Published Paper Details:

Abstract: This paper critically examines the nuanced representation of Indian womanhood in Sudha Murty's "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven," with a central focus on the motif of silent strength. The collection, composed of true-life narratives, brings to light the resilience, dignity, and quiet perseverance of Indian women as they confront varied societal expectations, personal challenges, and entrenched patriarchal norms. Rather than dramatizing rebellion, Murty's women draw upon inner reserves of patience, self-respect, and compassion to navigate conflicts between tradition and modernity, family duty and self-actualization. Their journeys underscore the transformational power of silent endurance--whether in the face of domestic strife, professional setbacks, or social marginalization. By portraying characters who resist simplistic binaries of oppression and liberation, Murty highlights the courage embedded in everyday negotiations, affirming that feminist agency in India is often articulated through subtle, steadfast acts rather than overt defiance. This research positions Murty's stories as significant contributions to discourses on gender, individuality, and empowerment in contemporary Indian literature, illustrating how the silent strength of Indian women reshapes both their personal destinies and the broader social fabric.