Thinking Activity- 'Revolution 2020' by Chetan Bhagat

This blog is written as response to the thinking activity given by Dr. Dilip Barad sir on the novel 'Revolution 2020' by Chetan Bhagat at the Department of English, MKBU.

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.

'Revolution 2020' by Chetan Bhagat

"Revolution 2020," authored by Chetan Bhagat, stands as a compelling testament to the intricacies of human ambition, the allure of love, and the pervasive influence of corruption within society. Set against the evocative backdrop of Varanasi, India, Bhagat's narrative weaves a captivating tale that delves deep into the lives of its three central protagonists: Gopal Mishra, Raghav Mishra, and Aarti Mishra.

Published in 2011, this novel serves as both a reflection and a critique of contemporary Indian society, exploring themes ranging from the relentless pursuit of success to the moral dilemmas inherent in navigating a landscape fraught with corruption and injustice.

At its core, "Revolution 2020" follows the divergent paths embarked upon by Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti. Gopal, driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and prosperity, finds himself ensnared in the web of corruption, while Raghav emerges as a fervent crusader against societal inequities. Aarti, caught in the crosscurrents of their contrasting ideologies, grapples with her own convictions and desires.

As the narrative unfolds, Bhagat masterfully unravels the complexities of his characters' motivations and actions, drawing readers into a world where moral ambiguity collides with unwavering idealism.

Through its vivid portrayal of Varanasi's bustling streets and the tumultuous journey of its protagonists, "Revolution 2020" invites readers on a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, ultimately challenging us to confront the enduring questions of ethics, integrity, and the pursuit of genuine change in a world rife with contradictions.

Social realism of corruption in private education system

The private education sector has seen significant growth in recent decades, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While private schools can offer more resources, flexibility, and specialized curricula, there are valid concerns about the social realism of corruption within this system.

One major issue is the exorbitant fees charged by many private schools, which can price out lower-income families and create an uneven playing field. There have been reports of private schools siphoning off funds under various pretexts, while failing to reinvest adequately in facilities, teacher salaries, and student support. This profit-driven mentality can compromise the quality of education.

Furthermore, the admissions process at elite private schools is often opaque and susceptible to undue influence. Instances of nepotism, favoritism, and bribery have been documented, where students gain entry not based on merit but on their family's wealth and connections. This undermines the principle of equal opportunity and erodes public trust in the system.

The corruption can also manifest in the teaching and assessment practices. Some private schools have been accused of inflating grades, turning a blind eye to cheating, or promoting students regardless of their actual academic performance. This compromises academic standards and devalues the education itself, leaving students ill-prepared for higher studies or the workforce.

Beyond the school walls, the proliferation of private coaching centers, particularly in competitive exam hubs like Kota, has also raised concerns. These centers are sometimes criticized for exploiting students and families, charging exorbitant fees while delivering subpar instruction or employing unethical practices to boost enrollment and profits.

The consequences of this pervasive corruption in the private education sector are far-reaching. It perpetuates social inequalities, denies deserving students access to quality education, and undermines the purpose of education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing transparency, and enforcing accountability measures can help curb malpractices. Promoting ethical leadership, investing in teacher training, and incentivizing innovation in pedagogical methods can also contribute to restoring the integrity of private education.

ensuring equitable access to quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status, should be a top priority. By tackling the social realism of corruption in the private education system, we can work towards a more just and inclusive educational landscape that empowers students and secures a brighter future for all.

Contemporary relevance of Raghav's journalism as portrayed in Chetan Bhagat's "Revolution 2020":

Chetan Bhagat's novel "Revolution 2020" not only delves into the themes of education and corruption, but also examines the significance of journalism through the character of Raghav. While the book was written in 2011, Raghav's approach to journalism remains highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

Raghav's brand of journalism represents a growing trend of independent, citizen-driven news reporting that challenges the mainstream narratives propagated by traditional media outlets. Frustrated by the lack of accountability and transparency in the government and education system, Raghav uses his blog and social media platforms to expose corruption and offer alternative perspectives that go against the grain of the established media discourse.

This shift towards alternative and independent journalism is reflected in the rise of various digital media platforms, blogs, and social media channels that have empowered individuals to become news creators and disseminators in their own right. Platforms like Substack, for instance, have enabled journalists and writers to build their own loyal followings and provide in-depth analysis, investigative reporting, and commentary that often diverges from the narratives promoted by mainstream media.

Prominent examples of such independent journalists and commentators include writers like Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss, who have amassed substantial audiences through their Substack newsletters. Their ability to offer unfiltered perspectives and challenge the status quo has resonated with readers seeking alternative sources of news and analysis.

In the Indian context, we have witnessed the emergence of a vibrant ecosystem of independent media voices on platforms like YouTube. Channels such as Sanjay Dixit's "Railway Dixit," Dhruv Rathee's channel, Akash Banerjee's "The Deshbhakt," and digital media outlets like The Quint, Newslaundry, Newsclick, and The Wire have gained significant traction by providing critical analysis, ground-level reporting, and diverse perspectives on a range of political, social, and economic issues.

These independent media platforms and citizen journalists have found a receptive audience, particularly among those who are skeptical of the perceived biases and agendas in traditional media coverage. By offering a more pluralistic and democratic discourse, they have given voice to marginalized communities, challenged dominant narratives, and fostered a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Relevance to Raghav's Journalism

Raghav's journalism in "Revolution 2020" is also closely linked to his fight against corruption, which echoes the ongoing calls for accountability and transparency in both the public and private sectors. By using his reporting to uncover and confront wrongdoings, Raghav's character reflects the critical role that independent media can play in holding those in power responsible for their actions.

In the real world, we have witnessed numerous instances where citizen journalists, whistleblowers, and alternative media platforms have contributed to exposing cases of corruption, cronyism, and abuse of power – often complementing the efforts of professional journalists and civil society activists.

The contemporary relevance of Raghav's journalism lies in its ability to give voice to the voiceless, challenge dominant narratives, and contribute to the broader struggle for social and political transformation. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the importance of independent, ethical, and socially conscious journalism, as exemplified by Raghav, remains as crucial as ever in the pursuit of a more just, transparent, and accountable society.

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.

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.