In December of 2012, the world’s eye was on India and unfortunately not on the many beautiful aspects of the Indian culture rather the focus was on one of the worst results of patriarchal culture that many countries suffer from, gender based violence. Under the spotlight was the gang rape and murder of a young Indian woman in New Delhi. This incident led to multiple protests against gender-based violence in India along with the push for consequences for the men who committed that heinous crime. It was at one of these protests that filmmaker and publisher, Ram Devineni, realized not only is change necessary in the laws of India but change is needed within the culture. With this thought came the idea to create a comic to assist in the much needed progression in society.
The collaboration between Devineni, impact strategist Lina Srivastava and artist Dan Goldman along with others, produced the comic, Priya’s Shakti. It tells the story of Priya, who experiences a brutal rape and as a result is isolated from her community and contends with the social stigma. The Hindu Goddess, Parvati, in learning of the violence women on earth contend with, she decides to assist Priya. Priya, with the support of Goddess Parvati, goes on to fight gender based violence around the world, and unlike other superheroes, without superpowers. In addition, the real life stories of 3 women who survived sexual assault is also presented in the comic. Utilizing the technology, Augmented Reality, readers are able to read the stories of these survivors through animation sequences in the comic on specific panels within the digital comic.
As the comic is geared towards children, aged 10 to12,[1] it provides a means of discussing gender based violence from an early stage whilst assisting in changing the attitude and perspective of all readers. The use of Hindu Gods reflects the role of they have throughout Indian culture as 80% of Indians follow Hinduism.[2] Many would not think to use this art form to garner awareness, the combined talents of those involved has produced a powerful medium of communication. Priya’s Shakti has proven to be a big hit, not only in India but around the world, having been displayed at India Comic Con, in a large range of outlets from Vogue India to BBC News, exhibitions in New York City and at TedTalk with co-creator Devineni along with many other platforms. With the success of the first installment of Priya’s Shakti we can look forward to the future installments as Priya continues to fight against gender based violence in the world.
To read the comic book click below:
http://www.priyashakti.com/portfolio/comic-book/
For further information and additional coverage:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30288173
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/10/priya-shakti_n_6647464.html?utm_hp_ref=impact
[1] Geeta Pandey, “India’s new comic ‘super hero’: Priya, the rape survivor,” December 8, 2014, BBC News, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30288173.
[2] Ibid.