Crime and Punishment

       Hello everyone, This blog is given by our professor Megha Trivedi. It's based on Thinking activity R.K.Narayan's Crime and Punishment.

'Crime and Punishment' is about a school master who commits a crime and the punishment he undergoes. The story is set in an Indian background. The teacher, purely out of monetary benefits, takes tuition, to a clever and naughty child, of rich and educated parents.

     

R.K. Narayan, whose full name is Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, was one of India's most celebrated and influential English-language writers. He was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai), India, and he passed away on May 13, 2001, in Chennai.

Narayan is best known for his captivating and humorous fictional works set in the fictional town of Malgudi, which he created. His writing style is often characterized by its simplicity, wit, and keen observation of human nature, making his works accessible and enjoyable to a wide range of readers.

Some of R.K. Narayan's most famous works include:

1. "Swami and Friends" (1935):   Narayan's debut novel, which introduces readers to the fictional town of Malgudi and follows the adventures of a young boy named Swaminathan and his friends.

              

2. "The Bachelor of Arts" (1937):  A novel that explores the struggles and conflicts faced by a young graduate named Chandran as he searches for a career and grapples with love and societal expectations.

                  

3. "The Guide" (1958):  This novel is considered one of Narayan's masterpieces, telling the story of a tourist guide named Raju and his transformation from a small-time swindler to a spiritual leader.

              

4. "Malgudi Days" (1943):  A collection of short stories that provide glimpses into the lives of various characters in the fictional town of Malgudi.

                         

5. "The English Teacher" (1945):   A semi-autobiographical novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and spirituality through the protagonist, a teacher named Krishna.

               

Narayan's writing gained international acclaim and played a significant role in introducing Indian literature to a global audience. He was awarded numerous prestigious literary honors, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the AC Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, among others.

His literary contributions continue to be celebrated, and his works remain popular among readers worldwide. R.K. Narayan's legacy lives on as one of India's foremost English-language literary figures.

The dynamic roles of teachers and students in movie, novels, short story etc. 

1 - Tamare Zameen Par :-

          

One example of the dynamic role of a teacher in a Hindi movie is portrayed in the film "Taare Zameen Par" (2007), directed by Aamir Khan. The movie explores the story of Ishaan Awasthi, a young boy who struggles with dyslexia and faces difficulties in the conventional education system.

The character of Ram Shankar Nikumbh, played by Aamir Khan himself, is a dynamic and compassionate art teacher who enters Ishaan's life and transforms it. Nikumbh recognizes Ishaan's unique artistic abilities and understands his learning difficulties. Instead of criticizing Ishaan for his poor academic performance, he provides him with the necessary support and encouragement.

Nikumbh becomes Ishaan's mentor and guide, using innovative teaching methods and unconventional approaches to help him overcome his challenges. He introduces art as a medium for Ishaan to express himself, boosting his confidence and self-esteem. Through his patience, empathy, and understanding, Nikumbh not only improves Ishaan's academic performance but also helps him rediscover his love for learning.

The character of Nikumbh also serves as a catalyst for change within the school system. He challenges the rigid and academically-focused education system, advocating for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the individuality and talents of each student. Nikumbh's unconventional teaching methods and his emphasis on creativity and self-expression inspire other teachers and parents to reconsider their perspectives on education.

"Taare Zameen Par" exemplifies the dynamic role of a teacher in a Hindi movie by showcasing the transformative power of a caring and understanding mentor. The character of Nikumbh goes beyond the traditional role of a teacher, serving as an advocate, motivator, and source of inspiration for Ishaan and the entire community.

2. Super 30 :-

       

"Super 30": Based on a true story, this film follows a mathematics teacher who mentors underprivileged students to crack the highly competitive IIT-JEE entrance exam.

"Super 30" is a Hindi biographical drama film released in 2019, directed by Vikas Bahl. The movie is based on the life of mathematician Anand Kumar and his initiative called "Super 30," which provides free coaching to underprivileged students preparing for the highly competitive Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE). The film portrays the dynamic roles of teachers and students in the context of education and societal challenges. Here's a brief overview of the teacher and student dynamic roles in the movie:

Anand Kumar (Teacher): The protagonist of the film, portrayed by actor Hrithik Roshan, is Anand Kumar, a talented mathematician from a humble background. He is passionate about mathematics and dreams of studying abroad, but financial constraints prevent him from pursuing his dreams. Despite the hardships, Anand becomes a dedicated teacher who aims to provide quality education to underprivileged students. He starts the "Super 30" program, where he selects 30 meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds each year and prepares them for the IIT-JEE exam.

Underprivileged Students (Students):  The students selected by Anand Kumar come from economically backward families and face numerous challenges in accessing quality education. Many of them have never received formal coaching for competitive exams. They are talented but lack the resources and guidance to crack the IIT-JEE exam. The movie showcases the struggles and aspirations of these students, who see Anand Kumar as their mentor and guide.

3. "3 Idiots":

 In the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots," which was released in 2009 and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the dynamic between the teacher and student plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and themes of the film. The movie revolves around the lives of three friends – Rancho (played by Aamir Khan), Farhan (played by R. Madhavan), and Raju (played by Sharman Joshi) – who are studying engineering at the prestigious Imperial College of Engineering.

•  Unconventional Teacher (Rancho):

Rancho, whose real name is Ranchhoddas Chanchad, is the protagonist and a highly talented student. He has an unconventional approach to life and learning. Rancho believes in understanding concepts through practical experience rather than rote memorization. He values creativity, critical thinking, and pursuing one's passions. He encourages his friends to question the conventional education system and think beyond traditional academic boundaries.

• Conventional Teachers (Virus and Chatur) :-

Professor Viru Sahastrabuddhe, also known as "Virus" is the college's strict and conventional headmaster. He embodies the traditional, rote-learning education system that emphasizes grades and success through memorization rather than genuine understanding. He dislikes Rancho's unconventional methods and sees him as a threat to the system he upholds.

Chatur Ramalingam, nicknamed "Silencer" is a fellow student of Rancho, Farhan, and Raju. He represents the typical "book-smart" student who prioritizes memorization and grades over true understanding. He serves as a contrast to Rancho's approach to learning.

• Impact on Students (Farhan and Raju) :

Farhan and Raju, the other two "idiots," initially conform to the traditional educational system as encouraged by Virus and Chatur. However, through their interactions with Rancho, they start questioning their own passions and career choices. They learn to appreciate the importance of pursuing what they love rather than just chasing success based on societal expectations.

Overall, the teacher-student dynamic in "3 Idiots" showcases the transformative power of an unconventional mentor (Rancho) in the lives of students, challenging the conventional norms and inspiring them to think freely and pursue their dreams.

4."Black": 

This movie tells the story of a deaf-blind girl and her relationship with her dedicated teacher who helps her communicate and navigate the world.

Thank you for visiting my blog !!

Flipped learning

 Hello everyone, This blog is part of academic activity. This blog is given by our professor Dilip Barad. In this blog we have watch some videos on deconstruction and after we have to given this question answer.

 

• First of all what is deconstruction? 

Deconstruction doesn't actually mean "demolition;" instead it means "breaking down" or analyzing something (especially the words in a work of fiction or nonfiction) to discover its true significance, which is supposedly almost never exactly what the author intended.

Now I am jump on discuss question which was given by sir.

      

1.1 Why is it difficult to define Deconstruction?

Deconstruction is difficult to define due to its multiple interpretations, abstract nature, context-dependency, and intellectual complexity.

1.2 Is Deconstruction a negative term?

  -Not exactly a negative term. In fact it is not a negative term. Actually, Derrida is inquiring in to the condition or what causes philosophical system or meaning to stand up on its own and fall down. He is inquiring into the foundation.

Actually, it is not a negative term. Derrida wanted to transform the way people think.

1.3. How does Deconstruction happen on its own?

In a sense that the conditions which give 'meaning' to the system, that very conditions put a limit to it. So, when the foundations of meanings are inquired, it breakfree the limitations. Thus, an inquiry into foundations destroys the institution. So we can say that deconstruction happens on its own.

2.1 The influence of Heidegger on Derrida

Derrida himself in the famous "Letter to a Japanese Friend" (1983) pointed out that the term was a product of his wish, “to translate and adapt to my own ends the Heidggerian word Destruktion or Abbau. Each signified in this context an operation bearing on the structure or traditional architecture of the fundamental concepts of ontology or of Western metaphysics”.

2.2 Derridean rethinking of the foundations of Western philosophy.

Derrida wants to rethink the very foundation of western philosophy and he also wants to reinvent the language in which the philosophy has done.

3.1 Ferdinand de Saussureian concept of language (that meaning is arbitrary, relational, constitutive)

Ferdinand de Saussure's concept of language emphasizes that meaning in language is arbitrary, relational, and constitutive. This means that the connection between words and their meanings is not inherently logical or fixed, but rather established through social and cultural agreements, relationships, and the structure of language itself.

3.2 How Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness?

Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness by revealing the complexities and contradictions within language. He argues that language is not based on fixed, objective associations between words and meanings, but is instead shaped by contextual influences and power dynamics.

3.3 Concept of metaphysics of presence

 The concept of the metaphysics of presence refers to the traditional belief that truth and meaning are based on a stable, fixed presence or essence. Derrida challenges this notion, arguing that presence is elusive and always deferred, leading to the deconstruction of traditional metaphysical frameworks.

4.1 Derridean concept of DifferAnce

It is difference as we differentiate a word from another to understand its meaning. We do not define, actually, we differentiate. It is deference because the meaning is postponed - meaning is adjourned, put back. It is difference + Deference. Derrida combines both word and coins a new word.

4.2 Infinite play of meaning

The concept of the infinite play of meaning refers to the idea that meaning is not fixed or finite, but rather continuously shifting and open to interpretation. It emphasizes the endless possibilities for multiple and evolving meanings within language and discourse.

4.3 DIfferAnce = to differ + to defer

It highlights the intertwined nature of two processes: to differ and to defer. Différance suggests that meaning is created through both the distinction and delay of signs, with each sign pointing to another in an ongoing chain of references, leading to an ever-deferred, never fully present, and stable meaning.

5.1 Structure, Sign and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences.

"Structure, Sign, and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences" is an essay by Jacques Derrida that challenges fixed meanings and highlights the instability of language, urging a reevaluation of traditional notions in the study of human sciences.

5.2 Explain: "Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique."

Structuralism began as the critique of the assumption science as well as metaphysics. On the other hand it uses similar assumptions. The centre is, paradoxically, within the structure and outside it…the totality 'has its centre elsewhere'. The centre is not the centre. The ultimate meaning is never grasped.

 

The finality is impossible as the one who critiques something uses same language. So it is trapped in the interplay and free play of meaning. The lack in the language - the missing or the blind spot in language demands for the critic to fill it. It can be done only through language. The lack continues to be there.

6.1 The Yale School: the hub of the practitioners of Deconstruction in the literary theories.

The Yale School, associated with scholars like Paul de Man and J. Hillis Miller, was a prominent hub for practitioners of deconstruction in literary theory. Known for their engagement with Derrida's ideas, they applied deconstructive methods to analyse and critique literary texts, challenging traditional notions of meaning and interpretation.

6.2 The characteristics of the Yale School of Deconstruction.

 1.Looking at literature as figurative or rhetorical construct

 

 2.They questioned both the aesthetic as well as formalist approach to literature and also questioned the historicist and sociologist approach to literature

 

 3.They were highly pre-occupied with Romanticism.

7.1 How other schools like New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism and Postcolonial theorists used Deconstruction?

Other schools such as New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism, and Postcolonial theorists have used deconstruction as a tool to critique and challenge established power structures, hierarchies, and dominant narratives within society. They employ deconstruction to reveal inherent contradictions, instabilities, and conflicts in historical and cultural discourses, to expose power relations and social inequalities, to subvert patriarchal ideologies and gender norms, to critique capitalist ideologies and class interests, and to dismantle colonial narratives and challenge the lingering effects of colonialism on language and culture.

After watching the video, I did not understand some things which I have presented through the question. Which was given below -

 1. How does Deconstruction challenge traditional views of language and meaning?

 2. What are the main idea and concepts associated with Derrida's deconstruction?

 3. According to Derrida, what is the relationship between structure and sign?

 4. How does Derrida's concept of 'play' challenge traditional notions of meaning and interpretation?

         Thank you for visiting my blog!!

Digital Humanities

This blog is part of our educational activity.

 It was given by our professor Dilip Barad. Here I'm discuss about what is DH? and 

what is done in under the DH?

 

• What is Digital Humanities ??

Digital humanities is an interdisciplinary field that combines the methodologies and approaches of humanities research with digital tools and technologies. It involves the use of computational methods, digital resources, and technology to explore and analyze various aspects of human culture, history, literature, art, language, and more.

Digital humanities encompasses a wide range of activities, including digitizing and preserving cultural artifacts, creating digital archives and databases, developing software and tools for textual analysis, data visualization, and network analysis, and using computational methods to study patterns and trends in humanities disciplines.

The field emerged as a response to the increasing availability of digital resources and the potential they hold for transforming traditional humanities research. Digital humanities scholars and practitioners often collaborate with researchers from other disciplines, such as computer science, information science, and social sciences, to leverage technological advancements for studying humanistic questions and creating new modes of scholarship.

Some common areas of study in digital humanities include text mining and analysis, digital mapping and spatial analysis, network analysis, data visualization, digital storytelling, computational linguistics, and cultural heritage preservation. Digital humanities approaches can be applied to a wide range of humanities disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, art history, linguistics, and more.

Overall, digital humanities aims to leverage digital technologies and computational methods to enhance the study of human culture and society, facilitate new modes of scholarly communication and collaboration, and broaden access to cultural heritage resources. Let's now talk about some projects that are done under the DH.

• What is done under DH (Digital  Humanities) ??

Digital Humanities (DH) is a field that combines digital technology with the study of subjects like literature, history, and culture. It uses computers and special tools to help researchers understand and analyse information in these areas. Here are some things that people do in Digital Humanities:

Digital Humanities (DH) is an interdisciplinary field that combines the use of digital tools, methods, and technologies with traditional humanities disciplines such as literature, history, linguistics, cultural studies, and more. It involves applying computational methods to analyze, interpret, and present cultural and historical data.

In the field of Digital Humanities, scholars and researchers engage in various activities and projects, including:

1.Data analysis and visualization: Digital tools and techniques are used to analyze large sets of textual, visual, or historical data. This may involve text mining, network analysis, mapping, or creating visualizations to identify patterns, trends, or connections within the data.

 2. Textual scholarship and analysis: Digital Humanities scholars apply computational methods to study texts, manuscripts, and literary works. They may use techniques such as text encoding, markup languages (e.g., XML, TEI), and natural language processing (NLP) to analyze and interpret textual data.

 3. Cultural heritage preservation: Digital Humanities plays a crucial role in digitizing and preserving cultural heritage materials such as manuscripts, artifacts, artworks, and historical documents. This involves creating digital archives, databases, and online repositories to make these resources accessible to researchers and the public.

 4. Digital storytelling and narrative: DH scholars explore new ways of creating and presenting narratives using digital platforms and tools. This may involve interactive websites, multimedia presentations, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or immersive experiences to engage audiences in a dynamic and interactive manner.

 5. Collaborative research and interdisciplinary projects: DH encourages collaboration across disciplines and fosters partnerships between humanities scholars, computer scientists, librarians, archivists, and other professionals. It promotes the exchange of knowledge, methodologies, and expertise to address complex research questions and challenges.

 6. Ethical considerations and critical reflection: Digital Humanities also engages with critical discussions around the ethical implications of using digital technologies in research, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and issues of inclusivity and accessibility. (ChatGPT)

Here some DH projects are given below.

• Digital Archives :-

Digital archives are a fundamental component of Digital Humanities (DH) projects. They are digital repositories that preserve and provide access to various types of cultural artifacts, historical documents, literary works, and other materials in a digital format. These archives aim to make valuable resources available to researchers, scholars, students, and the general public in a convenient and accessible manner. 

1. The Valley of the Shadow: A Digital Archive of the Civil War

This project provides an interactive digital archive documenting the lives of individuals during the American Civil War. It includes primary sources, maps, and visualizations.

Link: You can find more information about this project at 

http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/

2.Mapping the Republic of Letters

This project explores the circulation of knowledge in the early modern period by mapping the correspondence networks of intellectuals, scientists, and writers. For further information click on this link.

https://.republicofletters.stanford.edu/

3. "The Programming Historian" 

This is an online open-access resource that provides tutorials and lessons on digital tools and methods for humanities research. It covers topics such as text analysis, data visualization, and web scraping. Access their website here:

 https://programminghistorian.org/

4. "Visualizing Emancipation" 

This project focuses on mapping the end of slavery in the United States during the Civil War era. It provides interactive maps, data visualizations, and educational resources to explore the emancipation process. Visit their website to explore the project:

 http://dsl.richmond.edu/emancipation/

•  Computational Humanities :-

Computational Humanities for teaching language and literature to students unaltered from its essence through online mode to explore some innovative ways of teaching in online platforms to make the activities. 

It's  tools and techniques are Online Assessment, Asynchronous Learning, synchronous teaching, DCLs, CMS + LMS.

• Generative Literature :-

Generative literature in digital humanities refers to the creation of literary works or texts using computational methods and algorithms. It involves leveraging computational techniques to generate or assist in the creation of literary content, blurring the boundaries between human authorship and algorithmic creativity.

Generative literature can take various forms, including poetry, prose, interactive narratives, and experimental literary works. It often involves the use of algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, and other computational techniques to generate or manipulate textual content. These algorithms can be programmed to follow specific rules, patterns, or models to produce new text based on existing data or predefined parameters.

The aim of generative literature is not to replace human authors but to explore new possibilities for literary creation, experimentation, and collaboration between humans and machines. It challenges traditional notions of authorship, creativity, and the role of the reader by involving algorithms in the creative process.

CAN A COMPUTER WRITE POETRY  ??

• Here are some links where computers generate poems for us:

• https://www.poem-generator.org.uk/

• http://www.languageisavirus.com/

• http://poetry.namegeneratorfun.com/

Thats are some information on Digital

Humanities which I have understand.

Thanks for read it.

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"Raat Rani"- Modern Love Mumbai

Hello Learners!!!

      This task is given by our professor Vaidehi Hariyani. In this blog I will try to connect the character of Lali shown in 'Raat Rani' as part of independence. 

What is independent according to (ChatGpt) Independent refers to a state of autonomy or self-reliance where an entity, individual, or organization can act, make decisions, or function without being influenced, controlled, or dependent on external factors or outside forces.

Raat Rani episode is a part of Modern Mumbai Love series. Which has been telecasted on amazon prime video. Its lead characters include Fatima Sana Shaikh, Bhupendra Jadawat, Dilip Prabhavalkar. The story directed by Sonali Bose. Let's discuss about the story.

Modern Mumbai Love

                

Lali played by Fatima Sana Sheikh, is a Kashmiri who had run away to Mumbai to marry Lutfi. They work odd jobs to make ends meet. He is a watchman at an upscale apartment, and she is a cook and a nanny. We meet them 10 years into their marriage. One day, Lutfi suddenly disappears. Lali can’t find him anywhere and he doesn’t respond to her calls. She learns to leave herself and build a new life her own. Sonali Bose's 'Raat Rani' inspires women to love themselves.

1. List down the contradictory symbols you observed in the episode “Raat Rani”.

In the story Lali seems to be trying to become independent.  He evens the ceiling on the roof, working alone even at night.  Thus in the story, Sonali Bose has tried to show the woman as independent, for which he has also used many symbols.  Which are as follows.

In this scene as we know that Lali was a Kashmiri girl and lived here in a love marriage with Latif., Lali divorces her husband while the Taj Mahal stands behind her, which is a symbol of love. Taj Mahal has always been a symbol of love, whenever it comes to love Taj Mahal comes to mind but here when Lali meets Latif, she leaves Latif in front as a courageous woman.  It comes here as a symbol of contrast as two lovers fall apart against the symbol of love.

As mentioned above, the thinking that only men can do some work is proved wrong when the roof breaks and Lali shows it by equalizing it with her salary.  Here we can say that a man cannot do everything, a woman can do everything if she thinks.

2. Which is your favourite symbol from Raat Rani? Why?

In the series we can see many symbols are signify. Lali is seen as Raat Rani.  After her husband leaves her, she starts selling kavo at night to support herself.  And when his mistress sees Lali like this, she gives him the queen of night's flower and says, 

रातरानी की महक से साप निकल आते है तो उसकी महक दबाने के लिए लोग बाजुमें एक और पेड़ लगा देते है ‘दिन का राजा’. अब दिन का राजा लगाओ या बेंड का बाजा बजाओ,  उससे रातरानी की खुश्बू तो काम नही होगी ना ?

3. Which is your favourite frame from the episode? Why?

Lali looks extremely happy in both the above frames. They would travel on his scooter. He leaves a cycle behind for her to travel now, which she is unable to ride properly on the Mumbai roadsBecause he has crossed the bridge for the first time.  She feels liberated. she has “crossed the highway”, a metaphor for moving ahead without him. Raat Raani was inspires womens to love themeselves.

4. Compare and write a note on all the women characters from Raat Rani.

In this series, we feel isolated in the place where Lali works.  Here 3 womens are shows. Lali is worried because her husband has left her, while another woman is worried because her bread has run out.  Middle class and rich class have appeared here. Those people are constantly seen fighting for property. At the last laali started to brought kahva in mumbai high way.

5. “Courage is Contagious” – Give an example for this from the episode.

Courage is a powerful quality that can influence and positively impact the people around us. It can create a sense of unity and strength within a community, as more and more people are motivated to take action and make positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others. So, remember, being courageous not only helps you but also has the potential to spread and make the world a better and braver place for everyone.

'Courage' featured in this series in which Lali's character is set.  Lali's life comes with many problems like her husband leaves her, after that the roof of the house breaks, the bridge cannot be crossed, she fights all these problems and works with courage. 

Lali's says in the one scene 

In this she despises the society and goes forward with courage.

She does not give up and sells kava at night. Wherever she works, she also inspires it, and thus we can say that courage is contagious.

6.Share a picture of yours with a woman who is your source of courage. Give a creative title to it.

                 

         

The Eternal Source of My Courage : My Mother 

In my life my mother is source of my courage every time she also support me. In very early age I have get many problems in my life but all times my mother stand behind me as a my support system. She has always taught me to act with courage in every situation in life. She always encourage me in little thing. Whenever I get tired of any problem, she supports me by becoming my courage. He always says that troubles will come many times in life but we will not lose from them but if we face them with determination and courage then we will definitely get success. After my father passing she is the only reason I stands here.

Today I have get the chance to say that I lots of love you mom. Also for caring me, loving me, encourage me and courage in my life.

                  

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