Women’s ‘Quest of Self’ leading to ‘Spiritual Empowerment’ in The Escapist of Manoj Das

The Escapist is the last English novel written by Manoj Das a bilingual writer of Odisha. The novel records the life journey of the protagonist Padmalochan Pramanik who accidently is compelled to play as a swami. Ranjita Devi the wife of Jayant Thakore, a contractor, mistook him a swami and Padmalochan decides to play along. Living at her house he meets her daughter Sushobhana (Sushie). In the novel the character of Sushie though appears fragile but she displays a spiritual strength that mesmerises the protagonist and leads him to the path of true salvation. Thus she appears more strong character than the protagonist himself. Another strong female character of the novel is of Ranjita Devi. But contrary to Sushie’s inner strength she is shown outwardly powerful. Both the female characters leave a lasting impression.