perspective on social justice.

From Emmy Winner to Lifelong Activist: Gupta’s pivotal moment occurred when receiving an Emmy for a documentary on sex trafficking. Instead of pursuing a journalism career, she committed to making a difference. Gupta’s efforts contributed to the passage of crucial anti-trafficking laws, and she now teaches Human Trafficking at New York University.

Gloria Steinem’s Influence and Lessons Learned: Gupta shares lessons from Gloria Steinem, emphasizing the bottom-up nature of change, the importance of listening to those affected, and the contagious nature of courage. Her novel, endorsed by Steinem, aims to raise awareness and save lives.

Unveiling Patriarchy and Hypocrisy: Gupta addresses the paradox of men simultaneously exploiting and revering women. She delves into the historical evolution of religions, highlighting how patriarchy and hypocrisy became ingrained. In “I Kick and I Fly,” Heera’s story reflects the fiction perpetuated through societal norms.

A Childhood Shaped by Social Consciousness: Growing up in a household influenced by Gandhi and Lohia, Gupta imbibed a commitment to making the world fairer. Raised amidst thinkers, artists, and poets, her upbringing emphasized contributing to others.

Hope for the Future of the Girl Child in India: Gupta envisions a future where school budgets increase, food programs include essential nutrients, legal accountability prevails for perpetrators, and marginalized communities find safety and independence. She hopes for a society driven by love and equality, allowing girls to fulfill their potential. In her view, basic needs are human rights, and hope serves as a form of planning.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Telegraph India