CAMARADERIE AS SANCTUARY: HEALING TRAUMA IN ARUNDHATI ROY'S THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS

This paper shows how friendship and togetherness, often called camaraderie, help people deal with many of the trauma issues in their lives. The novel taken for this is The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy. The story follows characters who feel this kind of pain. They are subjected to gender violence, social restriction, and political conflict. In fact, the main characters are often outsiders in society, and they find comfort and strength by having relationships with others. Through these bonds, they are able to heal and live a fair life in this unfair world. Roy uses camaraderie not just as a theme, but to invite the reader to witness feelings and journeys. The novel also helps in showcasing healing and how people can be a great part of that healing as well. It helps the characters face their traumas and build new identities. The paper also argues that true healing happens through shared stories, kindness, and the quiet strength of friendship.