“Giving Voice to the Silent Strength: Palak Chauhan on Reimagining Sita’s Story”

 A compelling conversation with author Palak Chauhan on The Song of Mata Sita, where myth meets modern perspective and a forgotten voice rises to power.

1. What inspired you to retell the Ramayana from Mata Sita’s perspective?
   Answer:

I got inspired to retell Ramayana from Mata Sita’s perspective because we as women are always taught to look upon Mata Sita as an example but being the central character what was going inside her nobody knows what all she was going through so this book would be a reflection of that.

1. How did you balance staying true to the original epic while adding a modern, feminist lens to Sita’s character?
   Answer:
   Well, I stayed original but adding a different spectrum is never wrong as a woman I wanted to explore and explain what it’s to be looked upon from generation to generation. I also read a lot about Mata Sita’s character and growing up in an Indian household makes you revise Ramayana several times.
2. Many readers see Sita as a symbol of patience and sacrifice. How does your version challenge or deepen that understanding?
   Answer:

So my version is about how to take a stand for yourself and if the circumstances would have permitted Mata Sita to act differently nowadays, we as women forget to raise our voice and we tend to forget ourselves which is why I am writing this book.

1. In your portrayal, what are some key moments where Sita’s inner strength shines the most?
   Answer: During the vanvas, then when Surpanakha comes to their hermitage, when she is away from Ram in Ashok Vatika, and Agni Pariksha along with raising Luv Kush single handedly speaks and erupts strength.

2. Were there any specific texts, traditions, or regional retellings that influenced your version of the Ramayana?
   Answer: Yes, as a child I was always influenced by Ramayan but then I thought why not give this epic a unique perspective which inspires every woman reading it.

3. What message do you hope modern readers—especially women—take away from The Song of Mata Sita?
   Answer: My message would be through this book that “you cannot find inner strength and voice outside it lies deep inside your heart and you need to take the authority of speaking for yourself.” 

And I am sure women will be inspired by this book.