A Defiant Voice Remembered: Jyotsna Mohan at The Write Circle, Dubai
Dubai witnessed a stirring afternoon of literature and remembrance as The Write Circle, an initiative of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, unfolded at Anantara Downtown Dubai. Hosted by the Ehsaas Women of Dubai, the session celebrated stories of courage, sacrifice, and journalism that dared to defy colonial power.
The guest author was noted journalist and writer Jyotsna Mohan, who presented her new book Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper. Co-authored with her father, Chander Mohan, the book chronicles the extraordinary journey of her grandfather, Vir Pratap Singh, founder of the nationalist newspaper Pratap.
The paper became a relentless thorn in the side of the British Raj, surviving repeated attempts at suppression to remain an unyielding voice of resistance.
From L to R: Kajall S Sagar and Madiha Saidi; Husam Malki, General Manager, Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel; Jamil Saidi and His Excellency Khalid Al Hashimi. Photo: PKF
In conversation with Madiha Saidi, Ehsaas Woman of Dubai, Mohan drew the audience into her family’s remarkable legacy. She recalled being pulled out of school amid kidnapping threats, surviving a parcel bomb that claimed two lives, and growing up in the shadow of constant danger.
“I am still a light sleeper,” she confessed — a moment of vulnerability that cast a hush across the room.
Her reading from Pratap resonated deeply, carrying the weight of history and the unflinching courage of a family that refused silence. The discussion also reflected on the evolving landscape of journalism, particularly for women, and the ongoing struggle to preserve integrity in today’s clamorous media world.
The event opened with Kajall S Sagar, Ehsaas Woman of Dubai, who introduced the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and welcomed the gathering. It closed with audience questions, a vote of thanks, and a felicitation — where Jamal Saidipresented Mohan with a Kotputli doll artwork from Rajasthan.
Reflecting on the occasion, Husam Malki, General Manager of Anantara Downtown Dubai, remarked:
“It is a true privilege to host The Write Circle event by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. This esteemed gathering perfectly reflects our commitment to fostering art and culture. We are thrilled to provide a platform where distinguished authors and thought leaders can share their creativity and insights with our community.”
Audience at the Write Circle Dubai event. Photo: PKF
For the Ehsaas Women of Dubai, the session went beyond a literary interaction. As Madiha Saidi and Kajall S Sagar observed:
“It was a privilege to curate a meaningful conversation that brought together literature, ideas, and voices. We look forward to continuing this journey of celebrating words and writers on behalf of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation.”
The afternoon left the audience not just informed but moved — a reminder that Pratap is not merely a slice of one family’s history, but also a vital, often forgotten chapter in India’s struggle for freedom.
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