Thinking Activity- 'Crime and Punishment' by R K Narayan

 This blog is written in response to the thinking activity given by Megha Trivedi ma’am on the Short Story “Crime and Punishment” by R K Narayan.

R K Narayan (1906-2001)

R.K. Narayan was a renowned Indian author known for his captivating storytelling and insightful portrayal of everyday life in India. His works, set in the fictional town of Malgudi, captured the nuances of human relationships and the clash between tradition and modernity. With his simple yet engaging writing style, Narayan left a lasting impact on Indian literature and remains a celebrated figure in the literary world.

(You can check my other blog on R K Narayan’s short story “An Astrologer’s Day”)

‘Crime and Punishment’ By R K Narayan and Student- Teacher Dynamic

In R.K. Narayan's short story "Crime and Punishment," the student-teacher dynamic plays a central role. The story revolves around a school teacher who takes on the task of tutoring a clever yet mischievous child from wealthy and educated parents. The parents have strong beliefs in child psychology and reject corporal punishment, preferring a gentle and lenient approach to teaching. However, the teacher, observing the child's behavior, sees him as more of a "little gorilla" in need of discipline rather than the "little angel" the parents perceive him to be.

The student-teacher dynamic is characterized by a power struggle and a clash of perspectives. The teacher, driven by financial necessity, finds himself torn between catering to the parents' wishes and employing the discipline he believes is necessary for the child's development. When the teacher loses his temper and slaps the boy, he faces the consequences of his actions as the child blackmails and asserts control over him.

Through this dynamic, the story critiques the concept of over-parenting and the challenges faced by teachers who must navigate the delicate balance between meeting parental expectations and providing effective education. The teacher's predicament highlights the complexities of the teacher-student relationship, the influence of external pressures, and the consequences of crossing boundaries in the pursuit of discipline.

Various Hindi Indian movies Dealing with Student Teacher Dynamic.

Taare Zameen Par (2007)

"Taare Zameen Par" is a Bollywood film directed by Aamir Khan and released in 2007. The film stars Darsheel Safary in the lead role, along with Aamir Khan himself. It deals with the sensitive subject of dyslexia and the struggles faced by a young boy named Ishaan Awasthi.

In the movie "Taare Zameen Par," the teacher-student dynamic and the role of parenting are beautifully portrayed. The film revolves around a dyslexic child named Ishaan and his journey of self-discovery with the help of his compassionate art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh.

The teacher-student dynamic in "Taare Zameen Par" is characterized by empathy, understanding, and mentorship. Nikumbh, the art teacher, recognizes Ishaan's struggles and takes a patient and compassionate approach towards him. He understands that Ishaan's difficulties are not due to lack of intelligence but rather a specific learning disability. Through creative teaching methods and personal attention, Nikumbh helps Ishaan rediscover his confidence and talents.

Nikumbh's role as a teacher extends beyond the classroom. He becomes a source of inspiration and emotional support for Ishaan. His unwavering belief in Ishaan's potential plays a crucial role in the young boy's transformation. The mentorship and guidance provided by Nikumbh empower Ishaan to overcome his challenges, find his voice, and embrace his uniqueness.

The movie also explores the parenting aspect in Ishaan's life. Initially, Ishaan's parents are unaware of his learning disability. They struggle to understand his difficulties and often put pressure on him to perform academically. However, as the story progresses, Ishaan's parents undergo a transformation as they become aware of his condition and the need for a different approach to his education.

The film highlights the importance of parental support and understanding in a child's life. Once Ishaan's parents realize the impact of their expectations and the importance of nurturing his individuality, they change their perspective and provide him with the love, care, and acceptance he needs. They become advocates for Ishaan's needs and actively participate in his journey of growth and self-discovery.

"Taare Zameen Par" beautifully portrays the interconnectedness between the teacher-student dynamic and parenting. It emphasizes the significance of a supportive and nurturing environment that combines the efforts of both teachers and parents. The film showcases how a teacher's understanding and guidance, coupled with parental involvement and acceptance, can positively influence a child's education, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Paathshaala (2010)

"Paathshaala" is a Bollywood film released in 2010. The film addresses the issues and challenges faced in the Indian education system. It stars Shahid Kapoor and Ayesha Takia in the lead roles, with Nana Patekar playing a pivotal role.

"Paathshaala" movie delves into the dynamic between a teacher and his students. The film revolves around the challenges faced by a school teacher, played by Shahid Kapoor, and the impact of his teaching methods on the students.

In "Paathshaala," the teacher-student dynamic is portrayed as a complex relationship marked by both inspiration and conflict. The teacher strives to introduce innovative teaching techniques and promote critical thinking among the students. However, his unconventional methods clash with the school management's rigid approach, leading to conflicts and power struggles.

The film explores the students' perspective as they navigate the pressures of academics, peer dynamics, and societal expectations. It highlights their struggle to balance academic performance with personal growth and self-expression. The students' experiences and interactions with the teacher shape their individual journeys of self-discovery and development.

Throughout the movie, the teacher's commitment to his students becomes evident as he goes beyond the traditional boundaries of education. He becomes a mentor, guiding the students through their challenges, encouraging them to think independently, and promoting their overall well-being.

"Paathshaala" emphasizes the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and understanding between teachers and students. It highlights the need for a balanced educational environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional growth. The film sheds light on the power dynamics within the educational system and encourages a more student-centric approach.