Every Thursday, We Read Together

Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., a meaningful reading session takes place, open to all. Narrated by Brinda ma’am, we come together to read Every Last Girl by Safeena Husain. These sessions are not merely about reading a text, but about collectively engaging with ideas, emotions, and lived realities.

Last week, we began with Part 1: Antimbala’s World, and one particular aspect left a lasting impression on me.

The name “Antimbala” itself carries a depth that I had not initially noticed. While reading the chapter independently, it appeared as just a name. However, hearing it articulated during the session brought out its layered meaning. “Bala” can be understood as a girl, but it may also signify a burden or weight. When combined with “Antim,” meaning “last,” the name takes on a more profound meaning.

It can be interpreted as “the last girl,” but also, more poignantly, as the “final burden” associated with the birth of a girl child in certain societal contexts. This dual meaning transforms the name into a reflection of deeply rooted social attitudes.

This realisation was significant for me not only for its meaning, but also for how it emerged. It made me understand the importance of shared reading. Listening to the narration, observing the nuances of pronunciation, and collectively experiencing the text added a dimension that solitary reading might not have.

It highlighted how literature is not only read but also heard, interpreted, and felt. Through this, a chapter extends beyond its pages and begins to resonate with real-life perspectives and social realities.

A fellow participant, Akanksha Rai, shared a similar sense of connection. She reflected on how listening to the narration made the stories feel more real, emphasising the power of voice and the comfort of a shared space. She also noted that the reading highlighted the weight of illiteracy and the importance of not taking education for granted.

Reading helps us understand,

But reading together helps us feel.

See you again, Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Copies of Every Last Girl are available at English Book Depot, Dehradun.

Sneha
The English Book Depot