Breaking Taboos: Yashoda’s Fight for Women’s Agency by Manoj Kumar Rao | The Literature Lounge

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About This Podcast

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Manoj Kumar Rao — journalist-turned-author, about his debut book Yashoda: Ek Swayam Prabhastri Ki Vaastvik Kahani. The book chronicles Yashoda’s journey from breaking caste barriers and educating her daughters to pioneering child planning for women in her community.

Why This Episode Matters:
Yashoda’s life shows how true leadership can emerge far from the spotlight. She broke caste barriers as a child, stood up to priests and patriarchs, ensured her daughters’ education, and pioneered child planning for women at a time when few dared to speak of it. Her story, told by Manoj Kumar Rao, is not just about personal defiance but about rewriting the possibilities for women around her — a reminder that empowerment is most powerful when it is lived with courage and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

How Yashoda broke caste barriers and defied taboos from a young age.
Insights into her Gandhian schooling and its role in shaping truth and courage.
How she educated her daughters despite social opposition and criticism.
The story of how she pioneered child planning for women by leading through example.
How faith and resilience helped her challenge priests and patriarchal authority.
Why Manoj Kumar Rao believes Yashoda’s fight for women’s agency is a timeless model of authentic empowerment.

Episode Timeline

00:00

: Highlights

01:00

: Introduction to Manoj Kumar Rao and His Work

02:20

: Yashoda Devi's Early Life and Self-Enlightenment

04:40

: Challenges in Journalism and Women Empowerment

09:25

: Yashoda's Symbolic Race Against Boys

13:39

: Influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Yashoda's Activism

16:11

: Indira Gandhi's Support and Influence

18:51

: Breaking Patriarchal Norms in Worship

23:25

: Advocating for Female Education

26:45

: Campaign for Family Planning and Health

33:34 Y

: Yashoda's Personal Tragedies and Resilience

36:48

: Messages for Future Generations

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