The Voice Between Silence.
A WOMAN SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SHRINK TO BE LOVED. MARRIAGE MUST HOLD SPACE FOR HER GROWTH, NOT SILENCE HER IDENTITY.” HARVINDER JAIN, AUTHOR.
By Roshika Chand
I’ve always believed that when you understand your purpose and your “why,” the One above aligns you with the right people at the right time.A warm evening in January this year I was invited to a book launch, arriving with curiosity, not knowing what the evening would hold. What unfolded was a story, both beautiful and thought-provoking, that stirred something deeply familiar within me. For me, it wasn’t about marriage itself, but what it can represent in culture: the quiet shaping and at times, silencing of a woman’s voice and identity.
There were moments growing up where silence seemed to be the safer language, where certain parts of me were gently guided to be quieter, softer, less seen. But something within me never quite learnt that dialect. It questioned, it felt, it remained. And perhaps that quiet defiance was never resistance but a calling. A calling to one day to give voice to what often goes unspoken.
In Wifed in India, Harvinder Jain captures a journey that echoes what many of us have witnessed or experienced. The story explores the complexities of marriage within traditional expectations. Where identity, sacrifice, and societal pressure often intertwine. It reveals the tension between personal desires and the cultural role of being a “wife,” while gently unfolding themes of emotional struggle, resilience, and self-discovery.
More than a narrative, the book invites reflection. It brings awareness to evolving gender roles and challenges long-held norms, ultimately reminding us that every woman deserves the space to find her voice within or beyond marriage.
For me, this wasn’t just a book launch. It was a moment of alignment. A reminder that the stories we are drawn to are often the ones we are meant to tell.
Interview with Harvinder Jain Author of Wifed in India
1. What inspired you to write Wifed in India? Was there a personal moment or experience that sparked the story?
Wifed in India is deeply inspired by my lived experiences after marriage. I married outside my
religion, caste, and socio-economic background, and suddenly found myself navigating a completely new social ecosystem.
The unspoken hierarchies, unfamiliar rituals, and subtle expectations were very different from the secular, disciplined environment I grew up in as the daughter of an Army officer.
What struck me the most was how little preparation women receive for navigating these complex social dynamics. We are educated for careers, but rarely taught how to navigate the emotional, cultural, and relational fabric of marriage.
That realisation became the seed of Wifed in India. It also led me to explore what I now call Relationship Intelligence, the ability to understand relational dynamics while remaining
authentic to oneself.
2. The title is very powerful. What does “Wifed” mean to you, and what message were you hoping readers would take from it?
“Wifed” represents a transition. The moment when a woman moves from being an individual to being defined through a role.
In many cultures, especially in South Asia, marriage can quietly reshape a woman’s identity.
Expectations around behaviour, loyalty, duty, and sacrifice suddenly expand.
The word “Wifed” captures that moment of transformation, sometimes empowering, sometimes confusing, and sometimes deeply challenging.
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Through the title, I wanted readers to reflect on an important question:
Can a woman remain authentic to herself while honouring the role of a wife?
3. Many women may relate to the themes in your book. What conversations do you hope this story opens in society?
I hope the book opens a deeper conversation about marriage in modern society.
For a long time, women have been told that endurance and sacrifice are the greatest virtues of a wife. I want to gently challenge that stereotype.
With changing economic realities and evolving social roles, we must redefine the role of a wife at a societal level as well in a way that holds space for her to grow as an individual and refine herself while proudly pursuing her skills and aspirations.
This is where Relationship Intelligence becomes important, the ability to navigate emotional dynamics, cultural expectations, and personal identity within relationships.
Through Wifed in India, I hope people begin discussing marriage not as a fixed cultural script, but as a relationship that requires awareness, empathy, and mutual growth.
4. What was the most emotional or challenging part of writing this book for you?
The most challenging part was revisiting the emotional moments that shaped the journey.
Writing requires honesty, and sometimes that means returning to experiences that were confusing or painful at the time.
But I also realised that those moments were not just my story, they reflected struggles many women quietly go through.
Transforming those experiences into something meaningful for readers was both emotional and deeply fulfilling.
5. What do you hope readers feel or reflect on after finishing Wifed in India?
I hope readers feel seen and understood.
Many women believe their struggles in marriage are personal failures, when in reality, they are navigating complex cultural and relational systems.
If readers finish the book with a deeper awareness of themselves and their relationships and begin developing Relationship Intelligence in their own lives, then the book has served its purpose.
Final Note to your readers Harvinder…If you could say one thing directly to women who may see parts of themselves in your story, what would it be?
You are not alone.
Your voice, your identity, and your dreams do not disappear after marriage, they evolve.
The real journey is not choosing between love and authenticity. The real journey is learning
how to find alignment between the two in a way that supports your aspirations in life.
Story by Roshika Chand
Saving tax probably won’t let you retire at 45. It probably won’t make you a millionaire. It might, at best, upgrade you from a regular latte to the one with oat milk and a fancy sprinkle of cinnamon.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide quick, convenient medical care for a wide range of health problems, ones that are not a life-threatening emergency.
If pregnant, clinics may also offer opportunistic syphilis testing, which helps protect both the mother and the baby.
I’m delighted to begin this April edition of the Australian Indian Times by acknowledging a significant date in our calendar, 111 years since Australian and New Zealand troops first landed during the Gallipoli campaign. ANZAC Day offers us a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and animals who served with courage and dedication.
This year, I will be marching and attending the Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch ceremony at the Lake Parklands in Forest Lake. I still recall attending this service when I was around four years old, which makes it especially meaningful to return and take part alongside my school friends and community leaders. I encourage you to attend a local service or simply place a candle at dawn and pay your respects from home. For more information, please contact your local RSL.
This is a significant day in our national calendar. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was established in 1914 in Egypt, bringing together the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The name “ANZAC” has become a lasting symbol of mateship, resilience, and sacrifice. It is also important to recognise the contributions of Indian and British soldiers who fought alongside the ANZACs. Around 16,000 Indian troops served in the Gallipoli campaign, with approximately 1,600 losing their lives. Their bravery remains an important part of our shared history.A highlight from last month was participating in the Cancer Council fundraiser coordinated by Kylie Gates. A heartfelt thank you to Mandeep Kaur, Vice President of GOPIO Brisbane, for taking part in the walk. I’m also grateful to readers of the Australian Indian Times as one participant shared that they discovered the event through this column.
Originally from South India, Will has lived and worked across the world—from Dubai to regional Australia—before settling locally. Fluent in multiple languages, he has created a welcoming pharmacy environment that reflects the diversity of our community. His approach is simple yet powerful: a smile, genuine care, and a commitment to building one-on-one relationships. I was honoured to join him as he celebrated his first year anniversary in business, marked by community education, a family-friendly petting zoo, and plans for future events.
I’ve been incredibly encouraged by the positive feedback from readers. This is why I also want to highlight a growing local and international concern—the rising cost of fuel. Reports, including coverage from multiple news outlets and everyday observations across our communities, suggest that fuel supply pressures could lead to increased costs when buying groceries or dining out, impacting households and farmers alike. Increased transport costs inevitably flow through to everyday expenses, placing added pressure on families.
During these times, I encourage everyone to explore practical ways to ease financial pressure—whether it’s checking eligibility for community transport support (Council cabs), considering carpooling, looking into electric vehicles and salary sacrificing, or even growing your own vegetables at home. Personally, I’ve started walking more, gardening, and sharing produce with neighbours. These small steps not only help financially but also strengthen community connections. Now more than ever, compassion and mateship are what define us as Australians.
Please also take care of your mental health. I’ve recently joined the Wolston Park Cricket Club social cricket sessions—just $10 a game, open to all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, stay active, and connect with others. In a world full of pressures, it’s important to pause and remember what truly matters—our families, friends, and community. I also had the pleasure of attending the 2026 City of Logan People’s Excellence Awards, where I caught up with Cr Nathan St Ledger and Cr Scott Bannan, both of whom are passionate about youth mental health and its importance.
A special mention also goes to community champions and organisations supporting International Women’s Day celebrations, including ISCA, led by Roshni Sharma, and the many volunteers who made these events so meaningful. These are the groups that strengthen our multicultural community and provide support for both the mind and soul.
An engaging gathering at Mt Ommaney Library highlights values-based living, intergenerational learning and community connection Brisbane, 21 March 2026 — The Connect @ Mahamane gathering, held at Mt Ommaney Library, brought together community members for an evening of interactive learning, cultural reflection and meaningful connection. The event showcased how values-based initiatives can strengthen communities while empowering individuals across all age groups.
One of the most engaging segments of the evening was the interactive activity “Act the Value”, where participants expressed values through short role-plays. This was followed by “Guess the Value”, where attendees identified values from real-life scenarios, sparking thoughtful discussions and collaborative learning.
