Women writers from 34 countries come together for unique project

Six eminent writers from Asia took part in a unique round-table conference that began in Kolkata on Sunday. At the launch of Speaking for Myself: An Anthology of Asian’s Women Writing ,women writers from 34 countries — as diverse as Nepal,Pakistan,Bhutan,Afghanistan,Cambodia and India — took part. Bangladeshi writer Rizia Rahman,however,could not be present at the function,as she was denied a visa.

“The key feature of the book is to explore Asian heritage and sensibility. Earlier,women of Asian countries had a close cultural connection. The book is about women and their present circumstances,through it the idea is to explore the creative mind of Asian women,” said Malashri Lal,professor,Delhi University,and one of the editors of the anthology. The two-day conference organised by the India International Centre and Prabha Khaitan Foundation will also bring together writers and artists like Sunil Gangopadhyay,Nabaneeta Dev Sen,Joy Goswami, Jogen Chowdhury and others.