Rahul Desai

 "The Piano and The Drums" a poem by Gabriel Okara  Introduction :- The Piano and the Drums by Gabriel Okara is a contemplative poem that examines the conflict between Western influence and traditional African culture. Through the use of two musical instruments the piano, which symbolises Western civilisation, and the drums, which represent African heritage Okara depicts the internal and external challenges that post-colonial people endure. The poem, which was written when many African countries were still dealing with the effects of colonisation, captures the cultural and emotional conundrum of having to decide between the intricacy of Western modernism and the simplicity of indigenous customs. The poem centres on a speaker who experiences a strong, automatic connection to his past when he hears the rhythmic sounds of African drums. The sound is unadulterated, strong, and connected to the natural world; it symbolises a period of harmony and purity. However, a contrasting...

 "A Dance of the Forest" by Wole Soyinka  Introduction :- A Dance of the Forests, a sophisticated and allegorical play by Wole Soyinka, was composed for Nigeria's independence celebrations in 1960. Soyinka warns that the new country must learn from its past sins and offers a critical reflection on history, power, and corruption rather than exalting the past. The drama tackles the cycle of human foolishness and the necessity for rebirth by fusing political metaphor with Yoruba mythology. A magical power known as the Forest Head sends the Dead Man and Dead Woman, two characters who reveal the darker realities of the past, to the Gathering of the Tribes, a celebration intended to honour noble forebears. The action is guided by other supernatural creatures, such as Eshuoro and Aroni, who expose the shortcomings of both current and former leaders. The play is a potent critique of history that exhorts Nigeria to welcome change rather than repeat previous mistakes because of...

Chhaava: A Cinematic Tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj What a Movie!! What a Movie!! 😮😮 In the grandiose historical epic Chhaava (2025), the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj the ferocious and visionary son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is brought to life. Vicky Kaushal plays the title role in this Laxman Utekar-directed movie, which also has Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb. Chhaava is a visual and emotional spectacle that honours an unsung hero of Indian history, from its gripping story to its stunning cinematography. Historical Realism and Story Complexity :- The film takes on the difficult task of depicting the late 17th century, when the Maratha Empire was constantly threatened by the Mughal Empire, one of the most volatile eras in Indian history. Chhaava offers a close-up depiction of Sambhaji Maharaj's hardships, including his tense relationships, his strategic genius, and the emotional burden of continuing his father's h...

 "The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta  Introduction :- The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta, which was first published in 1979, is a moving examination of how colonialism, cultural expectations, and motherhood intertwine in Nigeria. The story, which is set in the early to mid-20th century, paints a vivid picture of a woman's quest for fulfilment and meaning in a world that is changing quickly.  The protagonist of the tale is Nnu Ego, an Igbo lady who feels that a woman's greatest source of fulfilment and approval is becoming a mother. However, she gradually comes to terms with the harsh realities of her aspirations as she encounters the difficulties of parenting in a patriarchal and colonial country. Nigeria's transformation from a traditional, rural society to an urban, colonial economy serves as the setting for the book. The characters are profoundly impacted by this change, particularly Nnu Ego, who relocates from her Ibuza hamlet to the vibrant metro...

 "The Only Story" by Julian Barnes (Flipped Learning Activity) Introduction :- The Only Story (2018) by Julian Barnes is a moving examination of memory, love, and the lingering effects of adolescent desire. The book centers on Paul, a nineteen-year-old college student, as he develops feelings for Susan Macleod, a married woman who is about thirty years his senior. Their unusual relationship, which is set in 1960s England, violates both family and social expectations, creating an exciting and extremely heartbreaking journey. In order to portray Paul's changing awareness of love and its effects over time, Barnes divides the story into three sections, moving from a first-person to a more detached, introspective viewpoint. The intensity of first love and the ensuing disillusionment are both major themes in the book. The Only Story explores themes of emotional dependency, the subjectivity of memory, and the nature of long-lasting attachments through Paul's retrospective na...