Breaking Taboos: Yashoda’s Fight for Women’s Agency by Manoj Kumar Rao

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Manoj Kumar Rao — journalist-turned-author, about his debut book Yashoda: Ek Swayam Prabhastri Ki Vaastvik Kahani. The book chronicles Yashoda’s journey from breaking caste barriers and educating her daughters to pioneering child planning for women in her community.

Why This Episode Matters:

Yashoda’s life shows how true leadership can emerge far from the spotlight. She broke caste barriers as a child, stood up to priests and patriarchs, ensured her daughters’ education, and pioneered child planning for women at a time when few dared to speak of it. Her story, told by Manoj Kumar Rao, is not just about personal defiance but about rewriting the possibilities for women around her — a reminder that empowerment is most powerful when it is lived with courage and conviction.

Yashoda & Fearless Womanhood: What You’ll Learn:

• How Yashoda broke caste barriers and defied taboos from a young age.
• Insights into her Gandhian schooling and its role in shaping truth and courage.
• How she educated her daughters despite social opposition and criticism.
• The story of how she pioneered child planning for women by leading through example.
• How faith and resilience helped her challenge priests and patriarchal authority.
• Why Manoj Kumar Rao believes Yashoda’s fight for women’s agency is a timeless model of authentic empowerment.

Connect with Us

Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/

The Literature Lounge: https://www.themohuashow.com/the-literature-lounge/

Connect with the Guest

Manoj Kumar Rao: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAfskr4Pttc/

References:

Yashoda: Ek Swayam Prabhastri Ki Vaastvik Kahani, Champaran Satyagraha, Indira Gandhi

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