Voice of the Voiceless: An Anti-categorical Intersectional Study on Sudha Murty’s The Mother I Never Knew

Sudha Murty, a contemporary writer and philanthropist, stands unique in the field of literature through her realistic writings. Her novella, The Mother I Never Knew holds the stories of Bhagirathi and Rupinder, who are victims in the societal structure which drains them using their multiple marginalized identities. This research paper highlights the deepest impact these characters hold because of their multiple marginalized identities, it also addresses how their struggles are normalized in the story, using anti-categorical intersectionality approach. This research paper sheds light on the oversimplified concept of intersectional identity. It explains the reason behind Bhagirathi and Rupinder’s silence in the story which was not accidental but was clearly structured and planned. This research paper questions the base of societal structure which rules and orders the life of many characters like Bhagirathi and Rupinder. It highlights how gender, class, lack of family and husband’s support changes the life of a woman without her consent.