Poetry, Politics and the Female Gaze

In Episode 4 of ‘Legally Hers’, host Prathiksha Ullal converses with Dr. T. Sumathy, Member of Parliament from the South Chennai constituency. Together, they step into the Parliament of India, where law and representation converge, and where the female gaze comes sharply into focus.

This episode reimagines political representation as a birthright. It examines why women’s presence in governance is not optional, but essential, and explores what it truly means to build genuine emotional connections with constituents. In doing so, it shows how a politics rooted in empathy can reshape representation in India.

Listeners are also introduced to Vanapechi- Dr. Sumathy’s powerful alter ego, an indigenous guardian deity through whom she raises critical questions about gender and society.

From the Land of Karisal, the birthplace of her poetry, to the halls of Parliament, this episode traces a journey across landscapes that are both deeply personal and profoundly political.

Meet Dr. T. Sumathy

Dr. T. Sumathy (also known as Thamizhachi Thangapandian) is a trailblazer in Indian politics, literature and academia. She seamlessly brings together her roles as a parliamentarian, poet, playwright, lyricist, and educator. Currently serving as the Member of Parliament for South Chennai constituency, she is a prominent advocate for progressive values, cultural preservation and social justice. Her wide-ranging and dynamic career makes her an inspiring figure in contemporary India.