Revolution Twenty20 By Chetan Bhagat (M.A.)

This is a group presentation presented at the Department of English.

1. Academic Information Name: Aarti Sarvaiya Roll No.: 01 E-mail: [email protected] Name: Rajeshvari Rana Roll No.: 16 E-mail: [email protected] Name:Upasana Goswami Roll No.:20 E-mail: goswami [email protected] Name:Rinkal Dangar Roll No.:18 E-mail:[email protected] Name:Mansi Gujadiya Roll No.:12 E-mail :[email protected] MA Semester 4 Date: 20/02/2023 Presented at Department of English, MKBU Paper Name:22414 Paper 207: Contemporary Literatures in English

2. T able of contents Book Cover Introduction of Author Key Facts W riting Style Significance of the Title Important Characters Plot Overview Major Themes Article Conclusion References

3. Book Cover Author: Chetan Bhagat

4. Introduction of Author Chetan Bhagat is a reputed Indian author. He is a trend changer among the Indian youths. He has written ten novels and three non-fiction. His contribution to newspaper columns has raised the reading habits of the common people of India. Chetan Bhagat has a special concern for Indian youths. Almost all his novels are centered around the young generation of India. His novel “Revolution 2020” (2011) deals with the burning issues of Postmodern era. Chetan Bhagat projects many aspects of younger generation- their economic conditions, education, relationships, and human values. He narrates his story in simple language so that common people can understand what he tries to convey to society. He does not have any fear to express his ideas to develop the nation. He wants corrupt free India.

5. Author : Chetan Bhagat Year of Publication : 2011 Setting : Varanasi, India Themes : Corruption, Education, Love, Success Plot : Focuses on three main characters - Gopal, Aarti, and Raghav Corruption : Highlights corruption in the Indian education system Love Triangle : Involves Gopal, Aarti, and Raghav Social Commentary : Offers commentary on societal issues like pressure to succeed and integrity Reception : Received mixed reviews but was commercially successful Film Adaptation : Reports of a Bollywood adaptation, but none released as of 2024 Key Facts

6. - Simple, conversational tone - Easy-to-read narrative - Engaging and relatable storytelling - Focus on contemporary Indian society and its challenges - Exposure of corruption in the educational system - Exploration of the pursuit of success and love - Conversational intimacy with the reader - Portrayal of the middle class and their aspirations - Use of everyday language and relatable situations - Inclusion of symbols and motifs to add depth and layers of meaning to the narrative. - Narrative time: One Single Day – around 24 hours - Discourse time: Approximately from the age of 10 years to the age to 26 years of Gopal: 16 years of discourse time Chetan Bhagat's writing style in "Revolution 2020"

7. What is the significance of the title "Revolution 2020" In an interview with India Real Time (IRT), Amitav Ghosh expressed concerns about corruption in education, stating that while he is a capitalist at heart, he believes corruption in education can have dangerous consequences, particularly in shaping an improperly trained generation.

8. What is the significance of the title "Revolution 2020" 2 . " Revolution 20-20" addresses the aspirations, challenges, and sensitive issues faced by the youth generation, with a significant focus on their goals and dreams. While revolution is mentioned in the novel, it is portrayed in a vague and speculative manner, primarily through the change of heart in a powerful character who feels guilt and sympathy towards those striving for academic integrity and social harmony. 3. In “Revolution 2020”, the title refers to Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement and Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam’s India vision 2020

9. W hat is the significance of the year 2020 in the novel? The year 2020 in Chetan Bhagat's novel "Revolution 2020" is significant because it represents the year the main characters aspire to bring about a revolution in India. The title of the novel tries to depict the near future, and the characters' actions and decisions are meant to shape the course of events leading up to the year 2020. The title also implies that the novel is a call to action, urging readers to consider the importance of change and the role they can play in bringing about a better future for India.

10. The novel explores themes of love, corruption, ambition, and the Indian educational system, and the title encapsulates the idea that a revolution is needed to address these issues. Overall, the significance of the year 2020 in the novel is that it represents a call to action for readers to consider the importance of change and the role they can play in shaping the future of India.

11. Learning Outcome Self Realization The Character of Gopal in the novel realizes his mistake in the end, which helps expose many corrupt people. Without this realization, corruption would have continued unchecked, and the corrupt individuals would not have been arrested. However here the self realization in the novel is rather dramatic and bollywoodish that is far from the reality. In real world maybe someone like Gopal who have gain such fame and richness will not do such self sacrifice and enjoy the wealth. The person who have gone this far in corruption would not see the consequences of their wrong doing. Upasna

12. Continue…. I connected the with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan because Chetan Bhagat aims for a revolution in 2020, and Narendra Modi aims for a clean India. Raghav starts his news paper naming it Revolution 2020 with Dream and aim for the corruption free society. He faces many difficulty and at the end he fails to do so. The movement was launched in the year 2016 with the aim to make the clean india till the year 2019 because of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The movement was rather a failure as we still see the pollution and garbage in the large scale. Photograph (Choudhary and Mishra)

13. Important Characters

14. Characters Gopal Mishra Raghav Kashyap Aarti Prathan Anil Kashyap Shailesh Gupta Bishnu-ji Keshav Baba Ghanshyam Tayaji Dubey Uncle Pratap Brij Prathan Sunil MLA Raman Lal Shukla Girish Bedi Pro. MC Shrivastava Mangesh Trivedi Phoolchand Father Father Uncle Father son Prateek and Vineet Friends The GangaTech Trusty Education Consultant Dean Vice Chancellor

15. Plot Overview

16. Plot Chetan Bhagat attempt one college inauguration function - here he meet director of this college Gopal Mishra - Both are going to gopal's home - Gopal drink alcohol - And said his story when he was 10 year old and started his story 3 Friend:- Gopal -Raghav and Aarti - 5 C class-Death of Gopal’s Mother - Problem of Land - Father was ill 7 year later Gopal likes Aarti - Boating in Ganga river - Beauty of Varanasi - Preparation for AIEEE and JEE - Raghav clear ALEEE - Gopal gets low ranking - Raghav becomes a celebrity in the town His father forcing to try again - Gopal was moving to Kota - Suffering lots of struggle - Finding house, finding good coaching centre with a low budget Join a career Path coaching centre - In Varanasi Aarti gave her mail I'd Flying Aarti - One night at the cyber cafe, he chatted with Aarti - who mostly talked about her relationship with Raghav - She expressed her happiness with him and how they spent much of their time together. Gopal is not a scholar but he comes in a top 20 student On Aarti's birthday, Gopal ran 5 km and arrived at a STD booth at 12 o'clock - He attempted to call Aarti - her line was busy - He then tried reaching out to Raghav - encountered the same issue - Despite attempting multiple times - he couldn't get through to Aarti.

17. Continue… After a few days, when they finally chatted - they ended up in a disagreement, - Now Gopal is not speaking with Aarti. On Gopal's birthday - Aarti extends her wishes - but Gopal, aware of Aarti and Raghav's relationship - feels upset. His academic performance suffers - Aarti fails to wish him luck for the JEE exam - The exam didn't go well for him. Comes back to Varanasi Meet Aarti she is more close to Raghav - Gopal is not happy - Raghav join a IIT engineering college BHU - but he is interested in writing magazine and articles Gopal’s father not feeling well - Result comes - Gopal was not pass - Father was death - Gopal is alone Gopal meets Sunil, and together they encounter MLA Raman Lal Shukla, whose sons live abroad They sign a deal, suggested by Shukla - to build an engineering college on Gopal's father's land - Gopal as a director and Shukla as a trustee - Shukla employs corrupt practices to further the project. Raghav hosts a party celebrating the success of his article - where Gopal witnesses him kissing Aarti Gopal is busy in construction of college .

18. Continue.. 3 year later The opening of The GangaTech college - Raghav completes his engineering but opts for journalism, joining a journal Dainik. Aarti aspires to become an air hostess, but her father opposes the idea. Just three days left for admissions - Gopal invites Raghav to conduct interviews - During the interview, Raghav inquires about Mr. Shukla's involvement and the source of funding for the college - raising questions about Shukla's political connections and practices. In an article Raghav gives a wall interview - Headline of the article is “New engineering college opens in city-with corruption money?” Despite Raghav's inquiries, Mr. Shukla manages to navigate the questions and ensure the college's opening - Admissions commence as planned. Aarti joins the staff at Ramada Hotel - The next article, titled "Varanasi Nagar Eats, Builder Cheats," is read by both Gopal and Shukla. In response, Shukla retaliates by bribing Raghav's boss - leading to Raghav losing his job.

19. Continue.. Raghav open new newspaper “Revolution 2020” - First article is “Because Enough is Enough” - Raghav is busy in new newspaper Aarti close to Gopal and cheat on Raghav One night, Aarti and Gopal find themselves alone in a room, sharing drinks - In a moment of intimacy, Gopal kisses Aarti, but she doesn't react positively - As they grow closer - Aarti's discomfort becomes apparent - leaving her upset with Gopal's actions. Raghav write one article “MLA makes money by making holy river filthy” - “25 crores sanctioned for Dimnapura Sewage Treatment Plant. MLA pockets 25 crore” - Raghav do a good job but his financial condition is not good With Shukla's resignation from his MLA seat and subsequent incarceration - Gopal assumes control of the college - He finds success, acquiring a large bungalow and office - Aarti visits, and their closeness is evident once more. Gopal is going to meet Raghav in his office but a chance encounter with poor farmer and his kid(Keshav) who had come to Raghav for help shakes him up - Gopal returns - Later, a newspaper article with a picture of Keshav's death prompts Gopal to reflect on the emptiness of pursuing money, power, and wealth.

20. Continue.. He was helped by a politician who invites two prostitutes as a part of his birthday surprise and ensures Aarti witnesses it - making her hate him forever. Gopal meet Raghav and said that Aarti loves you and also help him to get a job and suggests he become a politician (MLA) - To bring about the revolution he desired Raghav and Aarti meet - Both are getting married Gopal see this seen in his balcony and drink a alcohol - end of the novel Gopal becomes a rich and successful businessman,but still heartbroken over Aarti. Here Gopal’s story ended with a question “But I am still not a good person?” Here Chetan Bhagat not give a answer

21. Learning Outcome After completing the novel I will know about influential role of politics in establishing an engineering college, showcasing how political support can facilitate in education. The protagonist, Raghav, embodies the struggle faced by genuine individuals amidst societal and political pressures. While reading novel I will know about Aarti's character transformation unveils the pitfalls of selfishness. The pivotal moment occurs with Keshav's death, serving as a turning point in the novel. Mansi

22. Major Themes There are Five major themes in this novel. Love Ambition Corruption Education Politics

23. Major Themes Love :- In "Revolution 2020" by Chetan Bhagat, love plays a big role. Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti are best friends since they were kids. Gopal loves Aarti a lot, but she doesn't feel the same way at first. However, as Gopal starts doing well in life, Aarti's feelings for him start to change. Even though Aarti initially loves Raghav, who also loves her, she ends up marrying him. (Sunil)

24. Ambition :- The theme of ambition in "Revolution 2020" by showcasing the pressure Indian parents place on their children to excel academically, particularly in fields like engineering. Gopal's father, a retired teacher involved in a family dispute, epitomizes this pressure by insisting that Gopal must become an engineer from a top college. When Gopal fails to meet this expectation, his father's disappointment and anger are palpable, highlighting the immense importance placed on academic success.

25. Ambition :- Similarly, Prateek's situation underscores the relentless pursuit of academic achievement, as his parents, both teachers, send him to Kota despite his inability to crack the exams after years of preparation. Prateek's frustration reflects the reality faced by many students who struggle to meet the lofty expectations set by their parents and society. Even Raghav's father, who desires nothing less than an IIT education for his son, contributes to the theme of ambition by exemplifying the prevailing mindset that success is measured solely by prestigious academic institutions. (Sunil)

26. Corruption :- In "Revolution 2020," corruption is a big theme. The book shows how corruption affects different parts of Indian society, like politics, administration, and education. In the novel, Chetan Bhagat paints a realistic picture of modern India by portraying the evolving social and political landscape through well-crafted characters. This creative approach sheds light on the changing dynamics of India and how corruption plays a significant role in shaping its future. (SURESH and RAJEST)

27. Corruption :- Characters like MLA Shukla represent the corrupt politicians who misuse their power for personal gain. Shukla's rise from being poor to being rich by stealing public money shows how bad corruption is in politics. The novel also talks about corruption in education, especially in private colleges. These colleges care more about making money than providing a good education. They might promise great facilities in their brochures, but in reality, they often don't have basic things like labs. “I will give you the best discount. Don’t go to Sri Ganesh and ruin your life. They don’t even have labs. Those pictures in the brochure are of another college”. -Jyoti Verma to Gopal (Sunil)

28. Education :- The novel examines the flaws and challenges within the Indian education system, particularly focusing on the corruption prevalent in private colleges and the intense pressure placed on students to succeed in competitive exams. Characters like Gopal and Prateek struggle with the education system shortcomings, highlighting the broader issues of access, quality, and ethics in education. Politics :- Through characters like MLA Shukla and the backdrop of Varanasi's political landscape, the novel exposes the deep-rooted corruption and power dynamics within Indian politics. Shukla's corrupt practices and manipulation of the system reflect larger societal issues, such as the abuse of political power for personal gain and the disenchantment of the masses with the political establishment.

29. Learning Outcome Aarti From this book, I've learned that it's important to have a clear goal in our education. Looking at Aarti's character, it seems like she doesn't really love anyone, not Gopal or Raghav. She only seems to care about people who can give her time and are successful. Aarti comes across as selfish, thinking only about herself. "Education and talent seem like nothing when political connections come in between.”

30. Research Articles What is Popular Literature? Popular literature, any written work that is read, or is intended to be read, by a mass audience. In its broadest sense, popular literature may include best-selling nonfiction books, widely circulated periodicals, and certain kinds of digital texts. However, the term is typically used to refer to works of fiction that are distinguished from what is often called high literature, artistic literature, or simply literature. Since the late 20th century, works of popular fiction have often been classified as genre fiction and their purported opposite as literary fiction. ( Cunningham ) The categorical boundaries of popular literature are not strict, and the classification of specific works may change over time. While books that sell in large quantities and appear on bestseller lists are by definition popular, sales figures alone are insufficient criteria for a work to be regarded as popular literature. Many works of literary fiction have become bestsellers, just as many works of genre fiction have failed to find an audience. In addition, literary distinction is often awarded to works that have “stood the test of time,” by transcending the context of their initial reception, but such an assessment cannot be made until long after the work’s publication. For instance, William Shakespeare’s plays were considered popular literature in their day but are now widely recognized as artistic works . ( Cunningham )

31. Characteristics of Popular Literature ( Cunningham) I t is crafted primarily to entertain the reader, as entertainment is a quality that attracts and appeals to a wide audience. To promote a pleasurable reading experience. Works of popular fiction are usually written in a simple and straightforward style. They are largely plot-driven, rather than character-driven. As such, they are intended less to provoke deep reflection or aesthetic appreciation than to be read casually and quickly. While literary fiction is frequently rooted in the realities of everyday life, popular fiction tends toward escapism. As American literary theorist Fredric Jameson observed, “Genres are essentially contracts between a writer and his readers”; that is, they create and fulfill the reader’s expectations. It is inexorably connected to and shaped by commercial forces.( authors are also influenced by commercial considerations in the writing of such works, crafting them not only to be abstractly appealing but also to satisfy current market demands.)

32. History Only after the development of the printing press was it possible to produce literature that could achieve a significant measure of popularity in its written form. (Cunningham) Over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, the spread of elementary education for the middle and lower classes brought about a more expansive reading public. Additionally, the Industrial Revolution made published works more widely accessible through the development of mass-production technologies and improved systems of transportation and communication . (Cunningham) During this time, fiction became increasingly important within the literary landscape. The novel emerged as a popular form, especially for middle-class readers, who acquired books from urban bookstalls and circulating libraries. (Cunningham) In the late 19th century, young working-class readers devoured sensational tales of crime and adventure. (Cunningham)

33. Continue.. Many of the genres by which popular fiction is now categorized had developed by the turn of the 20th century. By the middle of the century, genre labels had become codified by the publishing industry as a marketing tool, exemplified by divided sections within bookstores. Popular fiction was frequently sold as paperback books, which had become a profitable trade owing to advances in printing. As new media technologies fueled the growth of the entertainment industry, best-selling books became fertile fodder for film and television adaptations. At the same time, a distinction widened between popular fiction and what became known as literary fiction. Modernist writers and their followers self-consciously distanced themselves from mass tastes, and the growing study of literature within the academy reinforced this stratification through its formation of literary canons. In the early 21st century, digital publishing provided new venues for authors of popular literature, as works could easily be disseminated outside of traditional channels. (One notable example is fan fiction, which is based on existing fictional characters but is unauthorized by their original creator or publisher.) E-reading devices, which allow readers to move quickly from one title to the next, have become a common choice for consuming genre fiction. As popular fiction continues to influence popular culture at large, some writers of literary fiction draw inspiration from genre conventions.

34. Learning Outcome Rinkal While reading a novel, we had to be conscious about the events which includes themes of Corruption, Ambition and Love. Even at choosing her mail id, Aarti selected “ Flying Aarti ”, which is indicating her dream to be an air hostess, makes us think about her passion for her dream job, but she ended up by being married to Raghav and a guest manager of hotel. It seems as the writer have objectified Female protagonist by locating her at periphery in the end of ‘Revolution Twenty20’ Gopal seems to act great(There are other ways to Gopal to be revolutionary at his own) by sacrificing his love for the revolution and Raghav, which makes Raghav and his power of revolution getting powerless. As a Popular fiction, ‘Revolution Twenty20’ serves each kind of readers as per their interest.

35. Conclusion However, it isn’t easy to achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win? Was Gopal a Good person? The Revolution Twenty20 would sound something like getting into Revolutionary process and characters had struggle among Love, Ambition and Corruption. The text does not raise or answer abstract questions thus lacks the high seriousness and sincerity of an artistic “literary work” or fiction as it falls under the umbrella of “ popular fiction”

36. References “Ayn Rand Lexicon.” Ayn Rand Lexicon , http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/popular_literature.html. Accessed 17 February 2024. Bhagat, Chetan. Revolution Twenty20 : Love . Corruption. Ambition . RUPA PUBLICATIONS INDIA PVT Limited, 2014. Chaudhari, Sunil Gomaji. International Journal Of English and Studies (IJOES) , Narrative Technique and Style in Chetan Bhagat’s Revolution 2020, https://www.ijoes.in/papers/v3i10/11.IJOES-SUNIL(68-78).pdf. Accessed 17 February 2024. Chaudhari, Sunil Gomaji. “The Major Themes in Chetan Bhagat's Revolution 2020.” International Journal Of English and Studies , vol. 4, no. 3, 2022, pp. 106-110. IJOES , https://www.ijoes.in/papers/v4i3/24.IJOES-Dr.%20Sunil(106-110).pdf . Chetan Bhagat : Welcome to Stories , https://www.chetanbhagat.com/. Accessed 20 February 2024. Cunningham, John M. “Popular literature | History, Definition, Examples, Books, & Facts.” Britannica , https://www.britannica.com/art/popular-literature. Accessed 20 February 2024. Muthiah, Kanna. “CHETAN BHAGAT’S ART OF CHARACTERIZATION IN REVOLUTION 2020.” Shanlax International Journal of English , vol. 3, no. 1, 2014, https://www.shanlaxjournals.in/pdf/ENG/V3N1/ENG_V3_N1_001.pdf. SURESH, P., and S. SUMAN RAJEST. “(PDF) AN ANALYSIS OF CHETAN BHAGAT'S REVOLUTION-2020: LOVE, AMBITION, CORRUPTION.” ResearchGate , https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338526987_AN_ANALYSIS_OF_CHETAN_BHAGAT'S_REVOLUTION-2020_LOVE_AMBITION_CORRUPTION. Accessed 20 February 2024. Veni, M. Krishna, and Y. Vigila Jebaruby. “Societal Pressures on Youths : A Study on Chetan Bhagat’s Revolution 2020.” Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition , vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 207-211, https://www.xisdxjxsu.asia/V18I02-19.pdf.

37. Thankyou! Prepared by Aarti Sarvaiya Mansi Gujadiya Upasna Goswami Rinkal Dangar Rajeshvari Rana