Revolution 2020

Hello Readers! I am Divya Parmar and i am writing this Blog to complete the task which is given by Dr Dilip Barad sir. In This blog i am going to discuss about the question which were asked as the task.

Introduction of the novel: 

"Revolution 2020" is a novel by Indian author Chetan Bhagat, published in 2011. The book portrays the story of three childhood friends- Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti, and how their lives intertwine amidst the backdrop of corruption and societal pressure in the city of Varanasi, India. The book takes a critical look at the Indian education system, politics, and corruption, and how they affect the lives of the common people. The novel's title is inspired by the anti-corruption movement that took place in India in 2011, popularly known as the "India Against Corruption Movement" or "Anna Hazare Movement." Overall, "Revolution 2020" is a thought-provoking book that explores themes of love, friendship, ambition, corruption, and societal pressures in contemporary India.

Question-Answer section: 

1. Social Realism in novel: 

Social realism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The movement seeks to depict the realities of contemporary society in a realistic and objective manner, focusing on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles. Social realism is characterized by a commitment to social justice, a belief in the power of literature to effect social change, and a rejection of romanticism and sentimentalism.

In the context of the novel, "social realism" refers to the depiction of the social realities of contemporary India. "Revolution 2020" is a novel that explores the lives of three characters - Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti - and how their lives are impacted by the social, political, and economic realities of contemporary India. The novel offers a searing critique of the Indian education system, politics, corruption, and the social and economic pressures faced by the youth.

One of the key features of social realism is its focus on the lived experiences of ordinary people. In "Revolution 2020," the novel takes an unflinching look at the challenges faced by the three protagonists. Gopal, for instance, is a boy from a lower-middle-class family who is forced to drop out of school to help his family with their struggling business. Raghav, on the other hand, is a journalist who is determined to expose corruption in the education system, even if it means putting himself at risk. Aarti is a talented student who struggles to navigate the pressures of her conservative family and societal expectations.

The novel portrays the harsh realities of the Indian education system, which is characterized by corruption and inequality. For instance, Gopal's father bribes a government official to secure his son's admission to a prestigious engineering college, even though he lacks the qualifications. This highlights the rampant corruption in the education system, where admission to top colleges is often based on money and influence rather than merit.

Similarly, the novel critiques the political system in India, which is mired in corruption and cronyism. Raghav's efforts to expose corruption in the education system are met with resistance from powerful politicians and bureaucrats who seek to protect their interests. The novel shows how the political and economic elites in India use their power to maintain the status quo and exploit the masses.

The novel also portrays the pressures faced by young people in contemporary India. Aarti, for instance, is torn between her love for Gopal and her desire to pursue her education and career. She faces societal expectations to conform to traditional gender roles and to prioritize marriage and family over her own ambitions. This reflects the broader societal pressures faced by young people in India, where there is often a tension between traditional values and modern aspirations.

Through its depiction of the social realities of contemporary India, "Revolution 2020" highlights the need for social and political change. The novel shows how corruption, inequality, and societal pressures can limit the opportunities and aspirations of young people, and how these issues are deeply rooted in the broader social and political system.

In conclusion, "Revolution 2020" is a powerful example of social realism in contemporary Indian literature. The novel portrays the lives of ordinary people and their struggles in a realistic and objective manner, and highlights the need for social and political change. Through its critique of the Indian education system, politics, corruption, and societal pressures, the novel offers a compelling vision of a more just and equitable society.

2. Significance of the title 'Revolution Twenty20'

The title of Chetan Bhagat's novel "Revolution Twenty20" is significant in many ways. The novel was published in 2011 and is set in the city of Varanasi, India. The title is a reference to the anti-corruption movement that took place in India in 2011, popularly known as the "India Against Corruption Movement" or "Anna Hazare Movement."

The number "Twenty20" in the title refers to the format of cricket that has become increasingly popular in India and other parts of the world. The "Twenty20" format of cricket involves a match that is completed in about three hours, which has made the game more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

The use of the word "revolution" in the title is significant as it suggests a transformative change in the social, political, and economic fabric of Indian society. The novel is a commentary on the challenges faced by young people in contemporary India and the need for social and political change.

The novel's three main characters - Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti - are emblematic of the struggles faced by young people in India. Gopal is a boy from a lower-middle-class family who is forced to drop out of school to help his family with their struggling business. Raghav is a journalist who is determined to expose corruption in the education system, even if it means putting himself at risk. Aarti is a talented student who struggles to navigate the pressures of her conservative family and societal expectations.

Through the lives of these three characters, the novel highlights the impact of corruption, inequality, and societal pressures on young people in India. The novel shows how the political and economic elites in India use their power to maintain the status quo and exploit the masses. The novel also depicts the harsh realities of the Indian education system, which is characterized by corruption and inequality.

The title "Revolution Twenty20" is significant as it suggests the need for transformative change in the Indian society. The novel shows how the problems faced by young people in India are interconnected and deeply rooted in the broader social and political system. The novel offers a vision of a more just and equitable society, where young people have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and realize their potential.

In conclusion, the title "Revolution Twenty20" is significant as it references the anti-corruption movement that took place in India in 2011 and the popular format of cricket that has become increasingly popular in India. The title also suggests the need for transformative change in the Indian society and highlights the struggles faced by young people in contemporary India. The novel offers a powerful critique of the Indian education system, politics, corruption, and societal pressures and provides a compelling vision of a more just and equitable society.

3) 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?

Chetan Bhagat's novel "Revolution Twenty20" is told from the perspective of Gopal, a lower-middle-class boy from Varanasi. The story revolves around the lives of Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti, and their struggles to navigate the challenges of contemporary India. While the story is compelling and engaging, there is a debate about whether it would have been better if it were narrated from Raghav or Aarti's perspective.

From a literary perspective, telling the story from Raghav or Aarti's perspective would have added depth and complexity to the novel. Raghav, a journalist, is portrayed as an idealist who is determined to expose corruption and fight for justice. His perspective on the story would have provided a more nuanced view of the issues of corruption and politics in the Indian system. Aarti's perspective, on the other hand, would have offered insights into the struggles of a young woman trying to assert her independence and fulfill her aspirations in a patriarchal society.

If the story were told from Raghav's perspective, it would have given the reader a more critical view of the social and political system in India. Raghav's perspective as a journalist would have allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the issues of corruption, education, and politics in India. Additionally, Raghav's personal journey of fighting for justice would have provided a compelling and inspiring narrative.

If the story were told from Aarti's perspective, it would have provided a unique perspective on the challenges faced by young women in contemporary India. Aarti's perspective would have allowed for a more in-depth exploration of issues such as patriarchy, gender discrimination, and societal pressures. Additionally, Aarti's journey of asserting her independence and pursuing her dreams would have provided a powerful and inspiring narrative.

However, the choice of Gopal as the narrator of the story is not entirely without merit. Gopal's perspective provides a unique view of the struggles faced by young people from lower-middle-class families in India. Gopal's story highlights the harsh realities of the Indian education system, the challenges of running a small business, and the impact of corruption on the lives of ordinary people. Gopal's personal journey of making difficult choices and facing the consequences of his actions also provides a relatable and engaging narrative.

In conclusion, while telling the story from Raghav or Aarti's perspective would have added depth and complexity to the novel, Gopal's perspective is not entirely without merit. Gopal's story highlights the struggles faced by young people from lower-middle-class families in India and provides a relatable and engaging narrative. The choice of the narrator ultimately depends on the author's intended message and the themes they wish to explore in their work.