Navigating Society's Turmoil: Anjum's Identity Struggle in Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

Abstract

Arundhati Roy's novel The Ministry of Utmost Happiness presents a rich tapestry of characters and themes, prominently featuring Anjum, a transgender woman whose journey serves as a poignant exploration of societal norms and personal identity in contemporary India. This research article delves into Anjum's struggle with societal expectations and her quest for self-discovery, analyzing how Roy navigates complex themes of gender, religion, and marginalization through Anjum's narrative arc. Drawing upon critical analysis and close reading of the text, this article seeks to elucidate the nuances of Anjum's character, examining the ways in which she challenges conventional notions of identity and belonging while negotiating the intersections of gender, religion, and socio-political dynamics in Indian society.