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Society
Rebel Poet in the
Panchayat
 Rokkiah, 34,
alias Salma is a poet, panchayat (village council) head, and a mother of
two. She comes from a traditional Muslim family living in a village near
Tiruchirapalli district, Tamil Nadu. Salma's passion for poetry started at
age 13. She writes on man-woman relationships and social issues. In her
poem 'Oppandham' (Contract) she writes: "Mother tells me that all bedroom
mistakes are mine...To discharge my responsibility to your child as a
mother, To get you to pay for sanitary napkins and birth control pills,
And if possible to lord over you for a while, My knowing vagina widens
itself".
In 2003, an article titled 'Kamathu Pal' (which literally means `milk of
desire') in a leading weekly newsmagazine, drew attention to her work and
the bold writings of other women Tamil poets. Later, some men objected to
their kind of poetry and launched a campaign against them. Although, Salma's husband and family were initially disturbed by the sensational
publicity she got, they are now proud of her status as one of Tamil Nadu's
leading poets. She has also become one of the most effective and outspoken
panchayat heads in the state. An interview.
Q: When did you start writing poetry?
A: I started at age 13. Although I would not really call that poetry! I
studied up to Class 9. I started writing seriously when I was 17. Two of
my collections got published in the literary magazines 'Kala Chuvadu' (in
2000) and 'Uyirmai' (in 2003). They contain around 60 and 80 poems
respectively. I contribute to other magazines too. I came second in a
short story competition conducted by Kala Chuvadu and Katha of Delhi in
2003. The theme of the story was death.
Q: How did your family and community react to your writing poetry?
A: There was opposition from the beginning. While my parents did not
prevent me from writing poetry, the community objected because the view is
that a Muslim woman should stay at home and not show her body or face. My
poetry became an issue when my marriage came up. I agreed to write under a
pseudonym (Salma). They thought I would change my mind after marriage. I
did not.
Q: Have things changed now?
A: I am happy that now, especially after the media publicity, attitudes
have changed. The fact that Salma is a poet has now become positive for
both the community and family. For my first collection, I refused to give
my photograph or even attend the release function. Now, when I go to the
district collectorate, I am recognized as Salma the writer. I have power.
Q: What about the current controversy over `erotic' poetry by Tamil women
poets? How did your family react to the whole episode?
A: In 2003, an India Today (Tamil) article, titled Kamathu Pal, featured
my writing and of some other Tamil women poets. My family was very upset,
especially my husband, with the sensational article. In the same year, a
few men attacked some of us for writing `erotic' poetry. I personally
believe such attacks should be ignored. This whole thing was generated by
some men - film lyricists - for publicity. In my poems, I have used words
like `yoni' (vagina) and `an Kuri' (penis) just a couple of times. Now,
after some months and after several media interviews, my family has also
been able to see things in perspective.
Q: There is a lot of anger and frustration in your poetry, especially over
how men treat women?
A: This is a universal anger. It is not mine alone. Everyday I see how
women are treated in society and I am unable to tolerate it. I express the
feelings of all women in my poetry. I hope my poetry will help people
think; that more people will write; and that there will be awareness.
Q: What are your main roles as a panchayat leader?
A: Mainly we do social service. Ensuring water supply, putting up street
lights, cleaning the environment ...We get both state and central funding.
We are able to function thanks to members' support.
Q: How do you combine the roles of a homemaker, panchayat head and writer?
A: At home, I have help to look after my two sons (aged 12 and 9).
Panchayat work takes up a lot time - phone calls, visitors... I have to be
patient. This year, the water problem has been terrible. I do this work
during the day and at night, I read, think and write. I read English
classics translated into Tamil. I am planning to enter politics - joining
the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam). I am doing this with the aim of
getting freedom. My life changed after I entered politics (in 2001) and I
want this to continue.
– Ambujam Anantharaman
June 26, 2004
By arrangement with
Womens Feature Service
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