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Unit 13: Rupa Bajwa: Sari Shop—Psychological Study

absorb any special identity or spirituality that can be called Hindu. As an adult, Ramchand Notes
proves to be especially empathetic toward a Sikh couple who have lost two barely adult sons
in an Indira Ghandi assault on the Golden Temple of Amritsar (Operation Blue Star, 1983),
trying to give solace to them in their own home.
• Rupa Bajwa makes her debut with a haunting story set in Amritsar. It is a quintessential
Indian story, but one that diverges from the usual existential woe stories of the Indian
middle class. This one goes a bit lower, in terms of the protagonist - a sari shop assistant, and
through his eyes paints a miniature picture of ‘the other india’. In spite of a troubled childhood,
he lives an uncomplicated home-shop-home life, until one trip outside this routine, changes
his outlook. Thus begins a journey - a search for a meaningful existence, which brings with
it an empathy for others. Juxtaposed with him, is another character, who hasn’t had a great
childhood herself, and manages to fall deeper into the morass of her life, when she tries to
rebel against the unfairness of it all. Their meeting brings about the next turning point in the
story.

13.3 Key-Words

1. Malicious : Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm: "malicious
rumors
2. Vividly Sketched : producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind: a
vivid description.

13.4 Review Questions
1. Write a short note on life and works of Rupa Bajwa.
2. Discuss Sari Shop as a psychological study.
1. (i) Daughter's Wedding (ii) 2005, 2006
(iii) The Sari Shop (iv) Feet

13.5 Further Readings

1. Bajwa, Roopa. 2004. The Sari Shop. New Delhi: Penguin.
2. Johnson, Harry M. An Introduction to Sociology.
3. Khushwant Singh. 2004. This Above All. The Tribune.
4. Lodge & Wood. 2003. Modern Criticism & Theory. Pearson Education.
5. Rege, Sharmila. 2003. Sociology of Gender. New Delhi: Sage Publications.

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