Name :- Aarti Bhupatbhai Sarvaiya
Roll No :- 01
Enrollment No :- 4069206420220027
Sem :- 4(M.A.)
Batch :- 2022-2024
Paper No. :- 207
Paper Code :-22414
Paper Name :- Contemporary Literatures in English
Submitted to :- Smt. S. B. Gardi, Department of English,M.K.B.U.
Dated on :- 25 April , 2024
Email :- aartisarvaiya7010@gmail.com
Youth Disillusionment and Corruption in Modern India
Introduction
Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition is a 2011 novel by Chetan Bhagat. Its story is concerned with a love triangle, corruption and a journey of self-discovery. R2020 has addressed the issue of how private coaching institutions exploit aspiring engineering students and how parents put their lifetime's earnings on stake for these classes so that their children can crack engineering exams and change the fortune of the family. While a handful accomplish their dreams, others sink into disaster.
The author stated that the novel is based on the "rampant corruption" apparent in the Indian educational system, with the choice of Varanasi as a setting emerging through "a special connection to the city" following his visit.] He further said "it is one of our oldest cities, and people there now have modern aspirations. I thought the contrast would be interesting. The city also has a lot of character."
About The Writer
Chetan Bhagat, a renowned Indian author, has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating the hearts and minds of millions of young readers across the nation. Born in New Delhi on April 22, 1974, into a middle-class Punjabi family, Bhagat's journey from an engineering student to a bestselling novelist is a testament to his unwavering passion and determination.
After completing his education at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Bhagat embarked on a career as an investment banker in Hong Kong, where he spent over a decade honing his skills. However, his true calling lay in the realm of writing, and it was during this time that he penned his debut novel, "Five Point Someone," which became an instant success, resonating with the struggles and aspirations of India's youth.
Bhagat's novels, such as "One Night @ The Call Center," "The Three Mistakes Of My Life," and "Two States," have not only entertained readers but have also sparked important conversations about societal issues, corruption, and the pursuit of ambition. His ability to weave relatable narratives and capture the essence of contemporary Indian youth has earned him the title of a youth icon, transcending the boundaries of mere authorship.
Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition
In his captivating novel, "Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition," Bhagat delves into the intricate lives of three young individuals – Gopal Mishra, Raghav Kashyap, and Aarti Pradhan – in the traditional city of Varanasi. The subtitle, "Love, Corruption, Ambition," serves as a thematic guide, with each word representing the central struggle of one of the characters.
The story begins with the author's visit to the Ganges College of Engineering in Varanasi, where he witnesses the aftermath of a drunken incident involving Gopal Mishra, the young manager of the college. As Bhagat visits Gopal in the hospital, the latter's life story unfolds, revealing his broken love relationships, failed IIT entrance exams, an age-old land dispute, his father's ambition, and his struggles during his school days.
Gopal's journey takes him from a middle-class upbringing to becoming the owner of an engineering college through corrupt means, aided by the influential MLA Shuklaji. His ambition and willingness to compromise his values lead him down a path of corruption, highlighting the societal ills that plague India's education system.
Raghav Kashyap, on the other hand, represents the idealistic youth who aspires to eradicate corruption from society. A brilliant student from a wealthy family, he rejects a lucrative job offer from Infosys to pursue a career as a journalist, using his writing as a weapon against systemic corruption. His investigations into the Ganga scam force Shukla's resignation, showcasing his unwavering commitment to social reform.
Aarti Pradhan, the sole female protagonist, embodies the complexities of love and ambition. Initially pursuing her dream of becoming a flight attendant, she eventually settles for a customer service role in a hotel. Her love life is a tumultuous one, as she finds herself caught in a love triangle between Gopal and Raghav, ultimately choosing the latter despite his neglectful behavior due to his ambition.
Through these intertwined narratives, Bhagat skillfully explores the themes of love, corruption, and ambition, weaving a tapestry that reflects the social stratification and moral decay prevalent in contemporary Indian society.
Major Characters of the Novel :-
1. Gopal Mishra - One who wanted to use his intelligence to make money - who ultimately joins hands with corrupt politician to walk on the path of corruption and starts private engineering college, Ganga Tech College in Varanasi.
2. Raghav - One who wanted to use his intelligence to start a revolution - who ultimately runs his own news paper 'Revolution 2020' to bring in change in society and make nation free from corruption. He has cracked JEE and AIEEE and joins BHU-IT instead of famous IITs or NITs so he can pursue journalism along with engineering. He follows his passion to be a journalist who can bring in 'change' in society rather than opt for an easy job in multination company or public sector company like his father who was IITian and works as engineer in BHEL.
3. Aarti - daughter of IAS office who is District Magistrate of Varanasi and love interest of both, Gopal and Raghav.
Narrative Technique:
Chetan Bhagat narrative technique has a sort of method which he follows in most of his novels. His signature style is to stat with Prologue and end with Epilogue. He himself appears in these prologues-epilogues and listens story from one of the characters of the novel - and then allows him to tell the story in fist-person narration.
Uncovering the Dark Realities
Chetan Bhagat's "Revolution 2020" exposes the dark underbelly of India's education system and society. Corrupt coaching institutes exploit students' desperation, prioritizing profit over quality education. This creates immense financial burden and pressure, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicides.
The novel further highlights the cutthroat competition, where students sacrifice personal happiness and passions for the sole purpose of cracking exams. Social and class inequalities play a significant role, with limited opportunities and parental pressure further restricting student aspirations.
Bhagat criticizes the outdated curriculum and its emphasis on rote learning, hindering innovation and problem-solving skills. He exposes the system's flaws, where success often depends on resources and connections, leaving many students disadvantaged. The novel is a call for change, urging a revolution in education and society to address these harsh realities.
Bhagat's "Revolution 2020" is a powerful commentary on the social evils, corruption, and challenges faced by India's youth. The novel delves into the complexities of love, portrayed through the intricate relationships between Gopal, Aarti, and Raghav. While initially depicted as a love triangle, the dynamics shift as Aarti realizes Raghav's singular focus on his ambition, leading her to seek solace in her childhood friend Gopal's arms.
However, Gopal's actions highlight the degradation of moral and ethical values, as he engages in dishonest practices to fulfill his own ambitions. His involvement with the corrupt MLA Shuklaji exemplifies the pervasive corruption that plagues India's educational institutions, where admissions are bought, land is forcibly acquired, and bribes are paid to ensure favorable outcomes.
Raghav's character represents the idealistic youth who aspires to combat corruption through his journalistic endeavors. His article on the Ganga cleaning scam exposes the depth of corruption within the system, leading to Shukla's resignation. However, even this victory is tainted by the reality of a deeply entrenched corrupt system, where officials accept bribes and engage in fake demolition exercises to maintain the status quo.
Bhagat's portrayal of the education system as a commercialized enterprise, where institutions are built through dishonest means and admissions are traded for monetary gain, serves as a scathing indictment of the moral decay that has permeated Indian society. The novel sheds light on the plight of the youth, caught between their ambitions, societal pressures, and the temptation of compromising their values in pursuit of success.
Through his vivid storytelling and relatable characters, Bhagat unveils the dark underbelly of contemporary India, where corruption is rampant, and the youth struggle to navigate a complex web of ethical dilemmas. "Revolution 2020" is not just a work of fiction but a powerful social commentary that challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of their nation and contemplate the path towards a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chetan Bhagat's "Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by India's youth in a society plagued by corruption and moral decay. Through the intertwined narratives of Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti, Bhagat skillfully navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of success, while simultaneously exposing the systemic flaws that permeate India's educational and social institutions. This novel serves as a clarion call for readers to confront the harsh realities of their nation and contemplate the necessity for a revolution – a revolution that upholds integrity, justice, and the unwavering pursuit of truth.
Word Count:- 1520
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