About Us | Manasa Publications

Manasa Publications was founded to nurture and amplify women-centric literary works, bridging cultures through translation and offering readers a glimpse into the richness of women’s storytelling across India. Founded by Chaidhanya and Kirupalakshmi , our publishing house is rooted in a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of life. We seek to explore stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire. Through both fiction and non-fiction, our mission is to bring forth narratives that capture profound human experiences.

Why the Name "Manasa"?

The name "Manasa" holds a special significance for us. Derived from Sanskrit, it means "mind" or "soul," symbolizing the inner worlds where stories are born. Additionally, "Manasa" is also the name of the primitive deity in Indian mythology, the serpent goddess - Manasa Devi, often associated with wisdom, resilience and creativity. These qualities align beautifully with our mission to give voice to diverse female perspectives and celebrate the richness of women's creativity.

Vision and Mission

What do we lose in the narratives of women filtered through male voices, often shaped by the inevitable male gaze? Few male writers truly transcend these inherent limitations. What remains absent is a world seen through a woman’s perspective—a world where margins and boundaries are not etched in stone but dissolve like ink in water. It is a less ego-centric, more empathetic vision, where the woman’s voice is not an anomaly but the prevailing narrative. This is why Manasa, the serpent deity, stands as our emblem—her fluidity, her transformative energy, and her boundless creativity will guide and inspire us in this endeavor.

Our mission is to reclaim forgotten and suppressed voices of women, illuminating their stories across cultural, linguistic, and gendered frontiers. At the heart of this endeavor is a focus on the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of human life, exploring deeper truths that connect us all. In addition to centering women’s narratives, we will also publish male writers who transcend the limitations of the male gaze, challenge conventions and enrich our collective understanding.

Chaidhanya J - Founder

Chaidhanya J has a Master’s in English Literature and writes about literature, aesthetics, and philosophy. Her essays, published in Neeli magazine, introduce overlooked women thinkers with depth and insight. A voracious reader of novels and theory, she is invested in bringing Tamil and South Indian literature and thought into wider conversations with this publishing endeavor.

Kirupalakshmi K - Co-Founder

Kirupalakshmi K has an MBA and a background in marketing, but literature has always been her real passion. An avid reader and a budding writer, she has written short stories, essays and spoken about literature in various spaces. With her marketing experience, she brings a sharp sense of strategy and engagement to this project.

More than anything, this publication is an extension of friendship and shared belief that literature should be a site of discovery, debate, and connection.

Chaidhanya J - Founder

Kirupalakshmi K - Co-Founder

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