Midnight's Children

Hello everyone!!! In this blog I'm written about Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children". I have to discuss two questions from Our Professor's question bank. To watch and read full blog visit on this site -

Salman Rushdie is a renowned British-Indian novelist and essayist, born on June 19, 1947, in Mumbai, India. He gained worldwide fame with his 1981 novel "Midnight's Children," which won the Booker Prize. Rushdie's writing often blends magical realism with political and social commentary.

One of his most famous works is "The Satanic Verses" (1988), which sparked significant controversy due to its portrayal of religious figures and themes. The book led to a fatwa issued by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, calling for Rushdie's death, resulting in years of living in hiding.

Rushdie's other notable novels include "The Moor's Last Sigh" (1995), "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" (1999), and "Shalimar the Clown" (2005). His writing covers a range of topics, including identity, multiculturalism, migration, and the collision of East and West.

Rushdie's style often involves intricate storytelling, wordplay, and rich imagery. He has continued to produce works that challenge literary norms and explore complex themes.

1.Write an essay on narrative technique in Midnight’s Children.

"Midnight's Children," written by Salman Rushdie, is a masterpiece that skillfully employs a variety of narrative techniques to weave a complex and captivating story. These techniques play a pivotal role in shaping the novel's structure, perspective, and thematic depth, enriching the reader's experience.

One of the most prominent narrative techniques used in the novel is the first-person retrospective narration. The protagonist, Saleem Sinai, serves as both the narrator and a central character. By recounting his life from a later vantage point, Saleem infuses the narrative with his personal reflections, emotions, and biases. This technique creates an intimate connection between the reader and Saleem, allowing for a deeper understanding of his thoughts and experiences.

Rushdie also employs magical realism, a narrative device where fantastical elements are seamlessly integrated into a realistic setting. This technique is crucial in conveying the extraordinary nature of Saleem's life and the historical events he is entwined with. The children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence, each endowed with unique powers, exemplify this magical realist approach. These supernatural occurrences are presented matter-of-factly, blurring the line between reality and fantasy and inviting readers to question the boundaries of truth and imagination.

The novel's nonlinear structure is another narrative technique that mirrors the fractured history of postcolonial India. Rushdie navigates between different time periods and perspectives, creating a mosaic of interconnected stories. This fractured chronology mirrors the chaos and complexity of India's history, effectively capturing the nation's tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and identity.

Additionally, the employment of allegory is notable in "Midnight's Children." The characters and events often symbolise larger political and social concepts. For instance, Saleem's personal transformation and physical deterioration parallel the transformation and challenges faced by the nation of India. This allegorical layer adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to engage with both the personal and the collective struggles depicted in the story.

Language and wordplay are also integral narrative techniques in the novel. Rushdie's prose is rich with metaphors, puns, and cultural references. This linguistic inventiveness creates a vibrant and textured narrative, reflective of India's diverse and multilayered cultural fabric. It also invites readers to actively engage with the text, decoding the layers of meaning hidden within the language.

In conclusion, Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" employs a multitude of narrative techniques that contribute to the novel's intricacy and impact. Through the use of first-person retrospective narration, magical realism, nonlinear structure, allegory, and linguistic innovation, Rushdie crafts a story that not only captures the essence of postcolonial India but also explores universal themes of identity, history, and the interplay between reality and imagination. The combination of these techniques results in a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

2. Write an essay on ‘Rushdie on English and Englishes’ with reference to your reading of Midnight’s Children.

Salman Rushdie, a renowned author, delves into the intricacies of the English language and its various forms, often referred to as "englishes," in his novel "Midnight's Children." This novel, set against the backdrop of India's transition to independence, not only narrates the story of Saleem Sinai but also explores the dynamic relationship between language and identity.

Rushdie's portrayal of English in "Midnight's Children" is not confined to a single uniform entity. Instead, he embraces the concept of "englishes," highlighting the diverse ways in which English is spoken and understood across different cultures and societies. This concept challenges the notion of a standardised and homogenous English language, emphasising its adaptability and fluidity.

The characters in the novel exhibit a range of linguistic patterns, reflecting their backgrounds and experiences. Standardised ed" English spoken by characters like Saleem Sinai and Shiva represents a fusion of English with Indian languages, a testament to the linguistic hybridity that emerges in multicultural societies. This linguistic fusion serves as a metaphor for the intricate fusion of cultures and identities in post-colonial India.

Rushdie also addresses the power dynamics associated with language. English, once the language of the colonizers, becomes a tool of empowerment for characters like Saleem, who use it to assert their presence and influence. The characters navigate between their mother tongues, regional languages, and English, reflecting the complexities of their identities.

Moreover, Rushdie's exploration of "englishes" underscores the idea that language is not merely a means of communication, but a repository of history, culture, and memory. In the novel, language serves as a link to the characters' past and a tool for preserving their heritage. The characters' language choices are intertwined with their struggles for self-expression and the preservation of their individual stories.

In conclusion, Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" offers a profound exploration of English and its various forms, or "englishes." Through the experiences of its characters, the novel highlights the intricate relationship between language and identity, as well as the dynamic nature of English as it adapts and evolves within diverse cultural contexts. Rushdie's narrative not only celebrates linguistic diversity but also prompts readers to reflect on the complex interplay between language, history, and personal identity.

Final Solution

Hello everyone!! This blog is written about the experience of play which we have performed. The blog was given by Our Professor Vaidehi Ma'am.

Let's discuss about the some basic information On Mahesh Dattani.He is an Indian playwright and director. He's known for writing plays that make people think about important topics. His works often explore issues like religion, society, and relationships. Dattani has won awards for his writing, and his plays are performed both in India and around the world. One of his well-known plays is "Final Solution," which talks about communal tensions and their effects.

Final solution :-

"Final Solution" is a play by Mahesh Dattani that talks about how religious conflicts can harm society. The story is set in a city where people from different religions live. Tensions rise between two communities, and this leads to violence and a tragic incident. The play follows the lives of different characters, showing how the conflicts affect them. There's a kind Hindu woman named Savitri, a young Muslim boy named Imtiaz, and a journalist named Javed. The play highlights the misunderstandings, prejudices, and fear that contribute to the conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding, unity, and tolerance among different religious groups. Through the characters' stories, Dattani tries to make us see the negative consequences of religious intolerance and the need for peaceful coexistence.

1)What is the significance of the title "Final Solutions" and what is the final solution of the play?

The title "Final Solutions" holds a profound meaning as it points toward a conclusive and ultimate resolution to a complex problem. In the context of the play, the term "final solution" refers to a comprehensive and enduring answer to the conflicts and challenges between different groups and beliefs.

The final solution of the play revolves around the idea of fostering genuine understanding, tolerance, and harmony among diverse communities and religious affiliations. It delves into the exploration of how people, regardless of their backgrounds, can come together to find a sustainable and all-encompassing resolution. The play underscores the importance of collectively seeking ways to bridge differences and cultivate a lasting atmosphere of peace and unity.

In essence, the title and the final solution within the play signify the aspiration for a lasting and comprehensive remedy that addresses the root causes of discord and strife, while emphasising the potential for cooperation, empathy, and shared progress among all parties involved.

2)What was the difference you observed in the movie and play you performed?

There is a lot of difference in the play and the play we perform because what we experience while performing the play cannot be experienced while watching or reading the play.  Why can we bond with the characters while performing a play? We feel the emotions of the characters ourselves.  We blend into the character perfectly.  Some characters in the play like Hardika who is old but shows her past, of the chorus It provides a collective voice that reflects the emotions, thoughts, and opinions of the larger community, serving as a commentary on the events taking place. When we perform a play we can easily understand all about the play.

3) Share your thoughts on understanding drama through the drama-based pedagogy or involvement in  theatrical practices.

Learning about drama through drama-based teaching or taking part in theatre activities can be super helpful. It's like jumping into stories and acting them out. This helps you understand the characters and their feelings better. Also, when you do things on stage, you learn to work with others, be creative, and see the world from different angles. It's a cool way to learn about emotions, how people interact, and how stories are told!

4) What kind of skills do you develop while undergoing the preparation process for a performance and how?

I have never participated in a play before, so I have no experience, so I feel a little scared. Why would it happen?  How will it happen?  But Alpa Ma'am gave us characters according to our skills and we had to do well in it.  Ma'am, we were very worried about our play being good, but in the end, we learned a lot through this play, which was very good to experience.

When we are getting ready for a performance,we can learn and improve several important skills:

 1. Practice: You practise a lot to get better at your performance. This helps you become more skilled and confident in what you're doing. 

2.Time Management: You need to plan your practice sessions, rehearsals, and other tasks leading up to the performance.  This helps you manage your time well.

3. Discipline: Regular practice and sticking to a schedule teaches you discipline, which is important for achieving your goals.

 4. Problem Solving: During practice, you might face challenges or mistakes.  Figuring out how to fix these issues makes you better at finding solutions.

 5. Creativity: Depending on the type of performance, you might need to come up with creative ideas to make your performance stand out.

6.Communication: Performing often involves conveying emotions or messages to the audience.  You learn how to express yourself clearly.

 7. Confidence: As you practise and see yourself improving, your confidence grows.  This confidence helps you perform better in front of others.

 8.Adaptability: Sometimes things don't go as planned during a performance.  Learning to adapt and keep going is a valuable skill.

 9. Collaboration: If you're performing with others, you learn how to work together as a team, listening to each other and coordinating your efforts.

 10. Concentration: Performing requires focus.  Through practice, you develop the ability to concentrate for longer periods.

 All these skills help you become a better performer and can also be useful in other areas of your life.

Photography Workshop

In this blog I'm writing about photography workshop. It was organized on 17 August, 2023 by the Department of English. The workshop was held by Kaushik Ghelani Sir.

                                                    

INTRODUCTION OF MR. KAUSHIK GHELANI :-

He was wildlife photographer and filmmaker. He is a columnist at Mumbai Samachar. He is involved in producing wildlife films for government departments and working on wildlife documentation for multiple assignments within these departments. Kaushik sir gave us much needed information about photography and we learned a lot from this workshop. He has published a story for International Tigers Day in Hindustan times and his images are set to appear in the upcoming WWF Calendar for 2024. Like, other wildlife photographers, they do not see the animal but understand it as a character of the forest and the forest is considered a women who changes her clothes according to the festivals. Dhruv Bhatt's writing has a special influence on Kaushik Sir. He shared his video clip of World Environment with us. click on the click to watch this video:-

https://twitter.com/CMOGuj/status/1665650223153303554?s=20

Very firstly Kaushik sir tells us to 'make our eyes a camera' and explore the world differently. From mastering the rule of thirds to finding beauty in negative space, we discovered the secrets to crafting stunning compositions. Here I discuss some basic points which Kaushik Sir taught us.

1. WHAT TO INCLUDE?

2.WHAT TO EXCLUDE?

Now discuss about the workshop. This workshop was divided into 2 sessions. A student of Life Science also joined us in this session. Exactly 12 o'clock our session was started. In which in the first session Kaushik sir gave us the necessary information for photography which includes the following.

1. Center Focus R

2. Golden Point

3. Horizen

4. Symmetry

5. Leading Lines

6. Depth of Field

7. Head/ Leading  Room

8. Break the Rule

9. Breathing space

10. Rule of 3ed

Golden points guided us to explore archaeological marvels, while the principle of central focus encouraged us to balance subjects within a frame. Venturing into the untamed realm of wildlife photography presented its own array of hurdles, teaching us how to encapsulate creatures within their expansive habitats.

In Head leading room compose with breathing in a direction where subject is looking. In Symmetry subject divide in two parts like mirror and reflects its symmetrical beauty. Symmetry and geometric patterns steered our visual narratives along guiding lines, beckoning us into captivating depths of perspective. We embraced the art of defying conventions and seeking the exceptional in the commonplace, as Kaushik Sir's perceptive quotes resonated with the essence of every photograph. 

In Rule of 3ed works 99% in photography using any Medium. It was basic and most commonly used rule in photography in any genre of photography. Leading Lines towards subjects lead viewers into frame towards subject. Break The Rule to create something very different from others.

                                                 

In the second session, Kaushik Sir asked all of us to capture 5 photos of any subject we like. In which we all observe the things and click the photos. He saw our photos and asked us to correct the mistakes in them. In which the first number was Avani Jani, the second number was Dhvani Pandya from the Life Science Department and third rank was Drashti Joshi. Here I shared the images of them.

Truly, it was amazing workshop for us we learned a lot from this workshop. We extend our gratitude to Dilip Barad sir, Vaidehi Hariyani ma'am, and Megha Trivedi ma'am for orchestrating such a high-quality workshop in the English Department. Finally we took a group photo with Mr. Kaushik Sir.

Derrida and Deconstruction

This blog is part of our Thinking Activity. Which was given by our Professor Dilip Barad. The topic of the blog is study on 'The  Derrida and Deconstruction.'

• What I understand by Deconstruction ??

Deconstruction is a philosophical and critical theory approach developed by French philosopher Jacques Derrida. It challenges traditional assumptions and binary oppositions in language, literature, and other disciplines. The term itself very difficult to understand because there is not any definition given by Derrida . As we use to understand the thing from definition and it becomes easy way for us to understand and this thing make this term difficult to understand.

     "Deconstruction is not destructive activity but inquiry into the foundation and causes of intellectual system." 

       

    Derrida strongly believe that to define something is to make to boundaries around it. Deconstruction can be taken as a  process of inquiring the origin amd consrtuction of the text. Deconstruction do not destroy of any text but its questions it . So one can get to the idea of existence of the text.

   Deconstruction is not word and not belive in dictionary meaning as dictionary gives only another word or we can say it decentralised only another word for one word or we we can say it decentralised from center.

Deconstuction means not breaking or for the sake of breaking, it is not destructive activity but an inquiry into the foundations means open up the word and try to get up different meaning from same text. In other words Being skeptic , doubt and ask questions to the text or event is Deconstruction. Thus, Derrida want to transform the way people think.

Deconstruction is a philosophical and critical theory approach developed by French philosopher Jacques Derrida. It challenges traditional assumptions and binary oppositions in language, literature, and other disciplines. It seeks to reveal the inherent complexities and contradictions in texts, questioning their fixed meanings and hierarchical structures. Deconstruction emphasizes the play of language and the idea that meanings are never fully stable, opening up multiple interpretations and possibilities. It has been influential in fields such as literary criticism, cultural studies, and postmodern philosophy.

• Deconstruct the movie Hellaro

            

"Hellaro" is a 2019 Indian Gujarati-language period drama film directed by Abhishek Shah. Set in the backdrop of rural Gujarat in the 1970s, the film explores themes of women's empowerment, freedom, and breaking societal norms. The story revolves around a group of women from different backgrounds and age groups, who are part of a traditional community.

From this dialogue, we can easily understand that the wife belongs only to her husband, it can be interpreted that the female character in this movie is not at all independent in her own way. It totally depends on the male character. Their lives take a transformative turn when a young woman named Manjhri joins them. She challenges the status quo by questioning the oppressive customs and traditions that limit women's choices and expression.

The film delves into the journey of these women as they find their voices and identities, transcending their roles as mere homemakers. Through dance and music, they not only discover a sense of liberation but also a renewed sense of camaraderie and unity. The narrative captures their struggles, both internal and external, as they navigate the patriarchal norms that have restricted their lives for generations. As their spirits begin to flourish, they also face resistance and backlash from the conservative male-dominated society.

'Hellaro' portrays the power of collective action and solidarity, highlighting the importance of individual agency within a group dynamic. The emotional journey of the characters, portrayed through captivating performances, allows the audience to connect with the challenges and triumphs of these women. The film's title, derived from the Gujarati word for "outburst," encapsulates the essence of the story—the women's collective outburst against the chains that have held them back.

Cinematographically, "Hellaro" captures the rustic beauty of rural Gujarat, immersing the viewer in its vibrant landscapes and cultural nuances. The film's music and choreography play a pivotal role in conveying the women's emotions and transformation, often using traditional folk forms. In the song also use traditional music and garba.

In conclusion, "Hellaro" is a poignant and visually stunning film that weaves together social commentary, artistic expression, and the resilience of women in a patriarchal society. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that can emerge when individuals come together to challenge the established norms and fight for their rights and freedoms.

• Deconstruction on advertisement : -

The "Glow & Lovely" ad is about a cream that helps make your skin look lighter and more radiant. The ad shows pictures of people with darker skin before using the cream and then with lighter skin after using it. It says the cream can make your skin tone even and your face look nice. The ad tries to make you feel that having lighter skin is better and will make you happier. It's meant for people who think lighter skin is more attractive. The ad wants you to buy the cream and use it to look better. But some people say these ads are not good because they can make people feel bad about their own skin colour and they're not fair to everyone.