Youth Festival 2023

     This blog is in response to the Sunday Reading. In this blog I am going to discuss the Youth Festival 2023 at Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University and also so many themes which are represented in events.

                                          

             In This year's Youth Festival was organized by the Department of Physical Education. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University organized a Youth Festival for many years. This is the 31st Youth Festival with the theme of 'Nari Vandana' and full title with 'Man Bhavan Yuva Mahotsav'.

                                  

     Themes :  Kalayatra, Essay competition, on the spot painting competition, Elocution Competition, photography competition, clay modelling competition, paper collage competition, poetry writing competition, cartooning competition, poster making competition and Installation Competition, etc. The central theme of this festival was "Nari Shakti Vandana," and the event was hosted by the Physical Education Department of the University.

                                             

     Kalayatra initiated the first Youth Festival event on the evening of November 2, 2023. The procession started at Shamaldas Arts College, moved through Central Salt, and concluded at J.K. Sarvaiya Group of Colleges in Sardarnagar. The main goal of Kalayatra was to offer students a stage to display their artistic skills and present inventive concepts. Students from different colleges and departments showcased their creativity through various costumes and posters. Furthermore, the event was broadcasted live on a YouTube channel, enabling a broader audience to experience Kalayatra and other happenings.

                                                

                                               

                                              

                                              

                                              

      Here is the link of Kalayatra: 

                                               

                           https://youtu.be/0g9fpaD6SGs?si=D_rT5yW-4I110H3G                    

                                                    Various Events of the Youth Festival - 

                                                         3rd November, 2023 - Day - 1 

 1. Mimicry

      Mimicry, the first event of the Youth Festival, unfolded as a captivating showcase of talent and creativity. Participants use their own voices to imitate various sounds such as scooter, helicopter, train, Auto - Rikshaw, sounds of different animals. Participants worked very hard to make their performance good and satisfactory.  

Last year there were only four Participants in the Mimicry. But, this time it was good to see that 7 or 8 Participants were there.

                                            

2. Skit :-   Organized in the Atal Auditorium

 

    Skit covered many important topics which threw some light upon the current scenario of India. Skit is a kind of event for the purpose of entertainment and reflects everyday Situations that brings people together through shared laughter and amusement.

                                               

 The theme "Women: From Oppression to Freedom"

 

The theme "Women: From Oppression to Freedom" unfolds the transformative journey of women as they navigate from traditional roles to modern empowerment. It explores stories ranging from persistent child marriage in Balikavadhu to the challenges faced by working women, mothers, and wives. The portrayal extends to widows grappling with a colorless existence and societal suppression.

However, the narrative takes a triumphant turn as women emerge from oppressive circumstances, challenging societal norms to excel in various fields such as business, law, engineering, cricket, the navy, dance, medicine, and journalism. 

    These empowered women not only break free from traditional shackles but actively contribute to uplifting those suppressed by societal norms, marking a profound shift from oppression to freedom.

                            

                             

3 Bhajan : 

4: On the spot painting

5: Prashna manch ( organized in department of English )

6 Folk Dance 

7 Sugam Geet 

8 Swarachit Kavya Pathan 

9 Paper Collage

                                       4th November 2023

                                        2nd day of Youth Festival

1 Samuh geet

2 Ekanki

3Shashtriya Gayan

4Tatkal Photography

5 Clay Modelling 

5 Elocution competition 

6 Quiz competition

7 Classical Dance

8 Cartooning 

9 poster Making 

10 Essay Competition

11 Mono Acting

                        

                                               5th November 

                                    Third day of youth Festival

1 Instalation 

                                                       

                                                       

2 Samuh Geet

3 Mime

    The Mime event, held in the Atal Auditorium as part of the Youth Festival, is a captivating display of silent storytelling. Young performers, dressed in white, use gestures and movements to vividly portray scenes, conveying emotions and narratives without speaking. This event showcases not only the performers' mastery of body language and facial expressions but also serves as a potent platform for social commentary and reflection. As the silent stories unfold on stage, the audience is immersed in a world of creativity and symbolism, making the Mime event a poignant and thought-provoking highlight of the Youth Festival. It encourages an appreciation for the nuances of communication and the impactful nature of theatrical expression.

Winning Moments : 

                           

                           

          Many many Congratulations to Trushali Dodiya for winning second Position in Rangoli competition and Dhatri Parmar for winning second position in Cartooning. It was truly a proud and great moment for all of us.

                                       

                               

                               

                               

 Happy Learning to ALL… . 

 Thank You For Visiting … . 

 

   J M Coetzee's Foe

                       Thinking Activity

• Comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and J. M. Coetzee’s ‘Foe’

In comparative and critical studies first we introduce both Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and J. M. Coetzee’s ‘Foe’. 

This Blogspot is in response to the thinking activity on J. M. Coetzee’s Foe . This thinking activity task is assigned by Megha Ma'am. I am going to write down a BlogSpot on J. M. Coetzee’s ‘Foe’. 

•  Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’

             Daniel Defoe, born in 1660 in London, England, was a versatile writer, journalist, and pamphleteer whose works made a significant impact on English literature. Defoe's literary legacy is particularly notable for his pioneering role in the development of the novel as a distinct literary form. His most famous work, "Robinson Crusoe," published in 1719, stands as a seminal piece of adventure fiction and has left an indelible mark on the literary world.

         ‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe and first published in 1719, stands as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of adventure literature. This enduring classic chronicles the extraordinary journey of a mariner shipwrecked on a deserted island and his remarkable survival against all odds. Through the character of Robinson Crusoe, Defoe weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of isolation, resilience, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. Robinson Crusoe has had a profound influence on literature and popular culture. It is considered one of the earliest novels in the English language, setting a precedent for the adventure genre. The novel has inspired countless adaptations, including films, television series, and stage plays. Moreover, it has influenced other literary works, sparking discussions on survival, human nature, and the essence of civilization.

        Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe  continues to captivate readers worldwide, offering a compelling exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through Crusoe's extraordinary journey, Defoe delivers timeless lessons on survival, self-reliance, and the enduring power of hope. As readers navigate the pages of this iconic tale, they are reminded of the indomitable strength that resides within every individual, echoing Crusoe's enduring message of determination and survival against all odds.

• J. M. Coetzee’s ‘Foe’

           J.M. Coetzee born on February 9, 1940, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a literary titan whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His insightful exploration of themes like apartheid, colonialism, power, and morality has earned him numerous awards and a reputation as one of the most significant writers of contemporary fiction.

Coetzee grew up in a bilingual and academic household, displaying early signs of his future literary prowess. He pursued his education at the University of Cape Town and later obtained a Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas at Austin. His academic background profoundly influenced his writing style and intellectual depth.

J.M. Coetzee's novel Foe was published in 1986. It stands as a provocative and inventive reimagining of Daniel Defoe's classic work, ‘Robinson Crusoe’.  Coetzee's narrative takes the story into unexplored territories, challenging traditional literary norms and questioning the nature of storytelling itself.

 

‘Foe’ introduces us to Susan Barton. She is  a woman marooned on a desolate island. Stranded and desperate to return home, she encounters Cruso, a mute man, and Friday, a native man. The story, thus, mirrors the familiar elements of Defoe's original narrative. However, Coetzee's novel takes a sharp turn by introducing a new character: Foe, a writer.

Susan was eager to tell her story and find a way back home  seeking Foe's assistance. Foe takes charge of narrating Susan's experiences, reshaping them into a marketable story for public consumption. Throughout the novel, the characters grapple with issues of authorship, power, and the inherent colonial nature of storytelling.

One of the most significant departures from Defoe's tale is the character of Friday. In ‘Foe’ Friday is portrayed as a man capable of speech but chooses not to communicate. This deliberate silence becomes a powerful symbol, highlighting the suppression of indigenous voices during the colonial era.

•  Comparative and critical analysis of both Novel : 

 

            When  comparing both Novels ‘Robinson Crusoe’  and ‘Foe’.  It becomes evident that while Defoe’s work celebrates individual resilience in the face of isolation, Coetzee’s novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, power structures, and the ethical dilemmas of storytelling.

          ‘Foe’ challenges the reader to critically examine historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar tale, making it a compelling and essential read for those interested in the nuances of postcolonial literature. Coetzee uses Susan's self-awareness and reflective writing style to depict this position. This self-reflection allows Coetzee to write from a neutral perspective, neither fully active nor passive, symbolizing his own ambiguous identity as a white male writer in South Africa. 

           Susan rejected the authority associated with his white male identity due to its connection with the abuse of power. He identifies with Susan's lack of authority as an unsuccessful author, aligning himself with her vulnerability. Through Susan's voice, Coetzee criticizes colonialist and humanist discourse, exposing its flaws and acknowledging his own complicity in it.

           ‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe and ‘Foe by J.M. Coetzee, while both rooted in the theme of survival on a deserted island, offer vastly different perspectives on human experience. In this comparative analysis, we will delve into the intricate layers of these novels, exploring the similarities and disparities in their portrayal of isolation, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships.

         ‘Robinson Crusoe’ was about a guy named Robinson Crusoe who gets stuck on an island. He learns to survive by himself, which shows human resilience. In ‘Foe’ a woman named Susan is stranded on an island too. It focuses on the emotional challenges of being alone and how it affects her. ‘Robinson Crusoe’ , Crusoe is the boss of the island. He makes decisions, controls everything, and showcases the power of one person in a challenging situation. 

         In ‘Foe’  who has the power to tell a story. It explores how different voices are suppressed, challenging the idea of who gets to control narratives. Friday has a voice but chooses not to speak. This silence highlights the historical silencing of indigenous voices during colonization, adding depth to the story. ‘Foe’ questions the ethics of storytelling. It’s like a story within a story, where characters debate who gets to shape the narrative. It challenges the truthfulness of historical storytelling.

            In ‘Robinson Crusoe’ Crusoe forms a bond with Friday, a native he meets on the island. Their relationship represents understanding and cooperation between different cultures. 

      

Conclusion

‘Robinson Crusoe’ and ‘Foe’ both explore survival, power, and relationships, but ‘Foe’ adds layers by questioning the ethics of storytelling. While ‘Robinson Crusoe’ focuses on individual strength, ‘Foe’ dives into the complexities of power dynamics and the stories we choose to tell. Both books teach us valuable lessons about human nature and the intricacies of communication and control.

Words : 1141

Movie review : Rakshabandhan

 Raksha-bandhan

#dowry 

#mental_herresment 

#stop 

#fight 

#lession

#raksha_bandhan 

I watched the film "#Raksha Bandhan." I know very well that it was also released one year ago in the year of 2022. But I want to give a review on the auspicious occasion of Rakhi Celebration. 

It carries a profound message and is highly significant. I recommend that everyone should watch this movie along with their Family.

कहानी… 

हम ज्यादातर मूवी मनोरंजन के लिए देखते है पर ये फिल्म बोहोत दिलचस्प है मनोरंजन के साथ  समाज में होने वाली समस्याओं के बारे में सोचने पर विचार करने की प्रेरणा देती है। यह कहानी है चांदनी चौक में रहने वाला लाला केदारनाथ याने की अक्षय कुमार जो चाट की दुकान चलाते हैं । केदारनाथ की चार बहन हैं। ये कहानी में महत्वपूर्ण बात ये है की रिस्तो की महत्त्वपूर्णता , भाई- बहन का प्यार और सहायता दिखाती है। लाला केदारनाथ को चिंता है उनकी बहनों की शादी की और शादी में देने वाले दहेज की। इन शादियों के लिए केदारनाथ क्या-क्या करता है। इसी कहानी को आनंद राय ने बड़े सरल  तरीके से दिखाया है. कहानी इतनी सरल है कि आपको लगेगा ये तो बहुत बार सुनी है लेकिन इसे जिस तरह से कहा गया है वो दिल को छू लेता है और आंखों में आंसू छोड़ जाता है।

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, his sister committed suicide because her In-laws wanted the refrigerator as a gift and they threaten her to either tell for the fridge or don’t go to her brother’s home. She choose to end her life to commit suicide because his brother almost gave her in-laws 18,000,00  as a dowry. At the end of the movie, we can see that another three sisters get married without dowry and she also achieves good posts for their earnings. Even attains good job positions for financial independence.

It is a naked or harsh reality of our society on the gift we are giving as a dowry. 

• किसी ने सच ही कहा है 

            औरतें बिकी तो वो तवायफ हुई,

            और मर्द बीके तो दूल्हे।

Derrida and Deconstruction : Flipped Learning

 5.1 : Derrida $ Deconstruction

1. Defining deconstruction : 

1.1. • Why is it difficult to define Deconstruction?

 'Deconstruction' too obviously implied an annihilation or whether it is negative reduction much closer to Nietzchean 'demolition'. And he argues on binary oppositions and that is why it's defined to be difficult.

1.2. • Is Deconstruction a negative term?

 In French 'Deconstruction' too obviously implied an annihilation or less negative reduction than Hydegger's reversal. 

1.3. • How does Deconstruction happen on its own?

Because,  the very Derrida argues is based on distinctions or binary oppositions. It is considered to inquire into limits in a philosophical way. 

2. Heidegger and Derrida : 

2.1. • The influence of Heidegger on Derrida: 

The influence of Heidegger on derrida which is quite substantial that metaphysical of presence is that when we consider being of something. For Ex. Any object like a chair or board. It's associated with its presence. While Derrida pointed out that the meaning of the word is nothing but another word. Clarity is that convention is always social. 

2.2. • Derridean rethinking of the foundations of Western philosophy

Derrida's foundation of western philosophy is built on the differences , binary oppositions just like human language. The binary is seen as inferiorly deviating. 

                 3. Saussure and Derrida : 

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

The concept of language which connects a word with its meaning or as a signal with its meaning is the convention and the convention is always social. 

3.2. • How does Derrida deconstruct the idea of arbitrariness?

Derrida's deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness is not natural, it's conventional. This bias is one of the things which Heidegger is questioning the association of a being with its presence. 

3.3. • Concept of metaphysics of presence

The concept of Metaphysics of presence: Logocentrism and Phonocentrism and this concept taken from Heidegger that is the connecting link between Heidegger and Derrida, both are often connected with its presence. 

4. DifferAnce : 

4.1. • Derridean concept of DifferAnce

The Derridean concept of Difference, "Difference doesn't have audible thus it becomes difficult to understand." Another one Derrida is drawing attention towards is the difference between speech and writing. He questions the privilege of speech over writing. And third one is that difference is not an Idea or concept but a force which makes differentiation  possible, which makes postponing possible. 

4.2. • Infinite play of meaning

The DifferAnce with 'A' , Derrida implies a force and its makes differentiation possible, which makes postponing possible. The communication that we are having right now is made possible by difference , because we are distinguishing between words. The ultimate meaning of what we are discussing that can never be grasped. 

5. Structure, Sign and Play : 

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

A paper - the colloquium on ‘structuralism at John Hopkins university. - “Structure, Sign and Play in the Discourse of the human sciences.” the ultimate meaning of the three Discourse very important documents of contemporary literary theory. As it inaugurates what is known as post structuralism. 

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

Derrida pushes the established notion of the centre to the point or 'rupture' in the history of thought on structurality. Language contains all the assumptions , coded into it. So the ultimate meaning of the quote is that, the way we use language and the words we choose can sometimes contain flaws or limitations. 

6. Yale School : 

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

The Yale school/university of the Department of \English has played a very important role in propagation of Derrida’s ideas in America and consequently into the world. Deconstruction going on into Yale , it's become very new and fashionable, a real breaking on the scene after new criticism which was something more than new criticism and people associated with this department. 

6.2. • The characteristics of the Yale School of Deconstruction

First characteristic is the language as a very problematic entity so all these four critics on the figurative component of literature. They showed that literature can create multiplicity of meaning by focusing on various figures of speech. The second one is that they question both the aesthetic as well as formalist approach to literature ; and also question the historicist or sociologist approach to literature. And third one is that an important characteristic of Yale school is their  preoccupation with romanticism. 

7. Other Schools and Deconstruction : 

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

Deconstruction going on into yale. It is very new and became a kind of a real breaking on the scene after new criticism which was something more new than new criticism. It is very fashionable and people are associated with Yale school or university.