Brilliant women are almost without fail maligned, diminishe…

I loathed Khushwant Singh for his sexism (that I could spot in his writings even as a teen).

The harm he did to SO many women as he pushed his sexist bile thinly disguised as wit is incalculable

I think he was the first writer I encountered that I read first, quite liked the work, then slowly recognised the issues.

By the time I met him in Delhi, I had zero tolerance for sexist, predatoey men who thought they could make and break women’s careers and lives with impunity

I met him around the time my book came out at a literary do. He was holding court, surrounded by lots of women, men leering at the women while snarking enviously. One of the publishing folk introduced me. He immediately checked me out and told me to ‘drop in for a visit’

I made appropriate noises and walked away. Then someone else at the party told me that I should visit him because ‘if he likes you, he can make your career.’

The implication of what the visit would entail was clear.

I got a message via someone that he was considering reviewing my novel that he had ‘enjoyed’ it and wanted me to visit.

I never bothered. I never got a review. That novel is out of print.

But you know what? I have never second guessed that choice. Not for a second

But reading that he had dismissed Chowdhry as ‘Sarabhai’s mistress’ just set off SO much rage this morning.

SO many women he diminished in writing and harmed in person.

But he isjuat a passing reference in @ChinmayTumbe’s great write up which really brings home how sexism is global.

Harvard or Ahmedabad, then or now, women are rarely allowed to reach their potential and despite all their achievements, maligned, diminished and erased

And that makes Prof Chowdhry’s achievements even more extraordinary

Last word to Prof Kamla Chowdhry: “Most changes that have altered the course of history have begun by individuals who by their examples and actions did what many thought was impossible. Underlying each one was a moral conviction, a fearlessness, that refused to be subdued.”

Pitch perfect choice to end with that quote. And also delighted that the brilliant @supriyan is credited! Ace work