INTRODUCTION:

Arupa Patingia Kalita has emerged as a prominent voice in contemporary Indian literature, garnering critical acclaim for her insightful portrayals of various social, cultural, and political issues. Her novels exhibit a distinct sensitivity towards the human condition, inviting readers to engage with the emotions and experiences of her characters. This paper aims to explore the role of sensitivity in Kalita's works and its impact on the effectiveness of her storytelling. She is an accomplished Indian author known for her thought-provoking novels that explore the intricacies of human emotions and social issues. Born in Assam, India, Kalita has made significant contributions to contemporary Indian literature with her compelling storytelling and sensitive portrayal of characters.

DISCUSSION:

Although information about Kalita's personal life is limited, her literary achievements have garnered attention and critical acclaim. She has published several novels that resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, addressing universal themes such as love, loss, identity, social inequality, and cultural dynamics.

Kalita's writing style is characterized by its depth and sensitivity. Her narratives often delve into the inner workings of her characters' minds, portraying their emotional landscapes with great intricacy. By emphasizing the emotional intelligence and empathetic qualities of her characters, Kalita creates stories that elicit strong emotional responses and foster a deep connection between readers and the fictional world she constructs.

In her works, Kalita also demonstrates a keen awareness of social issues and an ability to shed light on marginalized voices. She explores the complexities of gender dynamics, feminism, and cultural identity, offering nuanced perspectives and challenging societal norms. Through her storytelling, she encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and biases, promoting empathy and social awareness.

Kalita's novels have been recognized for their literary merits and their contributions to contemporary Indian literature. Her work has been appreciated for its evocative language, well-developed characters, and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with compassion and authenticity.

While specific details about Arupa Patingia Kalita's personal life and literary journey may be limited, her novels stand as testaments to her talent as a writer and her commitment to exploring the depths of human sensitivity and the intricacies of the human experience.

Arupa Patingia Kalita has made significant literary contributions through her thought-provoking novels that explore a range of themes and capture the complexities of human emotions. Her works have garnered critical acclaim and have been widely appreciated by readers for their sensitive portrayals and insightful narratives. While the specific titles of her novels may vary, the following highlights some of her notable literary contributions:

Sensitivity to Emotional Landscapes:

Kalita's novels delve deep into the emotional landscapes of her characters, capturing their joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears with remarkable sensitivity. Through nuanced character development and vivid descriptions, she creates relatable and authentic portrayals of human emotions, enabling readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.

Exploration of Social Issues:

Kalita's novels tackle a wide range of social issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities and questioning societal norms. She addresses topics such as gender dynamics, social inequality, cultural identity, and the struggles of the underprivileged. By giving voice to these issues, Kalita prompts readers to reflect on and engage with the social realities of the world around them.

Feminism and Gender Dynamics:

Kalita's works often emphasize feminist perspectives and explore the dynamics of gender in society. Through her female characters, she challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, highlighting the strength, resilience, and agency of women. Her narratives provide insights into the experiences of women, their struggles for autonomy, and their pursuit of equality. As a leading feminist from Assam, she writes extensively on questions of women and society. Arupa Patangia Kalita admits that there is certain empathy for women in her work.

She says –

I am a woman and hence, I write about women in my society. In this uneven society that I belong to, I always feel I have a lot to say about women as a woman. I take a gendered view of it ...Women are thrown away like garbage, oppressed, marginalized, rejected, but even in the midst of this are vibrantly asserting life. And I glorify their existence. (Kalita, 7).

Cultural Sensitivity and Identity:

Kalita's novels delve into the intricacies of cultural identity, exploring the tensions and complexities that arise from the collision of tradition and modernity. She delves into the richness of diverse cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation while also acknowledging the need for adaptation and growth.

Promoting Empathy and Social Awareness:

Kalita's storytelling aims to foster empathy and social awareness among her readers. By creating well-rounded characters and thought-provoking narratives, she encourages readers to engage with the experiences and perspectives of others, challenging preconceived notions and biases. Her works serve as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding, promoting social change and inclusivity.

Through her literary contributions, Arupa Patingia Kalita has established herself as a powerful voice in contemporary Indian literature. Her novels demonstrate a deep understanding of human sensitivity, a commitment to social justice, and an unwavering dedication to portraying the multifaceted aspects of the human experience. Kalita's works continue to resonate with readers, inspiring introspection, empathy, and a broader understanding of the world we inhabit.

CONCLUSION:

Through an analysis of Arupa Patingia Kalita's novels, this research paper has explored the theme of sensitivity and its various manifestations in her literary works. It was found that Kalita's narratives consistently embody emotional intelligence, empathy, social awareness, and cultural sensitivity. Her novels delve into the emotional landscapes of her characters, portraying their emotional awareness and highlighting the significance of vulnerability and resilience in personal growth. Moreover, Kalita's works emphasize the power of empathy and compassion in fostering connections and promoting social change. Overall, her novels serve as powerful vehicles for understanding and appreciating the complexities of human emotions and the importance of sensitivity in personal and societal contexts.

REFRENCES:

1. Arupa Patangia Kalita: In conversation with Aruni Kashyap. Muse India The Literary e journal, Web. Issue20. Jul-Aug, 2008. Muse india.com/view article. asp?myr

2. Baishya. Amit R. (2019) Contemporary Literature from North East India: Death worlds, Terror and survival. Routledge Contemporary South Asia Series, 2019

3. Caruth, Cathy. (1996) Unclaimed Experience: Trauma, Narrative and History. Baltimore and London: The John Hopkins University Press.

4. https://www.thehindu.com/books/ferns-on-her-sador-vaishna-roy-reviews-arupa-patangia-kalitas-the-loneliness-of-hira-barua/article33362114.ece

5. Kalita, Arupa Patangia. (2015) Written in Tears. Translated by Ranjita Biswas. Harper Perennial

6. Kalita, Arupa Patangia. (2020) The loneliness of hirabarua. Translated by Ranjita Biswas. Macmillan, 2020

7. Kalita, Arupa Patangia. (2017) The Musk and Other Stories. Niyogi Books. New Delhi, 2017

8. LaCapra, Dominick. (2014) Writing History, Writing Trauma. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.

9. Robinson, Alan. (2011) Narrating the Past: History, Memory and the Contemporary Novel. Palgrave Macmillan.

10. Women and their Quest for Identity in Arupa Kalita Patangia's Short Stories. Available from:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367400746_Women_and_their_Qu est_for_Identity_in_Arupa_Kalita_Patangia's_Short_Stories#fullTextFileContent [accessed Jul 07 2023]

Received on 10.07.2023 Modified on 24.07.2023

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2023;14(3):144-146.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2023.00029