Is It The Same For You: A story of an adolescent girl in a conflict-ridden land
Nandini Cardoso 
The Book: Is It The Same For You?
Is It The Same For You has been written by Neha Singh and illustrated by Priya Sebastian. The author and illustrator who were part of this reading both mentioned how the idea for this book came about at a writer’s workshop at Shantiniketan.
The story and theme revolves around a young girl grown up in Kashmir on the cusp of entering a new phase of life adolescence and feeling grown up after getting her period. Growing up in the midst of conflict and a different landscape, this book revisits every part of our soul and shakes us internally.
During the discussion we wandered through the illustrations and text sharing what resonated with us. Through tears, collective wisdom, we explored how growing up in conflict ridden spaces and war must feel like. As the background of conflict was set from all perspectives, we explored gender differences and how the girl felt when they found her brother with a blood stain but no one noticed hers which made us sit with the reflection that historically women have been told to hide themselves by covering up with scarfs or veils.
Saffron symbolizing beauty and purity amidst conflict
The use of the saffron flower in the very first illustration shows us the beauty of the land torn by strife. We come from different parts of the country, different backgrounds but still experience similar stereotypes of impurity when it comes to periods. There was also a reference to inappropriate touch and how sexual harassment can affect our voices and make us quiet. And it was an emotionally triggering moment for all of us and some of us shared some personal narratives. The book reading brought out a variety of emotions and evoked strong feelings in us. But the sense of loss and grief was immense. We collectively could feel the pain of girls and women in Gaza, Sudan and Congo who have no access to food, water or even sanitary pads, nothing to ease their pain and they don’t have a moment to sit and care for their bodies of themselves.
We wondered the answer to the question - “Is It The Same For you?” - Yes, it is. In several ways our worlds coincide and yet they are different. It was a heart touching and moving to have both the author and illustrator join the reading and share their thoughts.
It was a moving experience to be a part of this powerful reading and community where so much collective experience and lived reality is shared creating a safe space for the participants to share their opinions and thoughts without fear or judgement.
In a space where our worlds coincide
This reading was facilitated by Fouziya Tehzeeb and Arushi Ralli
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