An important thinker, writer, and activist, Prema Kantak's (1906-1985) contribution to the feminist discourse and Gandhian activism in India is largely unknown. Kantak, a onetime resident of Gandhi's ashram, forged a special, lifelong bond with the Mahatma and was hugely influenced by his views and persona. Bringing together personal correspondence between Gandhi and Kantak as well as original translations of her fiction and nonfiction writings, this book explores a unique Gandhi-Kantak relationship and reflects the complexities of Gandhi's political and social ideas—especially his understanding of the role of women in the nationalist movement. The correspondence, marked by loving devotion on the one hand and encouragement and nurturing on the other, is replete not only with an unusual mix of Kantak's hero-worship and self-doubt alternating with self-assurance but also opens up a new window to a much-deliberated and oft esearched topic—Gandhi's relationship with his women followers. Translated, edited, and with a comprehensive introduction by Meera Kosambi, the book retrieves the life, career, and writings of Prema Kantak whose iconic status has thus far been obscured. 368 pp. Price: Rs 850.
http://www.oup.co.in/product/academic-general/literature/101/mahatma-gandhi-prema-kantak-exploring-r