Dhanuja Kumari is a remarkable woman who has overcome numerous challenges in her life to become a celebrated writer and a respected member of her community. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of storytelling.
Dhanuja’s journey began in the narrow streets of Ravi Nagar in Ambalamukku, where she now spends her days collecting plastic waste from residents. Despite her 48 years of age and the stress marks on her face, Dhanuja always wears a happy smile as she goes about her work. Dressed in a green overcoat and a pale yellow churidar, she carries a plastic sack from doorstep to doorstep, calling out to the residents with a cheerful demeanor.
However, Dhanuja’s path to success was not an easy one. She dropped out of school in the 9th standard when she was married off to a 19-year-old ‚Chenda‘ artist. Living in Chengalchoola, a slum in Thiruvananthapuram, she faced numerous struggles. But it was these very challenges that would later shape her journey as a writer.
Dhanuja penned a book titled „Chengalchoolayile Ente Jeevitham“ („My Life in Chengalchoola“), recounting her experiences as a slum dweller. The book has now become a part of the curriculum for BA students at Kannur University and MA students at Calicut University, marking her impact on the literary world.
Her one-room house in Rajaji Nagar, formerly known as Chengalchoola, is a humble abode built with tin sheets and cement hollow bricks. Despite its simplicity, it is where Dhanuja finds solace and continues to write about her life experiences. She credits her ability to write eloquently to the time she spent writing police petitions for her colony, which helped her sharpen her language skills.
Dhanuja’s troubled childhood, marked by her parents‘ regular quarrels, led her to seek refuge in a Christian convent, where she first discovered her passion for writing. She continued to document her life experiences as she navigated the challenges of marriage at a young age and faced discrimination based on caste and social status.
As she grew older, Dhanuja became an active member of society, advocating for the rights of her community to lead dignified lives. Her efforts to change perceptions about her colony and its people eventually led her to publish her first book, which received widespread acclaim.
Today, Dhanuja leads a women’s collective called ‚Wings of Women‘ in Rajaji Nagar, where they engage in social activities and have their own library. Despite her newfound recognition as a writer, Dhanuja remains grounded in her role as a ‚Haritha Karma Sena‘ worker, collecting waste from households to make a living.
While Dhanuja is grateful for the acceptance she has received as a writer, she remains aware of the challenges she faces due to her caste and upbringing. Her son, Nidheesh, faced discrimination and humiliation at Kerala Kala Mandalam, highlighting the deep-rooted biases that still exist in society.
Through her writing and activism, Dhanuja hopes to break down barriers and create opportunities for talented individuals in her community to thrive. She is a shining example of resilience, courage, and the transformative power of storytelling.