An Introductory presentation on R. K. Narayan | Indian Writing in English

This introductory presentation has been prepared by the students of Department of English, MKBU , as a part of classroom presentation for the better understanding of the legendary figure in Indian writing in English R.K.NARAYAN. It is a group presentation in which,

khushi Rathod delve into Narayan's early life, education, fascinating facts, and illustrious literary career, including the prestigious awards he received.

Trupti Nayak , explores his major works, literary contributions, and provides an insightful analysis of the short story 'An Astrologer's Day'.

Riya Bhatt, discusses the gripping short story 'Crime and Punishment', examining its themes and narrative.

Discover the richness of Narayan's storytelling and his profound impact on Indian literature.

1. Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University Introductory Presentation On R. K. Narayan Presented By: Khushi Rathod Trupti Naik Riya Bhatt

2. 01 03 05 02 04 Table of Contents R. K. Narayan An Astrologer’s Day Conclusion Life Awards & Works Crime and Punishment

3. R.K.Narayan Full Name : Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami Birth : 10 October 1906 , Madras, Tamil Nadu India Died : 13 May 2001 (age 94) Chennai india Occupation : Writer Genre : Fiction, Mythology and Non-fiction. Spouse : Rajam Member of parliament, Rajya sabha

4. In his name R stand for Rasipuram,the name of village in district of Salem while K stands for Krishnaswami , the name of his father. He was better known as R.K. Narayan was an Indian writer and nove list known for his work set in the fiction south indian town of malgudi. He was a l eading author of early Indian literature in english along with Mulk Raj Anand & Raja Rao. Early Life: R.K. Narayan, was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai), India. He was the third of eight children in a large, traditional Hindu family. His father was a headmaster, which meant Narayan spent much of his early childhood under the care of his grandmother. This upbringing in a strict and loving environment influenced his later writings, which often depicted family. Facts :

5. Education: Narayan's formal education began in Madras, but he moved to Mysore to live with his family after his father took a new job. He attended several schools and colleges, eventually earning his bachelor's degree from Maharaja College,Mysore, in 1930. His experiences in school and college later provided material for some of his most famous works. Literary Career : Narayan's literary journey began in earnest with the publication of his first novel, "Swami and Friends," in 1935. The novel was set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, which would become the setting for many of his later works. The success of "Swami and Friends" was largely due to the encouragement and support of British author Graham Greene, who helped get the book published.

6. Awards & Honours : In 1960 He was awarded Sahitya Akademi award for his novel " The Guide" In 1964 He was awarded Padma Bhushan In 1994 the Sahitya Akademi fellowship In 2000 He was awarded Padma Vibhushan

7. Writing Style Themes Simplicity and Clarity Gentle Humor Detailed Observation Character-Driven Narratives Economy of Words Ordinary Life Tradition vs. Modernity Human Relationships Moral and Ethical Questions Fate and Destiny Social Issues Spirituality and Religion

8. Notable Works: Swami and Friends (1935) The Bachelor of Arts (1937) The Dark Room (1938) Mr. Sampath (1949) The Financial Expert (1952) Waiting for the Mahatma (1955) The Guide (1958)

9. Pioneer of Indian writing in English: Narayan was one of the first Indian authors to gain international recognition writing in English. Simple, accessible style: Narayan's writing was characterized by simplicity, humor, and keen observation of everyday life in India. Blend of Indian and Western elements: His work successfully merged Indian themes and sensibilities with Western literary forms. Cultural ambassador: Narayan's works introduced many Western readers to Indian culture and society. Short stories: He was also a prolific short story writer, contributing to the development of this form in Indian English literature. R.K. Narayan’s contribut ions to Indian English literature:

10. An Astrologer‘s Day "An Astrologer's Day" by R.K. Narayan is set in fictional Malgudi, following a street astrologer's day and showcasing Indian street life. An astrologer's routine day is disrupted by a challenging stranger, leading to unexpected revelations. Set on Malgudi's streets, the vibrant setting is crucial to the story's atmosphere. Narayan uses simple, engaging prose, blending humor and social observation with tension and surprise. The story provides insight into the practice of street astrology in India and its significance in Indian society. It reflects Narayan's skill in portraying everyday Indian life for both local and international readers.

11. Characters:- The Astrologer (protagonist, unnamed) Guru Nayak (the stranger who confronts the astrologer) The Astrologer's wife Themes:- Fate and destiny Deception and truth Past actions and their consequences Survival and adaptation Superstition and belief Identity and self-discovery Urban life in India The role of chance in human affairs

12. Crime and Punishment “Crime and Punishment” is a part of part of short story collection “Malgudi days” . First published in 1980 Specific with this story the collection published in 1982 under the publishing company named Indian Thought publication which is pounded by Narayan himself. R.K.Narayan’s own experience as a teacher and his observation of social interactions in indian society influenced the themes and characters in “Crime and Punishment”. Style : He used simple and elegant prose. He also used Humor and Irony to highlight the absurdity of social norms and the human condition. Story often use for educational purpose or Moral studies

13. Characters:- Ranga Shrinivas Student Themes:- Authority and Power Social Hierarchy Discipline and Morality Individual vs. Society Tradition vs. Modernity An Episode Adaptation in a television show MALGUDI DAYS, directed by Shankar Nag in 1980s.

14. Memes 1) 2 ) 3 )

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17. Conclusion R. K. Narayan, a literary luminary of Indian English literature, masterfully captures the essence of small-town India in his evocative storytelling. His short stories "An Astrologer's Day" and "Crime and Punishment" vividly portray the complexities of fate, deception, power, and moral dilemmas, showcasing his deep insights into human nature and societal dynamics..

18. Quote ….. “No one ever accepts criticism so cheerfully. Neither the man who utters it nor the man who invites it really means it.” ‘Mr. Sampath’ The Printer of Malgudi by R. K. Narayan (P.167)

19. References Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "R.K. Narayan". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 June. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/R-K-Narayan . Accessed 1 July 2024. Narayan, R.K. Mr. Sampath - The Printer of Malgudi. Indian Thought Publications, 1949, p. 167. Narayan, R K. An Astrologers Day. N.p., Creative Media Partners, LLC, 2023. R.K. Narayan. India, Sahitya Akademi, 2004.

20. THANK YOU…