AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF WAR WIDOWS IN AMBREEN ZAIDI'S THE WARRIOR WIDOW

Delving into the situation and condition of post war widows in the contemporary times, it has been seen that India has the highest number of war widows in the world, and very less has been debated and researched on the experiences faced by them. These widows cope up with the odds and challenges to make a living and are named as “Veer Nari.” Widows are psychologically disturbed due to the sudden death of their spouse. Though they are ensured a pension but under certain conditions; like she should remain unmarried or marry the living eligible heir of her deceased husband’s family. Social isolation is obvious in their lives and as they are secluded from social relationships due to the social stigma attached to widowhood. The bitterness, trauma and unending questions become an unavoidable part of their life. The research papers explore The Warrior Widow by Ambreen Zaidi who is a social activist and a great writer working for the welfare of the war widows. Presently she is running an organisation Changemakers that works in collaboration with various welfare groups of the Indian Army, where she and her team extend their services to war widows, orphans and people with needs. She has personally met 30 war widows and orphans, which looks to highlight the life of a war widow and her journey of survival.