In Search of a ‘Forest Consciousness’: Investigating the Heterotopian Design in Aranyer Adhikar (Right to Forest, 1977) by Mahasweta Devi

Name of Author : Argha Basu

Abstract: Aranyer Adhikar resonates a fine balance between growth and slumber, prosperity and hardship, profligacy and austerity. Now, if we take a look back at the couple of personal accounts in the beginning of this research paper, it will unfailingly be obvious that with what purpose I deliberated upon their inclusion. And what I have thoroughly realized is that the comfort of seminars, conferences and research articles will not manifest this design. We are in desperate need of a sensitization, a sensitization that will bring in Birsa?s stories to the bedroom of children and hopefully, one fortuitous afternoon they too will embrace a tree trunk with the hope of saving it from felling.

Keywords : Forest, consciousness, heterotopias, ecocriticism (ecofeminism), New Environmental Paradigm

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