Unclaimed: Vandana Shukla’s powerful stories launched in Chandigarh

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The ten-story collection explores patriarchy, gender politics, social realities and the uncomfortable truths hidden beneath the façade of normalcy.

Chandigarh, August 23

Renowned senior journalist Dr Vandana Shukla’s short story collection Unclaimed was launched at the Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday in the presence of writers, academics, journalists, family members and friends.

The collection features ten stories that explore human complexity, social realities and uncomfortable truths often dismissed or confined to private conversations. The narratives examine themes of shame, liberation, violations of intimacy, hypocrisy and the pressures of maintaining the façade of normalcy.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Emeritus and former Chairperson of Panjab University’s Department of Political Science, Pam Rajput, said Unclaimed offers a powerful exploration of how patriarchy affects women across generations, social classes and different parts of Indian society.

She noted that the stories collectively portray gender-based violence not only through visible physical forms but also through subtle ways it enters homes, marriages, families and institutions.

In a conversation with Dr Shukla, author Suparna-Saraswati Puri described the collection as “bold yet emotive,” saying its stories encourage readers to question what is considered normal.

Published by The Browser, Unclaimed explores cultural, feudal and class-based influences shaping gender politics in India. The book is categorised under short stories and gender studies and is available through leading bookstores and Amazon.

Dr Shukla has worked in print media for over two decades and writes on art, culture and gender issues. She has also authored A Monk Postpones Nirvana, based on her research on social transformation in Ladakh.

Author and former civil servant Vivek Atray and Manju Jaidka, former Head of the Department of English at Panjab University, also attended the launch.