BehanBox — THAT THING I DO

A series of zines produced by Behanbox in collaboration with Chitrakoot Collective in association with Udaya Samvaad. BehanBox is a women-led organisation, that platforms local, women journalists, especially from historically marginalised communities, in their mission to transform journalism.

Written and Art Directed by me

Anjali’s Zine

Illustrated by Ankur Ahuja

One of the most visible signs of women’s subjugation is their absence from public spaces and lack of participation in community affairs. Anjali Rajput, a youth group leader, is changing this scenario by encouraging women to leave the confines of their homes and assert their agency, whether it is by participating in sports or just going for a stroll.

Akansha’s Zine

Illustrated by Ankur Ahuja

A zine based on the life of Akanksha Yadav, a national level baseball player who has won 11 national awards. A resident of the small town of Chhatarpur, she was just seven when she was fascinated by baseball after seeing the game being played by boys in a stadium in her town. Despite being discouraged to play the game because of her small frame, she continued with her interest and formed a team in her school. Her team then went on to play at a national level. Today, she coaches other girls who want to pursue the sport and breaks existing gender norms.

The Lockdown Zine

Illustrated by Anushree Agarwal

A zine that traces the impact of school lockdown on the education and dreams of children.

Manisha’s Zine

Illustrated by Vidya Gopal

Meet 20 year-old Manisha, a second year B.A student, who is now an inspiration for many young girls in Uttar Pradesh. Manisha is from the Nat community, one of the most backward communities, where very few girls go beyond primary school. Manisha escaped an early marriage to finance and pursue her own education. Despite familial and societal pressure to follow the conventional route to marriage, Manisha decided to become independent. She now runs a training center for young girls, which has also been selected under the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission.