From Decrepitude to Defiance: Deconstructing the Visceral Spectres of Human Trafficking in Ruchira Gupta's I Kick and I Fly

This research paper delves into Ruchira Gupta’s novel, I Kick and I Fly, as a powerful narrative lens through which to understand the multifaceted issue of human trafficking. It explores how the protagonist, Heera, navigates the grim realities of sex trafficking in rural Bihar, India, and how her journey of empowerment through martial arts challenges societal norms and economic desperation. The paper will analyse the deep-seated societal factors that propel human trafficking, including poverty, gender inequality, and systemic vulnerabilities, supported by global and Indian statistical data. Furthermore, it will examine how other thematic elements within the novel, such as bodily autonomy, community, and resilience, contribute to the perpetuation of or resistance against trafficking. Finally, the paper will propose comprehensive, multi-stakeholder solutions, drawing from both the novel’s insights and current academic research and policy interventions, to combat this pervasive human rights violation. Keywords: Exploitation; Human Trafficking; Vulnerability; Denotified Tribes; Resilience