PURPOSE OF LIFE- FREEDOM FROM ILLUSIONS: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO KUNDANIKA KAPADIA’S SEVEN STEPS IN THE SKY

Abstract

The celebrated work form Kundanika Kapadia has been a landmark not only in the field of translation studies but also in the feminist literature. The work has won 1985 Sahitya Akademi Award. It has changed the way women have been treated by the male-dominated society. Purpose of life is clearly reflected in the life and understandings of the protagonist Vasudha, who dares to challenge the ways of life. She wants to come out of the illusionary world that she doesn’t like to live in. She has her own voice that wants to sing and dance when it wants. The novel is a great example of traditions and customs seen in Gujarat. ‘Social and Spiritual development’ is the key to realize the purpose of life and hence the protagonist seems a game changer for the orthodox values and traditions in which women are not regarded. The questions posed in the novel like ‘Is woman equal to man?’ Does she have separate identity? ‘Is she in need of anticipation?’ still remain unanswered, though we live in a gender equality world where both are considered equal. She seems to raise the concern that a family life without a woman cannot be complete and hence she should not be treated with injustice. Mutual trust and respect are being asked by Vasudha and hence the deep penetration in the novel takes us to the unanswered questions that she brings forth to our notice. The present paper is an attempt to find out the quest of the protagonist for the purpose of life and her firm desire to be free from illusions of life.