Trying to Grow Summary

In this post, notes of “Unit 1: Trying to Grow Summary” from “DSC- 17: Literature and Disability” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

Introduction to Firdaus Kanga

firdaus kanga biography

• Early Life and Family Background: Firdaus Kanga was born in 1960 in Mumbai, India, into a Parsi family. Parsis are a small community in India from Persia (now Iran), known for their work in different fields like business, education, and the arts. Growing up in this vibrant culture, Kanga learned both traditional Parsi values and the modern influences of Mumbai. His family, known for their intelligence and creativity, greatly influenced how he viewed the world.
• Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease): Kanga was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic condition that makes bones weak and easy to break. This “brittle bone disease” brought him many challenges from a young age, including many fractures and surgeries. Despite these hardships, he showed great strength and found ways to live an active life, challenging what society expected of people with disabilities.
• Career as a Writer, Actor, and Journalist: Kanga built a career that went beyond his physical challenges. As a writer, his works often reflect his experiences growing up with a disability in a world that was not always supportive. His autobiography, Trying to Grow, gives a deep look into his life with OI, his struggles, and his successes. Kanga also acted in films and television, often taking on roles that mirrored his own experiences with disability. As a journalist, he wrote about various social issues, sharing his views on disability, society, and the arts.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Overview of Bombay (Mumbai) in the 1960s and 70s: In the 1960s and 70s, Bombay was changing rapidly, with many cultural, political, and economic shifts. It was the center of India’s film industry (Bollywood) and a key place for trade and education. The city was growing fast, with more people moving in from rural areas. However, for those with disabilities, this time was tough due to poor accessibility and a lack of understanding and acceptance.
• The Parsi Community in India: The Parsi community, though small, has had a big impact on Indian society. They are descendants of Zoroastrians who left Persia to escape persecution and have contributed greatly to India’s education, industry, and arts. Parsis value education and change, and they have generally been more open-minded than other groups in India. However, like many communities, they faced traditional views and social challenges, especially regarding disabilities.
• Societal Attitudes Towards Disability During the Time: In the 1960s and 70s, Indian society viewed disability very differently than today. People often felt pity for those with disabilities, and many faced social exclusion. There were few legal protections or supports for disabled individuals. Those like Firdaus Kanga, who challenged these views, were uncommon, and their lives were often shaped by a society that struggled to accept diversity. Kanga’s challenges were made harder by social attitudes that saw him as someone to pity instead of recognizing his potential and worth.

These historical and cultural factors significantly influenced Kanga’s identity, work, and the themes he explored in his writing and acting. His life story shows the strength to overcome both physical and social challenges.

Trying to Grow Summary

Plot Overview

Trying to Grow is a novel by Firdaus Kanga, based on his own life. It tells the story of Brit Kotwal, a young boy with brittle bones living in Mumbai. The book explores Brit’s journey from childhood to adulthood, focusing on his struggles with his condition, the expectations of society, and his search for self-identity.

• Key Events: The story follows Brit as he grows up in busy Bombay. He faces challenges due to his brittle bones, which often lead to fractures and surgeries. Despite feeling alone because of his disability, Brit wants to live a normal and independent life. As he grows older, he deals with his body’s limitations, family pressures, and how society sees him.

The plot is about Brit’s growth from a dependent boy to a young man who wants to stand up for himself. His journey shows the difficulties of having a disability and the common wish to belong, love, and succeed in life despite challenges.

Throughout the story, Brit builds relationships with his family, friends, and romantic interests, all of which help him understand himself better. A big theme is Brit’s quest for independence and his wish to prove that his disability does not define him.

Main Characters

• Brit Kotwal: Brit is the main character. He is smart and sensitive, dealing with the challenges of his brittle bones. He often feels weak and different from his peers, but he is determined to find his place in the world. Brit thinks deeply about who he is and his future. His curiosity and humor help him connect with others, and he strives to overcome both physical and social challenges to find love and happiness.
• Family Members:
  • Mother: Brit’s mother is very caring and protective. She wants the best for Brit but can sometimes be too protective, which clashes with Brit’s wish for independence.
  • Father: Brit’s father is more distant and struggles to understand Brit’s condition. He loves Brit but finds it hard to show it. Their relationship shows the challenges parents face when their child has a disability.
  • Siblings: Brit’s brothers and sisters help shape his identity. They support him and connect him to the outside world, showing the dynamics in families with a member who has a disability.
• Supporting Characters:
  • Friends: Brit’s friends are important to his sense of normalcy. They form connections that help him feel included and accepted, despite the challenges of maintaining friendships when facing disability.
  • Love Interests: Brit’s romantic relationships are significant as he seeks closeness and connection. His disability makes this journey complicated, but these experiences help him understand his self-worth and the nature of love beyond looks.

In summary, Trying to Grow tells a moving story about strength, identity, and the desire for independence. Through Brit Kotwal’s experiences, Firdaus Kanga highlights the struggle of overcoming difficulties while addressing the specific issues faced by those with disabilities in a society that often overlooks their needs. The characters, especially Brit and his family, play important roles in showing the emotional aspects of living with a disability and the hope for personal growth.

Trying to Grow Themes

Disability and Identity

• Understanding Physical Limitations and Self-Image: Brit Kotwal has a brittle bone disease called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). This condition plays a big part in how he views himself. He faces pain and weakness, which make him think about his life a lot. However, Trying to Grow is not just about Brit’s challenges; it also shows how he learns to accept himself. His journey is both physical and emotional as he tries to balance his wish for independence with the limits of his body. This shows that who we are is shaped not only by what we can do but also by how we see ourselves despite our challenges.
• How Society Affects Personal Identity: The book also looks at how society views disability and how this affects how a person sees themselves. In the 1960s and 70s in India, people often misunderstood disabilities. Brit feels like an outsider because people often pity him or treat him delicately. These thoughts from society make him deal with his physical challenges and the pressure of what others expect from him. He realizes he must define himself based on his own views, not how others see him.

Coming-of-Age

• Brit’s Path to Self-Acceptance: Brit’s story of growing up is closely linked to his disability. As he grows, he learns more about himself. At first, he feels inadequate and frustrated, but he slowly learns to accept who he is. He gains confidence and starts to live life on his own terms. His growth is about overcoming self-doubt and facing societal biases, which shapes his identity, relationships, and dreams.
• Teenage Challenges with a Disability: Growing up is tough for everyone, but for Brit, it’s even harder because of his disability. He wants to be independent and find his identity, but his condition makes it tough. His wish to have experiences like his friends is often blocked by his physical limits, making him feel alone. The book shows how common teenage experiences—like first love and friendships—are harder for someone with a disability, making Brit’s story relatable.

Sexuality and Desire

• Discovering Sexual Identity: A big theme in the book is Brit discovering his sexual identity, which complicates his relationship with his body. As he grows up, he feels typical teenage desires but struggles with whether he is attractive and can have relationships like others. These feelings show the physical and emotional challenges of seeking love and acceptance in a society that often overlooks people with disabilities.
• Handling Relationships and Intimacy: Brit’s experiences with relationships are filled with challenges. He wants closeness and love but often feels different because of his disability. The book shows how he must deal with his feelings of insecurity and how society sees disability and intimacy. It suggests that love isn’t just about physical attraction but also about emotional connection and self-acceptance.

Family Dynamics

• Parents’ Expectations and Protection: Brit’s relationship with his parents is important for his emotional growth. His mother is very protective, which sometimes limits his independence. His father’s distance makes Brit feel neglected at times. The balance between wanting protection and needing freedom creates tension in their family, reflecting larger themes of caregiving and personal growth.
• Sibling Relationships and Rivalry: Brit’s siblings are important in his life. Sometimes they support him, but there’s also rivalry because his disability needs extra attention from the family. This rivalry shows the emotional challenges of growing up with a sibling who has special needs, highlighting the common issues in family life when a child requires more care.

Cultural Heritage

• Influence of Parsi Traditions: Brit’s identity is shaped by his Parsi heritage, which comes with its own customs and beliefs. The Parsi community is known for its strong bonds and intelligence. In Trying to Grow, aspects of Parsi culture—like family expectations and community life—are both comforting and challenging for Brit. The book shows how cultural background can help and also restrict someone as they find their own way.
• Mixing Culture and Personal Growth: Brit’s disability and his cultural heritage together create a rich background for his growth. While his Parsi culture gives him a sense of belonging, it also presents challenges, especially regarding his disability. The expectations from his family and community sometimes clash with his wish for independence and being true to himself. This cultural exploration highlights the struggle of balancing heritage with personal growth.

Humor and Resilience

• Using Humor to Face Challenges: Humor is a major way Brit deals with his difficulties. The book uses humor as a survival tool for both Brit and the reader. His ability to laugh at himself helps him face pain and rejection. Humor gives Brit a sense of control in a world that often makes him feel powerless. Through his resilience and ability to find the funny side of tough situations, Brit shows he can thrive despite his disability.
• Humor in the Storytelling: Beyond character growth, humor in Trying to Grow lightens the mood in a story that is often serious. It balances out the heavier themes of disability and family life. By using humor, the author connects readers to Brit’s journey while still addressing serious issues clearly. Humor becomes a way for Brit to protect himself emotionally and challenge societal views.

In conclusion, the themes in Trying to Grow are closely linked to Brit Kotwal’s journey, covering many human experiences. Disability, self-acceptance, love, family, culture, and resilience all come together to show a young man’s search for identity and belonging. Through Brit’s perspective, the novel looks at the unique and shared experiences of growing up with a disability, while also celebrating the strength of humor and resilience against challenges.

Trying to Grow Literary Analysis

Narrative Style and Structure

• First-Person Perspective: Trying to Grow is told from Brit Kotwal’s point of view. This lets readers understand his thoughts and feelings closely. It shows his personal challenges and growth. By sharing Brit’s perspective, Kanga helps readers feel what he experiences, including the struggles of his disability and his wish for independence. Brit’s voice is key to the story, showing his humor, vulnerability, and frustration.
• Chronological Storytelling vs. Flashbacks: The story mainly goes in order from Brit’s childhood to adulthood, which fits the theme of growing up. It shows how he changes physically and emotionally. The book also includes flashbacks where Brit thinks about important moments from his past. These flashbacks give context to his current challenges and show how his past shaped his views and choices. The mix of straightforward storytelling and flashbacks helps readers understand Brit’s growth better.

Language and Tone

• Use of Irony and Sarcasm: A key part of the novel is Brit’s use of irony and sarcasm. These help him deal with his difficult situation. His humor provides a way to cope with his feelings about his disability and highlights how society views people with disabilities. Through his wit, Brit shows he is not just passive; he controls how he tells his story. The humor also critiques societal views on disability by revealing contradictions and unfairness.
• Balancing Humor with Serious Themes: Kanga skillfully mixes humor with serious topics throughout the book. Brit’s humor lightens heavy issues like disability, family, and self-acceptance, making them easier to discuss. Humor helps Brit be strong but also explores feelings of loneliness and loss. In tough moments, he uses humor to hide his vulnerability while expressing deep emotions. This blend of lightness and seriousness shows the complexity of living with a disability, where joy and hardship coexist.

Symbolism and Imagery

• Symbols Representing Freedom and Confinement: The story uses symbols to show the idea of freedom versus confinement. Brit’s fragile body often represents confinement, as his disability limits him. Throughout the book, images of his broken bones symbolize the limits in his life. Yet, he yearns for freedom from expectations, overprotective family members, and his own limits. His growth symbolizes his pursuit of personal freedom, while the places he inhabits represent his internal struggles.

Relationships, especially friendships and romantic ones, symbolize freedom for Brit. They give him a sense of control and help him feel less isolated, but he still often feels like an outsider, highlighting the conflict between wanting to belong and living with a disability.

• Imagery Associated with the Body and Movement: The imagery of Brit’s body and movement is important. His body is shown as both limited and resilient. His pain is described in a way that makes readers feel his struggle. At the same time, movement symbolizes his growth and desire to overcome his physical limits. Despite his fragility, Brit seeks to express himself and connect with others. The contrast between stillness and movement, weakness and strength, reflects his emotional journey as he seeks to understand himself.

Setting as a Character

• Bombay’s Role in Shaping Experiences: The city of Bombay (now Mumbai) greatly influences Brit’s life. The busy streets and diverse community create both challenges and opportunities for him. Bombay’s environment reflects Brit’s own struggles with his disability, showing both the chance for freedom and the reality of confinement. The city’s fast-paced nature mirrors how society often views Brit, providing anonymity but also emphasizing his feelings of isolation.
• Urban Landscape and Its Challenges: The urban landscape of Bombay comes with specific challenges for Brit. Crowded streets and a lack of accessible places create obstacles for him. The city represents both chances for growth and reminders of the difficulties he faces in a world that often overlooks his needs. The chaotic yet vibrant nature of Bombay mirrors Brit’s own life journey, where he must navigate space, identity, and acceptance.

In summary, Trying to Grow uses a storytelling style and literary techniques that add depth to Brit’s journey. The first-person narration, humor, and symbolic imagery help the book address serious issues in an engaging way. The setting of Bombay acts as both a place and a character, highlighting how society influences Brit’s life and the tension between freedom and confinement. Through these choices, Kanga explores disability, identity, and personal growth in a detailed way.

Disability Studies Viewpoint

Disability Representation

• Breaking Stereotypes: Trying to Grow gives a detailed and varied view of disability that goes against the usual stereotypes found in books and media. Instead of showing Brit as someone to feel sorry for, the story presents him as a complete person with goals, wishes, and flaws. Brit is not just defined by his disability; he is a complex individual dealing with life’s ups and downs. The novel challenges the common idea that disabled characters are only inspirational figures who need to “overcome” their challenges. Instead, Brit learns to accept himself, including his disability.

The story also goes against the stereotype that disabled people are helpless. Brit is shown as strong and independent, even though he often feels frustrated by what society and his body limit him from doing. His disability doesn’t make him weak; it’s part of his life, and the story shows that disabled characters can have control over their own lives.

• Empowerment vs. Victimhood: Kanga portrays Brit’s disability in a way that emphasizes empowerment rather than victimhood. Although Brit faces real challenges because of his condition, the story doesn’t make him a victim. Instead, it shows him as a strong person finding his way in a world that can be hard to navigate. The focus is on Brit wanting to express himself and be independent, not just on his disability being a burden. This view aligns with the idea that disabled people should have agency and not be seen as helpless.

Unlike the victim narrative often associated with disability, Brit’s voice is filled with humor and sarcasm, allowing him to tell his own story. His path to accepting himself shows his strength and refusal to let his disability define him.

Social Model of Disability

• Critique of Societal Barriers: The novel critiques the barriers that prevent Brit from fully participating in society. The social model of disability argues that disability is not just about the individual but also about how society is set up. Brit’s disability is not the main problem; rather, it is the lack of support and accessibility in his environment. The story highlights the difficulties he faces in a city like Bombay, where there are few accessible spaces and a lot of stigma around disability. The absence of features like ramps or understanding in public places reminds us of how society often excludes disabled people.

Brit’s experiences show that it is society, not just his condition, that limits him. His frustrations arise not only from his body’s limitations but also from the world being designed for those without disabilities. By addressing these barriers, the novel supports calls for societal change and greater inclusion.

• Advocacy for Inclusivity: Through Brit’s experiences, the novel advocates for more inclusivity and acceptance of disabled individuals. It emphasizes the need for change in society—not by trying to “cure” disabilities, but by removing obstacles that stop disabled people from living fulfilling lives. The book encourages readers to rethink what it means to be “normal” and to challenge societal norms that separate “abled” and “disabled”. Brit’s journey to self-acceptance reflects a larger message of embracing everyone, regardless of their abilities, and creating a supportive and respectful environment.

The story shows that improving the lives of disabled people requires changing societal attitudes rather than just medical treatment. This message aligns with disability activism and the push for inclusivity in all areas of life.

Intersectionality

• Overlapping Identities: Trying to Grow explores how disability, culture, and sexuality intersect in Brit’s life. He is not only dealing with his disability but also trying to find his place in the Parsi community, which has its own cultural rules. As a member of a minority group, Brit faces the challenges of being both disabled and Parsi, and the story shows how these identities shape his sense of belonging and relationships.

Brit’s disability is linked to his cultural background and family expectations. This connection adds depth to his story, as he navigates physical challenges and cultural values that may conflict with his desire for independence. The book discusses the pressures of cultural identity and how they can complicate self-expression.

Additionally, Brit’s sexuality adds another layer to his identity. The novel looks at how his disability affects his understanding of his sexual desires and relationships. His path to emotional maturity is influenced by both his disability and cultural background, highlighting the complexity of living with multiple intersecting identities.

In conclusion, from a disability studies viewpoint, Trying to Grow deeply examines how disability interacts with culture, society, and personal identity. The novel breaks down stereotypes, calls for social change, and presents an interconnected view of identity, stressing the need for inclusivity and the importance of self-acceptance.

Themes of Sexuality

LGBTQ+ Themes

• Brit’s Sexual Identity: A key part of Trying to Grow is Brit figuring out his sexual identity. He learns about his feelings, which makes him question his body and who he is. Living with a disability makes his life more challenging, and discovering he is gay adds to his struggles. The book shows Brit’s feelings and experiences with love in a sensitive way, highlighting his vulnerability as he deals with his attraction to others, especially since these feelings often clash with what his family and society expect.

Brit’s journey of self-discovery is filled with both excitement and uncertainty. His first experiences with love and intimacy are complicated. The author, Kanga, portrays Brit’s exploration of his sexuality realistically, without romanticizing it. This journey is filled with confusion, frustration, and a longing for connection, making Brit’s sexual identity an important part of his growth.

• Society’s View on Homosexuality: The novel discusses how society viewed homosexuality in India during the 1960s and 70s when it was mostly seen as unacceptable. Brit’s feelings about his sexuality face prejudice and misunderstanding from others. Kanga captures the struggle between Brit’s private feelings and the public world around him, where LGBTQ+ identities are often hidden. Brit’s wish for connection is affected by the shame and secrecy surrounding homosexuality.

The book reflects the overall negative attitude towards LGBTQ+ people, showing how Brit often feels alone and conflicted as he tries to accept his feelings while fearing rejection from his family and society. The threat of discrimination is always present for Brit, highlighting the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face in unwelcoming environments.

Identity Formation

• Clash Between Personal Feelings and Cultural Expectations: Brit’s sexual identity conflicts with the expectations of his culture and family. As a member of the Parsi community, which has strong traditional values, he feels pressure to fit in, especially regarding gender roles and relationships. In Parsi culture, expressing non-heterosexual feelings is not just frowned upon but can lead to social exclusion.

This clash between Brit’s feelings and cultural norms causes him a lot of inner conflict. His attraction to the same sex does not match the ideals of marriage and family life promoted in his community. Dealing with his disability adds to his difficulties, making it even harder for him to accept himself. He wants to belong both in his cultural community and in a romantic sense but struggles with both. This highlights the challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in traditional communities.

• The Quest for Acceptance: Throughout the novel, Brit seeks acceptance not only from others but also from himself. His search for acceptance relates to both his disability and his sexual orientation, creating a difficult journey for self-worth. Brit’s exploration of his sexuality is a way to understand himself and find peace with his feelings, despite societal rejection.

Brit’s journey involves trying to understand his feelings of love and attraction in a society that often does not accept him. His experiences with love, especially related to his disability, reveal themes of vulnerability and fear of rejection. This mix of disability and sexuality makes Brit’s search for understanding more complicated, as his body represents both physical challenges and a place for his sexual identity.

The emotional struggle of seeking acceptance is a major theme in Trying to Grow. Brit’s desire for connection is tied to his need to be recognized for who he is. As he deals with feelings of isolation and frustration over not belonging, he reflects on how his disability, culture, and sexuality intersect. The novel ultimately explores the difficulty of finding self-acceptance in a world that often does not understand or accept differences.

In summary, sexuality is a key part of Brit’s self-discovery in Trying to Grow. The novel addresses LGBTQ+ themes, from Brit’s sexual awakening to the societal challenges he faces as a gay man in a restrictive culture. The conflicts between personal feelings and cultural expectations, along with the ongoing search for acceptance, make Brit’s story emotionally impactful. Through Brit’s experiences, Kanga offers an honest and understanding view of the complexities of sexual identity, especially in relation to disability and cultural pressures.

Cultural and Social Context

The Parsi Community

• Historical Background: The Parsi community is a small but important group in India, made up of Persian Zoroastrians who fled to India to escape religious persecution after the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7th century. Over time, Parsis have greatly contributed to Indian society, especially in business, industry, and the arts. They are known for their unique religious practices and cultural traditions, and they often speak Gujarati, although they interact with both Indian and Western cultures.

Parsis have historically been seen as a progressive community, connecting traditional Indian values with Western ideas. They played a big role in the growth of Mumbai, where many became well-known in business, politics, and education. However, the community also values social status, family reputation, and tradition.

• Influence on Brit’s Upbringing and Values: Brit’s upbringing is strongly influenced by his Parsi background, giving him pride in his culture but also placing heavy expectations on him. Parsi families are usually close-knit, and family obligations matter a lot. Brit’s family emphasizes respectability and honor, which shapes his actions and the expectations he faces.

The Parsi way of thinking also gives Brit cultural norms to follow, particularly around gender roles and family life, which create conflicts for him as he deals with his sexuality and disability. His desire to express himself often clashes with his family’s strict cultural values, leading to feelings of isolation. Still, his Parsi identity provides him with support in a world where he often feels left out. His journey for self-acceptance involves not just his disability or sexuality, but also finding his place in this traditional community.

Postcolonial India

• Reflections on Colonial Legacy: After gaining independence from British rule in 1947, India was trying to define its national identity while dealing with the effects of colonization. The impacts of British rule were deeply felt in India’s social, political, and economic structures. The desire to modernize sometimes conflicted with the need to keep traditional values, making it hard for India to form its own identity.

Trying to Grow subtly reflects this postcolonial situation. While the book mainly tells Brit’s personal story about disability and sexuality, the larger social and political context is also important. India’s colonial past affects how race, class, and identity are viewed, influencing how Brit is treated. There’s a clear tension between the country’s goals for modernity and the ongoing effects of colonialism, often shown in conservative social attitudes and class divisions.

Brit’s story shows he feels stuck between two worlds—one looking toward Western ideals and the other holding on to tradition. This postcolonial setting also shapes his personal struggles with identity, as he feels pressure to fit in while also facing the discomfort of being seen as different.

• Modernization and Traditionalism Clash: The novel shows a society changing, where modern ideas clash with strong traditional values. This conflict is especially clear in Brit’s life as he navigates between modern views on disability and sexuality and the conservative beliefs of his family and community. As India modernized, views on gender, sexuality, and disability began to change, but these changes faced resistance from conservative parts of society.

For Brit, this conflict plays out in his family, where traditional expectations clash with his desires for freedom and self-expression. His struggle for individuality is made harder by traditional views that still hold onto outdated ideas about disability and sexuality. His experiences highlight the tension between a desire for change and the traditional values that still restrict acceptance and personal freedom in postcolonial India.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Contemporary Reviews

• Reception by Critics and Readers: Trying to Grow received mixed but mostly positive reviews from critics and readers. The novel was praised for its honest portrayal of disability, sexuality, and identity in Indian society, which had largely ignored these topics at the time. Kanga’s mix of humor with serious themes made the novel both touching and thought-provoking.

However, some critics mentioned that the novel sometimes struggled to balance its serious themes with its storytelling. While readers had close access to Brit’s thoughts and feelings, some felt disconnected from the wider cultural context of his story. Despite this, the novel’s bold exploration of taboo subjects like disability and homosexuality was seen as groundbreaking.

For many readers, the novel became an important part of Indian literature, representing disability and sexuality. It challenged traditional storytelling and raised meaningful questions about personal identity and societal expectations. Brit’s witty and defiant voice resonated with many who saw their own struggles in his journey.

• Impact on Indian English Literature: Trying to Grow significantly impacted Indian English literature by focusing on marginalized identities. At a time when most Indian literature was about male, heterosexual, and able-bodied characters, Kanga’s novel opened the door for more inclusive stories. It showed that literature could explore complex, often overlooked experiences, particularly those of disabled and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The novel’s influence can be seen in later writers who also explore themes of identity, disability, and sexuality. Trying to Grow is an important early work that addresses these issues in contemporary Indian literature, paving the way for future discussions about diverse identities.

Influence on Disability Narratives

• Pioneering Representation in Literature: Trying to Grow was a groundbreaking work for its honest portrayal of disability. Before its publication, disability was rarely discussed in Indian literature, and when it was, it was often in a negative way. Brit’s story was revolutionary because it showed disability as part of the human experience, rather than a sad or isolated issue. His character was not defined just by his disability, but by his feelings, desires, relationships, and goals. This respectful representation helped change the conversation about disability in Indian literature, moving it from pity to empowerment.
• Inspiring Future Works and Discussions: The way the novel treated disability opened the door for more inclusive stories. It showed that disabled characters could be central to a story, with their complexities explored beyond traditional stereotypes. It also sparked conversations about the social challenges people with disabilities face, the need for greater inclusivity, and the importance of self-acceptance.

As discussions about disability representation evolved, Kanga’s work continued to inspire future writers and advocates. The novel remains a key text for disability studies and is still recognized as a groundbreaking work that challenged outdated views on disability, highlighting the need for diverse identities in modern Indian literature. It shows how literature can change societal attitudes and bring marginalized voices to light.