To The Negro-American Soldiers By Léopold Sédar Senghor

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:- 

This blog is a part of a Thinking Activity given by Megha Trivedi Ma'am, a visiting faculty from the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to discuss the Poem To The Negro-American Soldiers' By Léopold Sédar Senghor.

LEOPOLD SEDAR SENGHOR:-

Léopold Senghor was a poet, teacher, and politician who became the first president of the African nation of Senegal after it gained independence from France. He was born in 1906 in Senegal when it was a French colony. As a young man, Senghor went to study in Paris, where he became passionate about promoting African art and culture on the world stage. He coined the term "Negritude" to celebrate Black African identity and experience through literature and art. 

During World War II, Senghor was captured and spent time in a Nazi concentration camp, where he wrote some of his famous poetry. After the war, he entered politics, becoming a member of the French parliament representing Senegal. As Senegal and other French colonies pushed for independence in the late 1950s, Senghor helped negotiate Senegal becoming an independent nation in 1960. He was elected as Senegal's first president and served until retiring voluntarily in 1980.

As president, Senghor promoted African socialist and democratic values while modernizing Senegal's agriculture and economy. He advocated for better trade terms for African nations on the global stage. Senghor remained deeply committed to preserving and promoting Negritude philosophy and African arts and literature throughout his life. He was inducted into the prestigious French Academy and published volumes of his acclaimed poetry until his death in 2001 at age 95. (Britannica) (To know more about Léopold Sédar Senghor visit this website titled The Senghor myth (Click Here).

Here is a video available on the life of Léopold Sédar Senghor on YouTube:

TO THE NEGRO-AMERICAN SOLDIERS:-

For Mercer Cook

I did not recognize you in prison under your

sad-colored uniform

I did not recognize you under the calabash helmet

without style

I did not recognize the whining sound of your

iron horses, who drink but do not eat.

And it is no longer the nobility of elephants, it is the

the barbaric weight of the prehistoric

monsters of the world.

Under your closed face, I did not recognize you.

I only touched the warmth of your brown hand,

I called myself “Afrika! ”

And I found once again the lost laughter, I hailed the ancient voices

and the roar of Congo waterfalls.

Brothers, I do not know whether you bombed the

cathedrals, the pride of Europe,

If you are the lightning of God’s hand that burned

Sodom and Gomorrah.

No, you are the messengers of his mercy, the

Spring after Winter.

To those who had forgotten how to laugh-only

smile obliquely

Who knew nothing but the savory flavor of

tears and the vexing stench of blood

You bring the Season of Peace and hope to

end of the delay.

And their night is filled with milky sweetness, the blue

fields of the sky are covered with flowers, silence sings

soothingly.

You bring them the sun. The air beats with whispers

liquids and crystalline chirping and beating

silky wings

The aerial cities are tepid with nests.

Through the streets joy streamed, the boys play with

their dreams

Men dance before of their machines and

surprised themselves singing.

Schoolgirl's eyelids are rose petals, and

fruits ripen in the virgins’ breasts

And the women’s hips-Oh, sweetness-

grow generously heavy.

Black brothers, warriors whose mouths are flowers that

sing

-Oh! the delight to live after Winter-I salute you

like messengers of peace.

Explanation of the Poem according to my understanding and with the help of Claude AI:-

The poem "To The Negro-American Soldiers" by Léopold Sédar Senghor is a powerful tribute to Mercer Cook, who served as the Ambassador to Senegal and Gambia. Despite Cook's French origin, Senghor embraces him as a brother and a messenger of peace, recognizing his solidarity with the African soldiers and their struggle.

The poem opens with a striking contrast, where the speaker initially fails to recognize Cook in his "sad-colored uniform" and "calabash helmet," symbols of oppression and lack of individuality. However, upon touching Cook's "brown hand," the speaker experiences a profound connection, exclaiming "Afrika!" and rediscovering the lost laughter and ancient voices of his homeland, represented by the "roar of Congo waterfalls."

Senghor questions whether Cook and his compatriots are the ones who "bombed the cathedrals" and brought destruction, likening them to the "lightning of God's hand that burned Sodom and Gomorrah." However, he quickly dismisses this notion, proclaiming them as "messengers of his mercy" and the "Spring after Winter," bringing hope and peace to those who had forgotten how to laugh and had known only the bitterness of tears and the stench of blood.

The poem vividly depicts the transformative power of Cook's presence, as the night is filled with "milky sweetness," the sky adorned with flowers, and silence sings soothingly. Senghor portrays Cook and his comrades as bringers of the sun, filling the air with whispers, liquid sounds, and the beating of silky wings, creating an atmosphere of warmth and rejuvenation.

The poem's imagery extends to the impact on the people, with joy streaming through the streets, boys playing with their dreams, and men dancing before their machines, surprised by their own singing. The schoolgirls' eyelids are likened to rose petals, and fruits ripen in the virgins' breasts, symbolizing the fertility and abundance that accompanies the newfound peace.

In the final stanza, Senghor addresses Cook and his "Black brothers" as "warriors whose mouths are flowers that sing," expressing his delight in living after the metaphorical Winter and saluting them as messengers of peace. The poem celebrates Cook's empathy and understanding of the African soldiers' pain, transcending racial boundaries and embracing him as a brother in the pursuit of peace and renewal. (It might be possible that this interpretation is different, it is totally according to my point of view)

👉Here is an article titled 'Hello and Goodbye to Négritude: Senghor, Dadié, Dongala, and America' which might help to understand the idea of Negritude.

The article explores how three prominent francophone African writers - Leopold Senghor, Bernard Dadie, and Emmanuel Dongala - have represented the United States in their works, particularly through the lens of the Negritude movement's ideology around Black racial identity. 

For the Negritude proponents Senghor and Dadie, America occupies a complex space as both the racial "Other" given its white mainstream culture, but also containing the resonant "Self" in the form of the African-American community. Senghor's poems like "To the Black American Troops" and "Elegy for Martin Luther King" celebrate the ties of racial kinship, praising African-Americans as brothers contributing to the universal civilization that Negritude sought to forge between African and European values. 

Dadie's satirical novel One Way critiques American materialism, racism, and conformity, but his narrator also expresses a yearning for African-American integration and recognition of their vital role in shaping American culture, imagining they could revitalize America with their innate sense of rhythm and emotion prized by Negritude.

In contrast, Dongala's anti-Negritude novel Un fusil dans la main rejects any intrinsic racial unity between Africans and African-Americans. His character Mayela, while inspired by Black American activists, feels Africa is a lived reality for him but only a myth for the African-American Meeks, who dies tragically seeking to "return to the roots" by fighting in the Zimbabwean liberation struggle.

The article traces how this divergence reflects the rejection of Negritude's racial essentialism by a new generation of African writers and thinkers after independence. While acknowledging race's undeniable socio-political impacts, the article suggests more recent African literature has moved towards exploring cultural differences vis-a-vis the West and the colonial legacy, rather than asserting a monolithic racial identity.

Here is about the Senghor from the words of Cook who is addressed in this poem.

Senghor, of course, was hospitality itself. He welcomed me. When I presented my letter of my credentials, I mentioned our former friendship and how in 1934 he was telling me about the beauties of Africa, the beauties of Senegal, the importance of Senegal, the future of Senegal. And I was telling him what he most wanted to know about the writing scene, the writers, black writers in the United States. As early as 1934, I was amazed to hear him quote, by heart, poetry by Langston Hughes, by Sterling Brown, by Countee Cullen, by Claude McKay and by other black American writers and poets. That, of course, was the first side of Senghor that I had noted. And that, of course, had been continued and had developed. Incidentally, in his autobiography he was asked what books, if he were on a desert island, like Robinson Crusoe, what books would he take with him? And the fifth book he put down there was Langston Hughes’ first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, which, as you may remember, was published back in the 1920’s. (Association) 

Here is a video available on YouTube which helps to understand What is Négritude?

WORKS CITED:-

• Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. “SENEGAL COUNTRY READER 2011.” ADST, https://adst.org/Readers/Senegal.pdf. Accessed 30 March 2024.
• Bobin, Florian. “The Senghor myth.” Africa Is a Country, 6 September 2020, https://africasacountry.com/2020/06/the-senghor-myth. Accessed 30 March 2024.
• Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Léopold Senghor". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Dec. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leopold-Senghor. Accessed 30 March 2024.

Words: 1573

The Piano and The Drums by Gabriel Okara

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is a part of a Thinking Activity given by Megha Trivedi Ma'am, a visiting faculty from the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to discuss the Poem 'The Piano and The Drums' by Gabriel Okara.

Generated by Gemini AI

GABRIEL OKARA:-

Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara (Emmanuel) 24 April 1921 – 25 March 2019 (Emmanuel) He was a Nigerian Poet, Novelist and Playwright. (Emmanuel) He was known as the first renowned English Language black African poet and the first African modernist writer. (Emmanuel) Okara held the distinction of being the inaugural modernist poet of Anglophone Africa. (Emelike) During his lifetime, he attributed his flourishing literary career to his time at Government College Umuahia, where he encountered and drew inspiration from the works of William Shakespeare and other esteemed literary figures. (Emelike)

He became well-known for his important novel called "The Voice" (1964), and people loved his poetry books like "The Fisherman’s Invocation" (1978) and "The Dreamer, His Vision" (2005). In his writing, Okara cleverly included African ideas, beliefs, stories, and pictures, which is why people called him "the Nigerian Negritudist." (Emelike) Brenda Marie Osbey, the editor of his Collected Poems, stated that, 

“It is with publication of Gabriel Okara’s first poem that Nigerian literature in English and modern African poetry in this language can be said truly to have begun.” (Emelike) 

Delving deeper into his works, Gabriel Okara's poem, "The Call of the River Nun," received an award at the Nigerian Festival of Arts in 1953. His poetry appeared in the literary magazine Black Orpheus, and by 1960, he had gained acknowledgment as a skilled literary artisan, with his poetry translated into numerous languages. One of Okara’s most famous poems is “Piano and Drum.” Another popular poem, “You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed,” is a frequent feature of anthologies. Aside from his poetry and fiction, Okara ventured into playwriting and contributed features for broadcasting. Unfortunately, many of his unpublished manuscripts were lost during the Nigerian Civil War. (Emelike)

Awards:-

• Awards Best All-Round Entry In Poetry at the Nigerian Festival of Arts, for "The Call of the River Nun" (1953) (Olatunbosun) 
• Commonwealth Poetry Prize, for The Fisherman's Invocation (1979) (Augoye) 
• NLNG Prize, for The Dreamer, His Vision (2005) (Gabriel Okara (1921-2019)) 
• Pan African Writers' Association Honorary Membership Award (2009) (Osagie) 
• Gabriel Okara Literary Festival (2017) (Ajeluorou)

Notable Works:-

• The Voice (1964) 
• The Fisherman's Invocation (1978) 
• Little Snake and Little Frog (1981) 
• An Adventure to Juju Island (1992) 
• The Dreamer, His Vision (2005) 
• As I See It (2006) Collected Poems (2016)

'THE PIANO AND THE DRUMS':- 

When at break of day at a riverside 

I hear jungle drums telegraphing 

the mystic rhythm, urgent, raw 

like bleeding flesh, speaking of 

primal youth and the beginning, 

I see the panther ready to pounce, 

the leopard snarling about to leap and 

the hunters crouch with spears poised. 

And my blood ripples, turns torrent, 

topples the years and at once I’m 

in my mother’s laps a suckling; 

at once I’m walking simple 

paths with no innovations 

rugged, fashioned with the naked 

warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts 

in green leaves and wild flowers pulsing. 

Then I hear a wailing piano 

solo speaking of complex ways 

in tear- furrowed concerto; 

of far away lands 

and new horizons with 

coaxing diminuendo, counterpoint, 

crescendo, but lost in the labyrinth of its complexities, it ends in the middle of a phrase at a daggerpoint 

And I lost in the morning mist 

of an age at a riverside keep 

wandering in the mystic rhythm 

of jungle drums and concerto.

• In the poem, "The Piano and the Drums," the speaker compares the traditional African lifestyle with modern ways. 
• The poem spans from ancient times to the present day, highlighting the impact of foreign cultures on Africans. 
• The main idea centers on how outside influences have changed African traditions. 
• Okara uses music to symbolize this change, showing how it affects the speaker. 
• Ultimately, the poem mourns the loss of African purity due to the intrusion of civilization. 
• Gabriel Okara expresses his sorrow over the erosion of African customs through the art of poetry. (Nwatu)

Explanation of the Poem:

The poem opens by transporting the reader to a primal, natural setting at the break of dawn by a riverside jungle. The pounding of jungle drums emerges, described in visceral terms as a "mystic rhythm, urgent, raw" and likened to "bleeding flesh." This ancient, primordial drumbeat evokes visions of predatory animals like panthers and leopards poised to pounce, as well as hunters crouched with spears, all representing the inherent wildness and spiritual connection to nature in traditional African life.

As the drums' rhythm courses through the speaker's veins, they are psychologically thrust back through time and memory. The drums trigger an atavistic regression to the speaker's most primal origins - being cradled as a "suckling" infant in their mother's lap. The drums' cadence carries them along "simple paths" devoid of modern "innovations," paths forged merely by the "naked warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts." In this state, the speaker exists in harmony with the lush natural surroundings of "green leaves and wild flowers pulsing."

But this idyllic reverie is shattered by the jarring intrusion of a "wailing piano solo" that represents the complexity and foreign influences of the civilized world impinging on traditional African culture. The piano's music evokes "far away lands" and "new horizons" with its multi-layered "coaxing diminuendo, counterpoint, crescendo." However, the speaker finds themselves becoming "lost in the labyrinth" of the piano's complexity, which "ends in the middle of a phrase at a daggerpoint" - an abrupt severing of the musical ideas mirroring the violent disruption of cultural traditions.

In the end, the speaker is suspended between two worlds - the mystic primordial realm of the "jungle drums" representing their African roots, and the unfamiliar "concerto" of outside cultures. They are left "wandering" adrift, unable to fully inhabit either sphere. The poem laments this displacement and cultural upheaval brought about by colonialism and modernization's encroachment on pure, ancestral ways of life.

Through his poetic lens, Okara crystallizes the profound loss and sorrow felt as traditional African identity and cosmic unity with the natural world was shattered by the discordant "innovations" of foreign influences. The drumbeat's ancient "mystic rhythms" gradually subsumed by the piano's "complexities" stands as a powerful metaphor for urbanization's erosion of tribal cultures and environmental stewardship. Okara's poem gives searing voice to the painful ambiguities of embracing inevitable change while still yearning for a bygone primal wholeness.

Symbols: 

• The drums represent traditional African culture, values, and ways of life. They are associated with community, rhythm, dance, ceremony. 
• The piano represents European/Western cultural influence and modernization. It is associated with individualism, discordance, and loss of cultural identity. 

Themes: 

• Cultural identity - The poem explores the tension between traditional communal ways of life vs modern individualistic society. There is a loss of cultural purity. 
• Colonialism/Imperialism - The imposition of Western culture on Africa is seen in a negative light, as it erodes traditional values. 
• Modernity - The arrival of modernization brings both good (education, technology) and ill (loss of cultural identity). This is depicted in the poem.

Structure: 

• The poem has two sections - the drums section reminisces about communal African village life. The piano section depicts the present-day of disruption and chaos. 

Language: 

• Rhythmic and musical language mirrors the beating of the drums. This shifts to discordant with the piano imagery. 
• Strong visual imagery - the poet powerfully evokes the sights and sounds of an African village gathering. 

The poem uses the highly symbolic drums and piano to cleverly explore complex themes of cultural change, identity, and colonialism's impact on Africa. The structured contrast shows the tension between past and present.

To understand more about this poem in detail visit this blog (Click Here).

Here is the Presentation on this Poem by me at the Department of English.  

Presentation on Gabriel Okara's 'You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed' & 'The Piano and The Drums'.pptx from Pooja Bhuva

Here is the video available on this presentation by me on YouTube:

WORKS CITED:-

• Ajeluorou, Anote. “Gabriel Okara… Restoring the genius of Africa's oldest living poet.” The Guardian Nigeria, 5 May 2017, https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/cover/gabriel-okara-restoring-the-genius-of-africas-oldest-living-poet/. Accessed 28 March 2024. 
• Augoye, Jayne. “Renowned Nigerian poet, Gabriel Okara, dies at 97.” Premium Times Nigeria, 25 March 2019, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/322315-renowned-nigerian-poet-gabriel-okara-dies-at-97.html?tztc=1. Accessed 28 March 2024.
• Emelike, Obinna. “Nigerian literary community mourns Gabriel Okara.” Businessday NG, 25 March 2019, https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/nigerian-literary-community-mourns-gabriel-okara/. Accessed 28 March 2024.
• Emmanuel. “Renowned Poet and Novelist, Gabriel Okara, Dies Just Before 98th Birthday.” Olisa TV, Internet Archive Wayback Machine, 25 March 2019, https://www.olisa.tv/renowned-poet-and-novelist-gabriel-okara-dies-just-before-98th-birthday/. Accessed 28 March 2024.
• “Gabriel Okara (1921-2019) – The Sun Nigeria.” The Sun Nigeria, 5 April 2019, https://sunnewsonline.com/gabriel-okara-1921-2019/. Accessed 1 March 2024.
• Nwatu, Mcanthony. “THE PIANO AND THE DRUMS – Litionary.” Litionary, 19 December 2017, https://litionaryblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/the-piano-and-the-drums/. Accessed 1 March 2024.
• Olatunbosun, Yinka. “THE RIVER NUN CALLED, AND GABRIEL OKARA ANSWERED AT LAST….” THISDAYLIVE, 31 March 2019, https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/03/31/the-river-nun-called-and-gabriel-okara-answered-at-last. Accessed 28 March 2024. 
• Osagie, Evelyn. “Echoes of Achebe’s works at writers’ show.” The Nation Newspaper, 25 November 2015, https://thenationonlineng.net/echoes-of-achebes-works-at-writers-show/. Accessed 28 March 2024.

Words: 1542

Revolution Twenty20 by Chetan Bhagat

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is a part of a Thinking Activity given by Dilip Barad sir (Click Here to know more) from the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to discuss the 'Revolution Twenty20' by Chetan Bhagat and some of the questions related to it.

CHETAN BHAGAT:-

Chetan Bhagat is an Indian author, columnist, and motivational speaker known for his bestselling novels that often explore themes related to love, relationships, and contemporary social issues in India. He gained immense popularity with his debut novel "Five Point Someone," which was published in 2004. The book, set in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, became a bestseller and was later adapted into the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots."

Some of his other notable works include "One Night @ the Call Center," "The 3 Mistakes of My Life," "2 States," "Revolution 2020," and "Half Girlfriend." His books have been widely read not only in India but also internationally, and many of them have been adapted into successful Bollywood films.

Aside from his literary career, Bhagat is also known for his columns in major Indian newspapers and for his participation in public speaking events, where he often discusses topics ranging from education to politics to youth empowerment. He has been both praised and criticized for his writing style, with some lauding his ability to connect with young readers and others critiquing the simplicity of his prose and the themes explored in his novels. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most influential contemporary authors in India. (ChatGPT)

'REVOLUTION 2020':-

"Revolution 2020" is a novel written by Chetan Bhagat, published in 2011. Set in the backdrop of the city of Varanasi, India, the story revolves around three main characters: Gopal Mishra, Raghav Mishra, and Aarti Mishra.

Gopal, the protagonist, is from a lower-middle-class family and dreams of becoming rich and successful. Raghav, his childhood friend, is idealistic and passionate about bringing about change in society. Aarti is the girl they both love, but she is more inclined towards Raghav due to his integrity and principles.

The novel explores the themes of corruption, love, ambition, and the education system in India. Gopal, driven by his desire for wealth and success, takes the path of corruption and manipulation. He starts an engineering college with the help of a corrupt politician and becomes involved in unethical practices to ensure its success.

On the other hand, Raghav starts a revolution against corruption and injustice. He becomes a journalist and exposes the corrupt practices in the education system and politics. Aarti is caught between the two men, torn between her love for Raghav and her sympathy for Gopal.

As the story progresses, Gopal's actions lead to his downfall, while Raghav gains popularity as a crusader against corruption. Aarti realizes the true nature of both men and makes her choice.

The novel concludes with a reflection on the consequences of corruption and the need for genuine change in society. It highlights the struggles and choices faced by individuals in a corrupt system and the power of idealism and integrity in bringing about revolution and change. (Bhagat)

MAJOR CHARACTERS:-

Gopal Mishra: Hailing from Varanasi, Gopal faces the harsh realities of life due to poverty. His aspiration is to become wealthy. He gets a low ranking in the AIEEE exams and moves to Kota for coaching classes. Later, he becomes entangled in corruption when a politician offers him a deal related to valuable family land. (Copilot)

Aarti Pradhan: Daughter of an IAS officer and granddaughter of a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Aarti shares a platonic relationship with Gopal. As a teenager, Gopal pushes for more, but Aarti reveals she’s not ready. During Gopal’s absence, Aarti falls for their mutual friend, Raghav. (Copilot)

Raghav Kashyap: Raghav, from a well-off family, aspires to create a revolution in India by fighting corruption. He becames a celebrity after passing the IIT entrance exam. His journey involves journalism and a pursuit of integrity. (Copilot)

👉SOCIAL REALISM OF CORRUPTION IN PRIVATE EDUCATION SYSTEM:-

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". 

- Nelson Mandela

Education is crucial nowadays, but sometimes it feels like we don't prioritize it enough. The education system really matters because it shapes people's lives and impacts the future. We have both public and private education systems, and many writers and filmmakers have talked about this to raise awareness. Despite their efforts, we haven't seen much change in the system. The reason for this lack of change is ourselves and the hidden corruption. Even when corruption is right in front of us, we often choose to turn a blind eye and let it continue.

Rank	Country	Quality Index	Opportunity Index
1	United States	49.1	96.4
2	United Kingdom	73.9	94.6
3	Germany	92.3	100
4	Canada	88.7	98.4
5	France	67.9	80.9
6	Japan	86.3	91.9
7	Switzerland	82.2	91.6
8	Australia	79.1	94.0
9	Sweden	100	89.8
10	Denmark	93.7	84.3

Top 10 Best Education Systems in the World - AECC (Click Here to read more) 

As we observe the growth of the private education system, questions naturally arise: What are the consequences of this growth? Is a private education system necessary? Why do we see the social realism of corruption in private education? And most importantly, is there a way to stop this corruption? Delving into these questions, especially within the context of the Indian system, may lead to ideas that not everyone agrees with.

In "Revolution 2020," Chetan Bhagat explores the theme of the education system, although it may sometimes seem overshadowed by the love story involving Raghav, Aarti, and Gopal. Bhagat portrays the corrupt education system through the character of Gopal. Additionally, another idea he indirectly touches upon is the prevalence of corruption in private coaching centers, particularly in places like Kota, which cater to exams like the IIT and JEE Advance. While this aspect isn't explicitly depicted in the novel, it hints at the broader issue of corruption within the education sector.

Here are some ideas which I can think of while observing the Claude AI responses. 

1. Showing how schools charge too much money from students and their families, and don't tell them where the money goes.

2. Talking about how some private schools don't have good facilities or enough teachers, especially for kids who don't have a lot of money.

3. Explaining how some students get into these schools because of who they know or how much money they can pay, not because they deserve it.

4. Saying that sometimes schools don't teach well or don't test students fairly because they care more about making money.

5. Describing how hard it is for students and their families when they have to deal with corrupt systems, and how it hurts their chances for a good future.

6. Talking about how the people in charge of making sure schools are fair and good at teaching don't always do their job well, which lets corruption keep happening.

Movies and series such as "Paathshaala" (2010), "Chalk n Duster" (2016), "Hindi Medium" (2017), "Nil Battey Sannata" (2016), "Rajesh Khattar's Class" (2022, OHO Gujarati), "Shiksha Mandal" (2020, MX Player), "Buddha Mar Gaya" (2007), "Aarakshan" (2011), and "Chillar Party" (2011), etc. are examples that touch upon the issue of corruption in the Indian private education system.

👉CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF RAGHAV'S JOURNALISM:-

In "Revolution 2020," Chetan Bhagat also delves into the significance of journalism alongside the themes of education, love, and corruption. The theme of journalism is embodied through the character of Raghav. While "Revolution 2020" was written in 2011, its relevance extends to contemporary times. Today, there are many real-life individuals similar to Raghav, who are bravely fighting against government corruption and striving to uphold the truth.

Class Activity - Mentimeter (Click Here)

These are some ideas which can be interesting to look upon.

🌸Because of social media and websites, regular people can now share news and talk about different topics, just like Raghav does. This means that anyone can be a journalist and share information without needing approval from big media companies. This way, more people can speak up, and things become clearer for everyone. However, at the same time, the authenticity of the news is questionable.

🌸Raghav's journalism is different from what you usually see in the news. It offers a different viewpoint and questions the ideas that big media companies usually push. This matches with how many people today don't fully trust big media and want other sources of news that are more honest and varied. If we see some of the real example for this:-

• Substack (Click Here to visit the Website) and independent newsletters: Platforms like Substack have enabled journalists and writers to create their own independent newsletters, offering analysis and perspectives that may differ from the mainstream media narrative. For instance, journalists like Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss have built substantial followings through their Substack newsletters, where they provide commentary and investigative reporting that often goes against the grain of popular media discourse.
• Independent YouTube Channels in India:
• Sanjay Dixit's Channel (Railway Dixit): Sanjay Dixit, a former Indian Railway Services officer, runs a popular channel that covers various social, political, and economic issues in India. He is known for his critical analysis and commentary on government policies, corruption, and public affairs. 
• Dhruv Rathee: A young YouTuber known for his fact-based, well-researched videos on a range of topics, including politics, social issues, and current affairs. He often counters misinformation and provides alternative perspectives to mainstream media narratives. 
• Akash Banerjee: Akash Banerjee is an independent journalist and YouTuber who covers a wide range of topics, from politics and policy analysis to social and cultural issues. He is known for his critical commentary and interviews with experts and public figures. 
• The Quint: While The Quint is a mainstream digital media platform, their mobile edition on YouTube often features independent voices and citizen journalism, offering ground-level perspectives on various issues. 
• The Deshbhakt: A satirical channel that uses humor and parody to comment on political and social issues in India. It provides an alternative take on current events and challenges popular narratives through its satirical content. 
• Soch by Mohak Mangal: Mohak Mangal is a young content creator who explores various social and political issues from a critical lens, offering perspectives that may differ from mainstream media coverage. 
• Newslaundry: Newslaundry is an independent media organization that runs a YouTube channel, featuring in-depth analysis, interviews, and commentary on news and current affairs, often challenging the narratives of traditional media outlets. 
• Newsclick: An independent digital news platform that covers a range of issues, including politics, economics, and social affairs, with a focus on alternative viewpoints and marginalized voices. 
• The Wire: While primarily a news website, The Wire also has a YouTube channel that features interviews, discussions, and analysis from independent journalists and experts, providing perspectives that may differ from mainstream media coverage.

These independent YouTube channels in India aim to fill the gaps left by traditional media outlets, offering alternative narratives, critical analysis, and diverse viewpoints on various issues. They cater to audiences seeking unfiltered and honest perspectives, much like Raghav's journalism in Revolution 2020.

• Citizen journalism and eyewitness reporting: During major events or protests, citizen journalists and eyewitnesses often provide on-the-ground reporting and firsthand accounts that contradict or supplement the coverage by mainstream media. For instance, during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, citizen journalists played a crucial role in documenting incidents of police brutality and offering a counter-narrative to the portrayal by some traditional media outlets.
• Podcasts and digital media: Podcasts and digital media platforms have provided a space for alternative voices and perspectives to thrive. Shows like "The Joe Rogan Experience," "The Ben Shapiro Show," and "The Ezra Klein Show" attract large audiences by offering viewpoints and discussions that may not always align with the narratives promoted by traditional media outlets.

🌸Raghav's journalism is linked to the fight against corruption shown in the story. Nowadays, people who report news and talk about issues on social media play a big part in making social movements stronger. They help spread the word about different causes, like protecting the environment or protesting against unfair politics.

🌸Raghav's reporting shows how important it is to make sure powerful people are responsible for their actions. Nowadays, regular people who share news and those who speak out against wrongdoing have helped uncover cases of corruption and other bad behavior. This part of Raghav's work connects with the ongoing call for honesty and responsibility in places like government, businesses, and other organizations.

These ideas, along with those generated by AI, help us understand various perspectives more easily. Social media and YouTube are important for news nowadays, but sometimes the news lacks traditionality and originality.

👉Do you think that an opportunity of a good novel is wasted because the story is told from Gopal's perspective? Can it be better if narrated from Raghav or Aarti's perspective? How would it be better if it was narrated from Raghav or Aarti's perspective?

Perspectives are the only way to tell a story, and it might be wrong to think that a good novel is wasted because the story is told from Gopal's perspective. When we read or analyze any text, the character development and the main idea of the story are important, regardless of the perspective from which the story is being told. In this novel, it seems like the writer is more focused on promoting the book and the love story rather than the real struggles and issues. So, in my understanding, the story will have the same idea even if it is told from a different perspective because of the writer.

This idea of mine, that the main idea will not change, is one perspective to consider. However, looking at it from a different angle, it's possible that the novel's value could also change. For instance, if the story is told from Aarti's point of view, according to Bhagat's character portrayal, it will likely focus on the love story and struggles in her romantic life with Raghav and Gopal. On the other hand, if the story is told from Raghav's perspective, it could provide valuable insights to critique the political landscape and the harsh realities of journalism.

So the answer to this question is in the affirmative, that narration from Raghav's point of view would be preferable. However, it's also important to note that this perspective might portray Gopal as the main villain in his life and story. Therefore, his point of view would also provide only a partial truth. So, If I were to rate their perspectives in terms of importance, I would prioritize them in the following order: Raghav, Gopal, and Aarti.

WORKS CITED:-

• “Best Education System in the World.” AECC, 15 November 2023, https://www.aeccglobal.in/blog/best-education-system-in-the-world. Accessed 10 March 2024.
• Bhagat, Chetan. Revolution 2020. Rupa & Company, 2011.
• "ChatGPT." Version 3.5, OpenAI, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/. Accessed 10 March 2024.
• "Copilot." Microsoft, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
• "Claude AI." ClaudeAI.com, Claude Technologies Inc., 2022, https://www.claudeai.com/

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