Revolution 2020 By Chetan Bhagat

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Revolution 2020 By Chetan Bhagat it was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir Department of English MKBU. In this task, we have to give answers to some questions. 

Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat is a prominent Indian author, columnist, and speaker known for his bestselling novels, which often explore themes of love, relationships, and contemporary Indian society. He gained widespread popularity with his debut novel, "Five Point Someone," which was published in 2004 and later adapted into the highly successful Bollywood film "3 Idiots." Bhagat's writing style is characterized by its accessibility and relatability to a wide audience, particularly young readers. His novels typically feature simple language, humor, and relatable characters dealing with everyday challenges and dilemmas. Some of his other notable works include "One Night @ the Call Center," "The 3 Mistakes of My Life," "2 States," "Half Girlfriend," and "Revolution 2020." Bhagat's novels often explore themes relevant to modern Indian society, such as love, ambition, cultural conflicts, and societal issues. He is widely recognized for his simple yet engaging storytelling style, which resonates with a broad audience across various age groups and backgrounds. His works are characterized by their relatable characters, colloquial language, and portrayal of everyday life in India.

Bhagat is also a prominent public figure known for his outspoken opinions on various social and political issues in India. He is a columnist, and motivational speaker, and has been involved in public speaking engagements and activism aimed at inspiring and empowering the youth. Bhagat's novels have been commercially successful and have garnered a large readership, they have also sparked debate and criticism for their portrayal of gender roles, stereotypes, and social issues. Some critics argue that his writing lacks depth and sophistication, while others appreciate his ability to connect with readers and address contemporary issues in a relatable manner. In addition to his career as a novelist, Chetan Bhagat is also a popular columnist and motivational speaker. He often writes columns for leading Indian newspapers and magazines, offering his perspective on various social, political, and cultural issues.

Revolution 2020

"Revolution 2020" is a novel written by Chetan Bhagat, published in 2011. Set in the backdrop of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the novel revolves around the lives of three main characters—Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti—and explores themes such as corruption, education system flaws, and the pursuit of success and love in contemporary India. The story follows Gopal, the son of a schoolteacher, who dreams of becoming wealthy and powerful. To achieve his goals, he takes unethical routes, including involvement in corrupt practices. Raghav, on the other hand, is an idealistic young man who is passionate about bringing about positive change in society through journalism. Aarti, the girl they both love, is ambitious and desires a successful career.

As the narrative progresses, the lives of the three protagonists become intertwined in a complex web of love, ambition, and deceit. Gopal's pursuit of wealth and power leads him down a path of moral compromise, while Raghav becomes increasingly determined to expose corruption and fight for justice. Aarti finds herself torn between the two men and faces her own challenges in navigating her career aspirations and personal relationships.

"Revolution 2020" delves into the harsh realities of Indian society, shedding light on issues such as the rampant corruption in the education system, the challenges faced by aspiring youth, and the moral dilemmas individuals encounter in their pursuit of success. Through its characters and storyline, the novel prompts readers to reflect on the choices they make and the consequences they entail. Bhagat's other work, "Revolution 2020" was commercially successful and received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its engaging narrative and social commentary, others criticized its simplistic writing style and character development. Nevertheless, the novel remains popular among readers for its portrayal of contemporary Indian life and its exploration of relevant social issues.

Points to Ponder:

These are some points that I pondered in this blog.

1) Social realism of corruption in the private education system

2) Contemporary relevance of Raghav's journalism [The YouTuber / social media journalism in today's India]

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?

1) Social realism of corruption in the private education system

Corruption within the private education system in India stands as a pervasive issue, profoundly impacting societal structures and individual lives. Chetan Bhagat's novel, "Revolution 2020," serves as a poignant exploration of this phenomenon, offering readers a window into the intricate web of deceit, privilege, and moral ambiguity that characterizes the realm of private education. This essay endeavors to delve deeply into the social realism depicted in the novel concerning corruption in the private education sector, unraveling its layers and implications.

Private institutions, driven by the pursuit of financial gain, prioritize enrollment numbers and revenue generation over educational quality. Consequently, students hailing from affluent backgrounds enjoy preferential treatment, while those from less privileged households struggle to compete on an uneven playing field. This portrayal highlights the dire consequences of commodifying education, as institutions prioritize the interests of the elite over the educational needs of the masses.

The novel poignantly captures how corruption compromises the quality of education imparted by private institutions. Bhagat presents a bleak picture of educational standards sacrificed at the altar of profit, resulting in subpar teaching, inadequate infrastructure, and a dearth of resources for students. Institutions prioritize cost-cutting measures and profit maximization, neglecting investments in faculty development, academic research, and student welfare. Consequently, students graduate ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world, perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity and underachievement.Characters like Gopal embody the moral decay brought about by corruption, as they willingly engage in unethical practices for personal gain. Bhagat presents a damning indictment of a society where the pursuit of success at any cost trumps considerations of honesty and integrity. The novel underscores how corruption permeates every facet of life, corroding the moral fabric of society and breeding a culture of cynicism and apathy. Through the characters' moral dilemmas and ethical compromises, Bhagat forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the corrosive nature of corruption on individual conscience and societal values.

"Revolution 2020" serves as a powerful call for reform and resistance against corruption in the private education sector. Bhagat's narrative exposes the inherent flaws and injustices of a system where education becomes a commodity, accessible only to the privileged few. Through the characters' struggles and aspirations, Bhagat urges readers to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more transparent, equitable, and accountable education system. The novel serves as a clarion call for collective action to dismantle the structures of corruption and uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, and justice in education. As readers navigate the labyrinthine corridors of "Revolution 2020," they are compelled to confront uncomfortable truths about the pervasive influence of corruption and their role in effecting meaningful change. "Revolution 2020" stands as a poignant testament to the social realism of corruption within the private education system in India. Through its incisive portrayal of bribery, nepotism, and moral decay, the novel forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the corrosive nature of corruption on individual lives and societal structures. As readers grapple with the complexities of Bhagat's narrative, they are compelled to reflect on the urgent need for systemic reform and ethical renewal in the pursuit of quality education for all.

Here are some examples showing the corruption in the Education System:

"Aarakshan" sheds light on the misuse and exploitation of the reservation system, which was originally intended to uplift marginalized and underprivileged sections of society. The film portrays how certain individuals and institutions manipulate the reservation system for personal gain, perpetuating inequalities and exacerbating social divisions. The film also examines the challenges encountered by meritorious students who are unfairly disadvantaged by reservation quotas, raising questions about the balance between social justice and individual merit.

One of the central characters, played by Amitabh Bachchan, embodies the struggle against the misuse of reservation. As a principled college principal, he strives to maintain the integrity of the education system and uphold meritocracy. "Aarakshan" serves as a powerful commentary on the misuse of reservation in the Indian education system. By shining a spotlight on the complexities and controversies surrounding reservation policies, the film encourages audiences to engage critically with issues of social justice, equality, and access to education. It prompts viewers to reflect on the ethical and moral dimensions of affirmative action and the need for systemic reforms to ensure that reservation serves its intended purpose of empowering the marginalized without perpetuating injustice or discrimination.

The MBBS seats are sold between 12 lakh to 40 lakh rupees by two private colleges in Chennai. The scam gets bigger as the postgraduate in the medical field that is necessary for a successful career. The price for a postgraduate seat in radiology in most leading private colleges across the country is 2 crore rupees while cardiology, gynecology, and orthopedics are priced around rupees 1.5 crore. 

2) Contemporary relevance of Raghav's journalism [The YouTuber / social media journalism in today's India]

In Chetan Bhagat's "Revolution 2020," Raghav's character embodies the principles of truth, integrity, and social justice through his journalism endeavors. In today's India, with the advent of social media and digital platforms, Raghav's role as a journalist holds immense relevance, reflecting the evolution and impact of YouTuber/social media journalism in contemporary society. This essay aims to explore the contemporary relevance of Raghav's journalism, drawing parallels with the landscape of digital journalism in India today.

The proliferation of social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook has democratized the field of journalism, allowing individuals like Raghav to become influential voices in shaping public discourse. YouTubers and social media influencers leverage their platforms to disseminate news, share opinions, and mobilize public opinion, challenging traditional media outlets and fostering greater diversity in news coverage.

Raghav's journalism in "Revolution 2020" mirrors the ethos of contemporary YouTuber/social media journalism, characterized by a commitment to truth, social justice, and accountability. Through his investigative reporting and commentary, Raghav shines a light on systemic injustices, corruption, and inequality, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and holding those in power accountable for their actions.

In today's digital age, misinformation and fake news are rampant on social media platforms. YouTuber journalists like Dhruv Rathee and Akash Banerjee have gained prominence for debunking myths, fact-checking viral claims, and providing accurate information to their followers. Their efforts align with Raghav's commitment to truth and integrity in journalism.

Here are Some real-life examples of journalists resigning from their jobs due to political interference in India:-

Barkha Dutt

Barkha Dutt, a well-known journalist and former group editor of "NDTV," resigned from her position in 2017. While she did not publicly cite political interference as the reason for her resignation, there were speculations about tensions between her and the management over editorial freedom and political coverage.

Nikhil Wagle

Nikhil Wagle from TV9 Marathi, a popular television channel, amid allegations of political pressure leading to the cancellation of his show.

The cancellation of Wagle's show, "Maharashtra's Maharathi," amid allegations of pressure from the ruling political party suggests attempts to suppress dissenting voices and control the narrative presented in the media. 

Punya Prasun Bajpai

An accomplished journalist and writer, Punya Prasun Bajpai’s in-depth knowledge of Indian politics is evident in his body of work. Notable for his program ‘Masterstroke,’ Bajpai left ABP News due to perceived government pressure, showcasing his commitment to unbiased reporting. You can subscribe to Punya Prasun Bajpai on YouTube here.www.youtube.com/@PunyaPrasunBajpaiindia

Ravish Kumar

Ravish Kumar stands as a beacon of true journalism, reporting on the ground realities and issues faced by ordinary Indians. His sharp insights and integrity have earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, and his term ‘Godi Media’ has become a household term for media channels driven by political and corporate interests.

Vinod Dua

Vinod Dua is a veteran journalist who quit the Hindi news channel Aaj Tak in 2017. Dua had been critical of the government's policies and had faced multiple criminal complaints for his on-air comments. He alleged that he was forced to resign due to pressure from the channel's owners, who were concerned about the potential backlash from the government.

Punya Prasun Bajpai

Punya Prasun Bajpai resigned from her position as the managing editor of the news channel ABP News in 2020. Bajpai alleged that she faced immense pressure from the channel's owners to toe the government's line and refrain from criticizing the ruling party's policies. She claimed that her editorial freedom was compromised, and she was asked to prioritize certain stories over others.

Rifat Jawaid

In 2021, Rifat Jawaid, the editor-in-chief of the digital news platform Article 14, resigned, citing increasing pressure from the government and corporate entities to censor critical reporting. Article 14 had been known for its investigative journalism and coverage of human rights issues, which often put it at odds with the authorities.

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?

Telling the story from Gopal's perspective as an observer allows the reader to see the dynamics and actions of the central characters, Raghav and Aarti, from an outside vantage point. This can provide objectivity and allow the reader to form their own judgments about the motivations and behaviors of the main protagonists. One potential drawback is that by being an outside observer, Gopal may lack the depth of insight into Raghav and Aarti's innermost thoughts, emotions, and decision-making processes. This internal perspective could have added richness and complexity to the characterization.

If the story were narrated from Raghav's perspective, it could have given the reader a more intimate understanding of his struggles, desires, and the rationale behind his actions, whether noble or flawed. It might have provided a deeper exploration of his relationships, ambitions, and the internal conflicts he grappled with. An Aarti-centric narrative could have offered a window into her psyche, her aspirations, the societal pressures she faced, and the emotional turmoil that shaped her choices. It could have shed light on the unique challenges and expectations placed on women in that cultural context.

That being said, shifting the perspective to either Raghav or Aarti would have inherently limited the scope of the narrative to their individual experiences and interpretations of events. The broader societal panorama and the involvement of other characters might have been diminished. The choice of narrative perspective is a delicate balance, and each approach has its merits and trade-offs. While Gopal's outsider viewpoint may have sacrificed some emotional depth, it could have provided a more well-rounded portrayal of the various characters and their interactions within the larger social fabric. Perhaps a multi-perspectival approach, alternating between Gopal's observations and the internal voices of Raghav and Aarti, could have combined the strengths of each vantage point, offering both objectivity and emotional resonance. In the end, the effectiveness of the chosen perspective depends on the author's skill in executing it and aligning it with the intended themes, character development, and overall narrative goals of the novel.

Word Count - 2585

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