Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Arathi Menon’s ‘Da’ Examines Section 377 Through Ved’s Adolescence
‘Da’ is a novel about a boy named Ved growing up under difficult circumstances.
Puberty makes Ved confused about his body and sexuality.
He also feels guilty because his mother died while giving birth to him.
At a school dance, Ved falls in love with a girl named Siya.
He later realizes that he is not gay, unlike Da, his adoptive father and uncle.
Ved does not get a simple or carefree teenage life.
Several painful events cause him to lose people he loves.
The story explores how Section 377 affects Ved’s life and family.
Ved experiences confusion about his sexuality when puberty begins.
Questions about his mother’s death during childbirth cause Ved guilt and remorse.
He falls in love with Siya, has sex with her, and realizes he is not gay like his adoptive father, Da.
Ved is an orphan raised by Da, who is also his uncle.
A series of unfortunate events causes Ved to lose the people he loves most.
- Who
- Ved, his adoptive father and uncle Da, Siya, and author Arathi Menon.
- What
- The novel ‘Da’ follows Ved’s adolescence, sexuality, family guilt, and losses while exploring the tragedy of Section 377.
- When
- The story’s two momentous events are set five years apart; no calendar dates are given.
- Where
- Not specified in the article.
- Why
- The novel examines the personal effects of sexuality-related confusion, family trauma, and Section 377 through a teenager’s perspective.
- Work
- ‘Da’
- Author
- Arathi Menon
- Central character
- Ved
- Adoptive parent
- Da, who is also Ved’s uncle
- Important relationship
- Ved falls in love with Siya
- Key legal reference
- Section 377
- Major themes
- Puberty, sexuality, guilt, family, and loss