Anita Rau Badami's Tamarind Mem – Unveiling of the Diverse Outlooks of Women in India through the Nostalgias of a Mother and a Daughter

Abstract

The present article explores the changing potentials of women in India through the characters in Tamarind Mem by Anita Rau Badami. Badami slots the novel into two fragments: the first part narrated by Kamini, the daughter of Saroja, and the second by Saroja herself. Through the main protagonists, Saroja and Kamini, Badami envisions the psychological gap between the two generations; and presents how the society subdues the inner conflicts they live in. Saroja camouflaged herself as a traditional wife and stood as the epitome of an ideal woman who encourages her children towards accomplishing their aspirations. After Dadda's death, Kamini and Roopa, her children immigrated to Canada. Kamini lives an independent life but is imprisoned in her memories, whereas Roopa marries and leads her own life. Saroja, who is always immersed in memories, plans to travel and visit places freely. The novel seeks to disclose the misunderstanding that generally occurs between the older and the younger generations.