Meena KandasamyEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this episode of the Sanskaari Girls podcast, Vandita Morarka engages in a profound conversation with poet, activist, writer Meena Kandasamy , exploring the concept of the feminist killjoy. They discuss the complexities of speaking out against oppression, the emotional balance between anger and joy, and the role of silence as a form of resistance. Kandasamy shares personal anecdotes and insights on navigating loneliness in truth-telling, the importance of friendship and solidarity in feminist struggles, and the cultural significance of madness and possession in women's narratives. The conversation also touches on the influence of fiction on real-world feminism and concludes with recommendations for further reading on difficult women in literature. Read more about Meena's work , follow SGBC on Instagram , and sign up for our (free) membership .

In this deeply moving and fiercely intelligent episode of Parenthoot with Neha, celebrated poet, novelist, and activist Meena Kandasamy opens up about a part of her life she’s rarely spoken about publicly — motherhood. From breastfeeding on planes to bedtime stories about ocelots, Meena speaks with candid warmth about raising two young boys while navigating creative work, cultural friction, and the quiet revolutions of everyday parenting. Together with host Neha, Meena reflects on the politics of parenting, the power of gentleness, and how her life — once immersed in global activism and resistance — has found new rhythm in school runs and pancakes. But make no mistake — the fire is still there. Whether she’s unpacking caste and coloniality or her children’s questions about Gaza, Meena’s parenting is as radical, layered, and bold as her writing. 🎧 Why You Should Listen You’re a creative or activist navigating parenting — and wondering how not to lose yourself in the process. You’ve ever felt guilt, fatigue, or quiet rage in your parenting journey and want to hear those feelings articulated honestly. You want to explore cross-cultural parenting, gender roles, and emotional regulation with nuance and humor. You’re curious about the personal side of a globally renowned writer known more for her political fire than domestic reflection. You want to hear two brilliant women discuss motherhood with no pretenses — just truth, tenderness, and the occasional spilled milk. 💬 Notable Quotes from Meena “I didn’t have a single maternal instinct in my body.” “Every child is five years off your career — or two books off your bookshelf.” “Never raise your voice against your children. Their memories are not erasable or editable.” “You can’t come back from livestreamed genocide — and our children know it.” 🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners Don’t outsource your emotional regulation to your kids. Meena’s emphasis on calm, even in chaos, is a masterclass in gentle parenting. Parenthood doesn’t erase your fire. It just redirects it. Her political conversations with her kids are a reminder that little ears are ready for big ideas. Rituals matter. Whether it’s bedtime storytelling or weekend prawns, Meena shows how small acts of consistency create deep connection. Structure helps. Her cross-cultural household demonstrates the value of rhythm and rules — even when they clash with creative chaos. Redefine ambition. Not every season is for writing novels — sometimes it’s for poetry, or pancakes. And that’s okay. Let kids grow political. Engage them in real-world issues early — they’re more ready than we think. 👩🏽‍🎨 About the Guest Dr. Meena Kandasamy is an acclaimed poet, novelist, translator, and activist whose work boldly confronts caste, gender, patriarchy, and violence. A two-time finalist for the International Booker Prize and longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, her writing is known for its fierce lyrical clarity and unapologetic politics. She’s the author of When I Hit You , The Gypsy Goddess , Touch , Ms. Militancy , and more. Her essays and poems have appeared in The Guardian , Granta , The White Review , and The New York Times . A former Charles Wallace India Trust Fellow, she splits her time between India and Europe, raising two children with radical tenderness — and no sugar. 🔗 Follow Meena: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.a.n.d.a.s.a.m.y/ Website: https://www.kandasamy.co.uk

Kendra talks to Meena Kandasamy about her novel When I Hit You; Or the Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife , which is out now from Europa. Book Blind Date Sale: Get 15% off our hardback and paperback book blind dates! This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month. Get your first month for just $9.99 with code READINGWOMEN. This episode is also sponsored by Kobo Audiobooks. Learn more at kobo.com/READINGWOMEN . Check out our Patreon page to learn more about our book club and other Patreon-exclusive goodies. Follow along over on Instagram , join the discussion in our Goodreads group , and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more new books and extra book reviews! Books Mentioned When I Hit You: Or, a Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife by Meena Kandasamy Meena Recommends Kamala Suraiyya Das Arundhati Roy Desires Become Demons translated by Meena Kandasamy Author: Twitter | Website | Buy the Book CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email us hello@readingwomenpodcast.com. SOCIAL MEDIA Reading Women Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website Music by Isaac Greene Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices