Guest Info
Nutan Ragoobir, a fourth-generation Indian residing in Trinidad & Tobago, is a professional insurance consultant with a profound fascination for Hindu epics. In 2019, she achieved considerable success with her debut book, “Bihar & Beyond,” receiving acclaim from scholars and critics alike.
Alongside her career, Nutan is the founder of the NGO named Girmitya Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting various causes, and she is also the visionary behind the Girmitya Archives, an innovative digital library focusing on Indian history. Recently, she unveiled her second book, “Fires of Fate,” a compelling exploration of the lives of nearly 20 lesser-known female characters from Hindu epics.
About the Show
In the heart of the Caribbean, a vast majority of Indian immigrants carried with them the rich tapestry of their Hindu culture and faith. Enthralled by the timeless tales of epics like the Mahabharata and the Rāmāyana, they journeyed forth, guided by the noble virtues embodied by the central characters – beacons of moral righteousness. Religion, with its profound impact on shaping worldviews and narratives, influences our understanding of sexuality, gender, and the essence of our human identity. Yet, amidst the allure of these ancient stories, how often do we immerse ourselves in a forensic exploration of the past’s hidden treasures?
In this riveting episode, Rajan Nazran converses with Nutan Ragoobir, a fourth-generation Indian from Trinidad. They delve deep into the intricacies of Hindu belief systems, questioning the glorification of certain elements that serve the convenience of patriarchy.
Nutan presents a compelling perspective on gender, identity, the role of religion in society, and the interpretation of mythological texts. Through her discerning lens, she sheds light on the problematic portrayal of Sita as the epitome of an ideal woman and Ram as the ideal man. Unveiling the complexities, she challenges the depiction of a helpless woman forced to prove her chastity and a husband who callously exiles his wife based on mere rumours – a standard that no longer holds sway in a society where independent women confidently forge their paths.
In her narrative, she highlights the remarkable courage of women like Draupadi and pioneers in sexual reassignment surgery, breaking the confines set by the tale of Sita. Nutan provides a profound glimpse into her experiences as a Hindu woman by exploring the significance of character development and personal purpose.
Listen to this revolutionary and concise podcast that dares to unravel long-standing beliefs. Tune in and embrace the winds of change.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (Sound Title) – by Steven F Allen
https://freesound.org/people/audiomirage/
https://soundclick.com/AuDioChosisStevenFAllenAuDioMiRage
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