Muskan Riyaz from Pirpanjal Publishes Debut Book Highlighting the Struggles of Women
Kashmir, Aug 21 – Muskan Riyaz, a 20-year-old aspiring author from the Pirpanjal range in Boniyar, Baramulla, has made her literary debut with a powerful book titled “The Brutal Tale of Helen.” Through her writing, Muskan sheds light on the enduring pain and societal challenges faced by women, especially in marginalized communities.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Muskan shared that her book focuses on the lifelong suffering of women and their silent struggles. Released last month at Tagore Hall, the book is now available on various online platforms.
Muskan emphasizes in her work that women have the potential to change their lives at any age. Her writing sends a message of resilience: all women need to do is not give up. She also advocates for gender equality, stating that neither men nor women are superior to each other.
She believes that limited vocabulary and education among women often lead to social prejudice, diminishing their influence within the household. In trying to preserve their identity in a patriarchal society, many women face violence and deep suffering. “Ultimately, they pay a horrible price,” Muskan noted.
Currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at Government Degree College in Boniyar, Muskan developed a love for writing from a young age. She hails from a remote border area where access to education and opportunities, especially for women, is limited. She is working on translating her book into Kashmiri to make it accessible to a wider audience. She has also co-authored several other books.
Muskan completed her 12th grade from Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Baramulla with a science background. Her parents, Riyaz Ahmed Sofi and Rubina Riyaz, have been her constant support. She also volunteers with the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Apart from writing, Muskan enjoys reading, painting, and calligraphy. She is currently working on her second book, which she plans to write in Kashmiri.
Through “The Brutal Tale of Helen,” Muskan captures the emotional turmoil of a young girl and the moral decay of society, including issues like lust and exploitation. Her writing, marked by expressions of sorrow and resilience, serves as a tool for raising awareness and sparking dialogue around social injustices.
Muskan believes that women in Kashmir continue to suffer in silence, with little opportunity to share their grief. This emotional isolation often leads to mental health issues such as depression. She encourages women to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights. “Unless a woman learns to stand on her own, no one will come forward to help her,” she says.
With her writing, Muskan Riyaz hopes to inspire social change and give a voice to those who are often unheard.
