In ‘Safety Kit,’ short stories are thematically varied. They include social, economic, cultural and psychological subject matter. Jinder attempts to understand the complexity of issues arising from the unprecedented migration of Punjabis in recent years. Many female characters challenge traditional barriers and aim to overcome age-old fears. They are inspiring as they find inner strength to live courageously.
In the title story, ‘Safety Kit,‘ Jaspreet, a young woman, copes with a deep fear of men as she adjusts to living in a foreign country. Traditionally, women are dependent on their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons for their safety. The risk of being raped is a constant fear for women. She is both attracted and troubled by the sexual freedom she sees in her new country. Her, landlady and journalist friend, Samantha, had been raped in Iraq. She asks Jaspreet, “Why are there different taboos in your society regarding sex?” (p. 95). At the end of the story, she removes fear from Jaspreet’s mind by saying, “My darling, rape has happened. But don’t be so afraid to live your life” (p. 105).
The story, ‘Mera Koi Kasoor Nahin,‘ exposes the typical motivation of parents in sending their children abroad. The parents have their own selfish reasons. They want children to work and send money home. Enormous pressure is exerted on their children without understanding the hardships their children face in foreign countries. Lovejit, who went abroad on a study visa, becomes a sex worker.
Jinder’s characters are struggling, yet entrepreneurial. He is adept in exploring feelings and attitudes by referring to history and mythology.
-Gurmukhi Jury
Jinder’s psychological approach in addressing issues that his characters face is an outstanding literary achievement.
-Central Jury
