LENSING THE GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND ELEMENTS OF ACTIVISM IN THE PRIYA COMIC SERIES

This research article focuses on the first Indian female superhero, Priya. This article critically analyses the storyline of Priya, a rape survivor and an ardent devote of Goddess Parvati.  The critical investigation reflects the pain, social stigma, and isolation encountered by female rape survivors universally particularly in Indian Society. The narrative of the comics is interwoven with Indian Mythology where Goddess Parvati is angered to see the sexual exploitation of women in daily life and is determined to change the scene. Goddess Parvati enters Priya's body and seeks revenge on the men who raped her. Priya is also blessed with a flying Tiger called “Sahas” (courage in English). This article lenses the message of women empowerment and Gender-based violence preached through the character Priya. This article highlights the sexual violence on women, women’s rights, equality on one end, and challenges the deeply rooted patriarchal norms of our society at the other. Apart from that, the article explores three more adventures of Priya, focusing activism on burning issues. In Priya’s Mask, she points out the compulsion of mask-wearing, working together to end the pandemic is essential for all humankind. The undercurrent of this comic strip reflects courage; compassion during difficult times as well as the sacrifices of frontline health workers. Priya's mirror uncovers the protest of acid attack survivors and the psychological impact of such assault. Titled Priya and the Lost Girls is a protest against Women trafficking and forcing them into a brothel. In short, articles offer a psychoanalytical approach to a dark-skinned and salwar-kameez clad girl representing modern women & her reformation towards rape culture, racialism, and conservative cum fundamentalist attitude of society.