Discarded and Resilient: Anjum’s Queer Motherhood in ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’

Arundhati Roy's novel "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" offers a poignant exploration of unconventional motherhood through the character of Anjum, a transgender woman living in Delhi. In this abstract, we delve into Anjum's portrayal as a discarded mother and the complexities of queer motherhood as depicted in Roy's narrative. Anjum's journey unfolds against the backdrop of societal marginalization and personal struggle, highlighting the intersectionality of her identity as a transgender individual and a mother. Estranged from her biological family due to her gender identity, Anjum finds solace and community in the "khwabgah" (a house for transgender individuals) where she becomes a nurturing figure to other marginalized individuals, forming her own unconventional family unit. Through Anjum's experiences, Roy challenges conventional notions of motherhood, portraying it as a fluid and inclusive concept that transcends biological ties. Anjum's maternal instincts and caregiving extend beyond traditional familial structures, encompassing a diverse array of individuals who find refuge in her warmth and compassion. However, Anjum's journey is fraught with heartache and loss, particularly in her quest to find and reconnect with her biological son. This aspect of her narrative underscores the challenges faced by queer individuals in navigating parenthood within a society that often fails to recognize their familial bonds and rights. By centering Anjum's story, "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" sheds light on the resilience and strength of queer motherhood in the face of adversity. Through her journey, Roy celebrates the power of love and kinship to transcend societal norms and redefine the meaning of family. In this abstract, we will explore Anjum's portrayal as a discarded mother and the broader implications of queer motherhood as depicted in Roy's novel, highlighting its significance in challenging normative understandings of parenthood and family.