Rama Pandey’s book “Begum Bano aur Khatoon”

Shriprakash Jaiswal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal today launched Rama Pandey’s book “Begum Bano aur Khatoon” at a ceremony held at The Ambassador Hotel, New Delhi. Dignitaries like Javed Akhtar – Padma Bhushan Poet & Lyricist, Muzaffar Ali – Padma Shri, Film Maker & Artist, Ashok Chakradhar – Chairperson Hindi Sahitya Academy & Poet and Mamta Sharma – Chairperson for National Commission for women were the Guests of Honour along with the presence of Ghazal Maestro Ghulam Ali, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard- Najeeb Jung and Prabha Thakur, Member of parliament. The book launch was followed by Sufi music, the music which is referred as the music of the soul, from the Rajasthani artists “Babu Khan Manganiyar with group and Jamila Khatoon, Last Court singer of Royal Jodhpur tradition”.

Begum Bano aur Khatoon talks about the trail and tribulation of Indian Muslim women. It’s about their struggle, resilience and their success story. The book carries with itself seven incidences which are heart touching and sensitive. The book celebrates the strength and courage of Indian Muslim women. The author has very closely followed these women and was awestruck with their desire to change their lives’ for a better tomorrow. The book consists of real life stories of Muslim women of modest traditional background who mustered courage and determination to fight for their rights and went ahead to live their lives with dignity. The incidences imprinted in the book have been composed in the ‘drama’ style of literature.

Commenting on the launch of her book Ms. Rama Pandey said, “This book actually reveals the current situation of Indian Muslim women who are often not given the opportunity to prove their real worth. Begum, Bano aur Khatoon is like a dream coming true for me. I have followed these women very closely and now is the time to celebrate & salute their success. They are path breakers, fighters and achievers in true sense”.
Begum Bano aur Khatoon depicts range of emotions and establishes the emerging face of our society. Different stories highlight the zeal among these women who strive to dream and are determined to change their lives. The journey from a house wife to an entrepreneur; riveting story of entering unconventional profession and becoming Criminal Lawyer; fighting the curse of Talak (Divorce) and giving hope to others; a parachute jumper fighting the boredom of household chores whose husband is away working in Saudi Arabia and a girl athlete whose pre conditions on her Nikaah shocks the society.