Firebrand writer S Sithara had shocked her fans and well-wishers when she disclosed that she had cancer a few years ago. S Sithara has scripted a story of survival. The firebrand writer shocked her fans and well-wishers when she disclosed that she had cancer. She said she did not expect sympathy and wrote about the disease on social media.
She posted her post-treatment photos with the same vigor with which she had posted her earlier beautiful pictures. The disease, she says, was a learning experience. The writer talks to Onmanorama Women about her writings, life after the disease and society in general
Atrocities against women are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Even infants are not spared.
What can I say about it? Sometimes I am enraged. I feel like reacting strongly. Sometimes I feel helpless. Like my mind has gone numb.
The Pink Police unit intended to ensure women’s safety is bordering on moral policing.
I do not agree with the concept of Pink Police. Who put them on the job to chase away boys and girls? Moral policing was always a reality. We have faced it in the form of glares and muffled comments when we roamed around Kozhikode with friends. But they only stared at us and passed comments or in worse cases, spread gossips. They never dared to get physical. But now the moral police dares to question or even assault anyone they do not approve of. I do not understand it. The police and the laws are here to punish the guilty. Now we are constantly worried about moral policing whenever we go out with friends.
Your stories have a handful of characters who resist onslaughts against womanhood, especially in Agni, Kavayathriyum Krishikkariyum and Charakku. Do you think women should be bold like those characters?
This is nothing new. Our problem in all ages is the hesitation of women to show their true potential. They are always bogged down by fear and shame. Women should break the limits imposed by society. Education and economic independence are helping them to overcome those inhibitions. They need to show the courage to resist onslaughts and stand by their convictions. They have to react boldly by realizing their strengths and weaknesses.
Society often deals with bold feminist writings with contempt and insults. What is your take?
I never plan to write anything. I just write what comes to mind and what is suitable for the characters and the story. Society is always critical of women who write openly. However, I have felt that the criticisms have waned from the days I started writing. It is not right to criticize bold writings only because the writers are women.
Tell us a bit about your sudden disease and the way you overcome it.
Unexpected developments can shake you out of your comfort zone. I won’t call my disease a tragedy. Like any other women, I did not worry much about my body and my health. My priorities were different. I valued my family and relationships more. I was thinking how this change will affect them. I was not at all bothered about the disease that was about to dominate my body and mind. Life is about changes, be it a man or woman. But those days shook my otherwise composed life. I was comforted by my family, friends and strangers who knew me only through my books. Many people have helped me return to a normal life.
The changes in our lives have a greater bearing on children. How did you cope with the disease as a mother?
I was pained the most as a mother. I worried about my children when the disease disturbed my life. But they adjusted a lot for me. My family members too greater care of them during my hospital stays. More than any disease, the worried faces of our dear ones are devastating for us. Especially so when it comes to children. Everyone stood by me to overcome that difficult phase in my life.
How has the disease changed you?
I am in a better position to realize the value of life. I have wasted so many days before thanks to silly squabbles and insistence. But now I understand the value of life. Life is not just for living. I want to do something for the people around me.
About writing and traveling
I had not been writing anything for almost two years. I have to. I love traveling. I have to start planning.
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