Think and Write
1. Sketch the character of Nomita.
Nomita is intelligent, sensitive, and emotionally strong. Though calm on the outside, she harbours deep pain due to lack of respect. She tries to maintain her dignity but finally rebels against injustice. Her outburst is the result of long-suppressed anger.
2. Do you think there is a set pattern for exhibiting a woman’s emotions?
Yes, society expects women to be calm, soft-spoken, and tolerant. But women are also human and have emotions. Emotional stress builds when they are not allowed to express themselves freely.
3. Write-up: The space of women in a family.
In many families, women are seen as homemakers but are not given equal respect. They manage everything silently, yet their needs and emotions are ignored. True family values will only be achieved when women are given equal voice and space.
4. How does the author justify comparing women to matchboxes?
She says women carry immense power within but rarely use it. They are capable of starting a revolution but are taught to stay calm and contained, much like unused matchboxes.
Activity I – Review
Review of the Short Story – Matchbox
Ashapurna Debi’s “Matchbox” is a bold and emotionally powerful short story that explores the theme of women’s empowerment, domestic imbalance, and the silent strength of a woman trapped in the patriarchal structure of Indian family life.
The title Matchbox is symbolic. The author compares women to matchboxes: small, seemingly harmless, but filled with gunpowder capable of setting off a fire. Just like matchboxes, women are often scattered carelessly across domestic spaces—never feared, never respected—though they carry explosive potential within.
The central character, Nomita, is a modern-day woman living in a joint family, emotionally hurt by her husband Ajit’s controlling behaviour. Ajit reads and hides her letters, mocks her mother’s requests for help, and constantly disregards her emotions. Nomita, like many women, tries to endure these injustices silently, until a breaking point comes.
In a powerful moment, Nomita sets her sari on fire—a shocking and symbolic act of rebellion. She puts it out immediately, but the flame reflects her inner explosion. This act represents the first time she truly speaks up for herself, challenging the traditional expectations of submission and silence.
The story also highlights the role of other women in the family, such as sisters-in-law and relatives who gossip and make sarcastic comments, but do nothing to support each other. This mirrors a real social problem where women often fail to uplift one another within patriarchal settings.
Through Nomita, the author emphasizes the need for women to “find their own voice.” Empowerment, according to this story, doesn’t come only from economic freedom or social status, but from mental strength, self-respect, and courage to oppose injustice. Nomita is not portrayed as a victim but as a woman awakening to her inner strength.
The story ends with Nomita returning to her routine chores, but now she has undergone a change. She is no longer the same silent, submissive woman. She has realized that emotions buried too long can erupt dangerously, and perhaps, this is the beginning of her true empowerment.
Ashapurna Debi, through Matchbox, delivers a timeless message about the value of equality and respect in man-woman relationships. It is a call for emotional honesty, mutual support, and dignity in domestic life. The story is a mirror for society, urging both men and women to foster a culture where no one is afraid to speak up and no voice goes unheard.
Activity II: Panel Discussion
Topic: Indian Women Finding a Space in the Socio-Cultural Milieu
Panel Members List
| Panellist Name | Designation |
| Dr. Nandita Menon | Sociologist and Women’s Rights Activist |
| Ms. Ayesha Rehman | Gender Studies Lecturer |
| Dr. Sangeetha Thomas | Psychologist and Life Coach |
| Ms. Kavitha Pillai | Lawyer and Legal Advisor for Women |
| Mr. Rohan Deshmukh | Media Analyst and Journalist |
Moderator: Anjana Varghese, English Teacher
Moderator’s Welcome Speech Script
Good morning, respected panellists and dear audience.
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to today’s panel discussion on the topic “Indian Women Finding a Space in the Socio-Cultural Milieu.”
We have with us a distinguished panel:
Dr. Nandita Menon, a renowned sociologist;
Ms. Ayesha Rehman, lecturer in Gender Studies;
Dr. Sangeetha Thomas, psychologist and life coach;
Ms. Kavitha Pillai, a well-known lawyer;
and Mr. Rohan Deshmukh, a respected media analyst.
I look forward to a meaningful and enlightening discussion from all of you. Let us begin.
Moderator’s Closing Summary Speech
Thank you to all our panellists.
Today’s discussion has been truly insightful. Dr. Nandita emphasized the importance of mental resilience among women. Ms. Rehman spoke about media’s role in shaping a woman’s self-image. Dr. Sangeetha highlighted the need for emotional support systems. Ms. Kavitha discussed the legal frameworks that protect women’s rights. Mr. Rohan offered a deep view of media responsibility.
On the whole, this has turned out to be a fruitful session. Let us all work toward building a world where women are seen, heard, and respected. Thank you once again to our guests and the audience.
Activity III: Blurb Writing for Pratham Pratishruti
Title: Pratham Pratishruti
Author: Ashapurna Debi
Pratham Pratishruti (The First Promise) is a pioneering Bengali novel that explores the inner struggles of Satyabati, a woman who dares to question social norms during British India. Set in a conservative Brahmin household, the novel portrays how education, self-respect, and inner courage help Satyabati resist forced customs like child marriage and fight for gender equality.
Ashapurna Debi’s writing is bold, emotional, and honest. The novel inspires women to rise beyond limitations and become their own saviours.