paper no. 202 Indian English literature post independence

🔅 NAME :  Shah vanshita Ashwinbhai 

🔅 College: MNC 

🔅 PAPER: Indian English literature and post independence 

🔅 PROFESSOR : Shivani Ma'am 

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||  Unit 1  || 

Laughing Buddha:

(Full Moon day of Buddha's birthday)

There was an Underground atomic blast on Buddha's birthday-a day of

Full Moon

Buddha laughed!

What a proper time!

What an auspicious day!

Buddha laughed!

At whom?

There was a laughter on his Lips and tears in his Eyes He was dumb that day.

See, Buddha laughed!

Pravin Gadhavi's poem Laughing Buddha reflects on the symbolic presence of the Laughing

Buddha, often associated with joy, happiness, and prosperity. The poem explores the idea of

seeking joy and contentment despite the trials and tribulations of life. Gadhavi uses the

Laughing Buddha as a metaphor for an optimistic and carefree spirit that remains

undisturbed by hardships. The poem may emphasize themes of simplicity, laughter, and the

importance of living in the moment, suggesting that true happiness comes from within and

can be found in embracing life's imperfections and fleeting moments.

Gadhavi's style often conveys deep meaning through simple yet powerful words, resonating

with the reader's emotions. The poem's message is about letting go of worries and finding

peace and joy by staying connected to one's inner self, similar to the qualities attributed to

the Laughing Buddha. The work invites readers to reflect on the pursuit of happiness and the

nature of contentment in their own lives.

In Gadhavi's poem, the Laughing Buddha serves as more than just a symbol; he becomes

an embodiment of spiritual and emotional wisdom. The poem delves into the idea of how we,

as humans, often forget the simple joys of life and are burdened by worries and anxieties.

Gadhavi uses the Laughing Buddha to remind readers of the value of maintaining a cheerful

disposition and the ability to laugh at life's difficulties. The figure's laughter is not merely a

response to happiness but an expression of deep, unshakeable peace and acceptance.

The poem suggests that in the face of life's challenges, laughter can be a powerful response

that helps us maintain perspective. By depicting the Buddha as a figure who is always

smiling and content, the poem encourages readers to embrace a mindset of positivity and

gratitude. It suggests that, regardless of what one faces, there is an inherent power in finding

joy in the present moment.

Gadhavi's language is often simple and profound, combining elements of storytelling and

philosophical reflection. Through the poem, he draws parallels between the Laughing

Buddha's carefree nature and how we might strive to embody such an attitude in our own

lives. The Buddha's sack, which is often filled with gifts, represents the abundance that life

holds when approached with an open heart and mind. The poem hints that the greatest gift

we can give ourselves is the ability to be happy and to laugh freely, irrespective of external

conditions.

In summary, : 

Laughing Buddha by Pravin Gadhavi is a powerful piece that captures the

essence of happiness, peace, and resilience. It encourages readers to recognize that life's

true treasures are not found in possessions or achievements but in the moments of joy and

laughter shared, the acceptance of life's impermanence, and the ability to look at the world

with a light heart.

Themes 

1. Joy and Happiness:

The most prominent theme in the poem is the pursuit and celebration of

happiness. The Laughing Buddha, known for his joyful and carefree

demeanor, symbolizes a life of contentment that comes not from wealth

or material possessions, but from an inner sense of peace and joy. The

poem encourages readers to embrace happiness, regardless of external

circumstances.

2. Resilience and Acceptance:

The poem highlights the importance of resilience in the face of life's

challenges. The Laughing Buddha, with his ever- present smile,

embodies the idea that one should remain positive and find humor even

in difficult situations. The poem teaches that acceptance of life's ups and

downs is essential for peace and happiness.

3. Simplicity and Gratitude:

Pravin Gadhavi emphasizes the idea that true contentment is found in

the simple things in life. The Laughing Buddha's carefree attitude serves

as a reminder that happiness often comes from appreciating what we

have and living in the present moment. Gratitude for life's blessings, big

or small, is a recurring theme.

4. Spiritual Wisdom:

The poem also touches on spiritual themes, drawing on the Buddhist

and

philosophical

concept

of

finding

enlightenment

through

self-awareness and a positive outlook. The Laughing Buddha is often

associated with spiritual insight, suggesting that true understanding

involves embracing life fully and laughing in the face of adversity.

5. Living in the Moment:

Gadhavi's poem encourages readers to live in the moment, to find joy in

the present rather than dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties. The

presence of the Laughing Buddha symbolizes a life lived without unnecessary worry, focusing instead on the present as the true source of happiness.

Leaving India by Rachana Joshi

Why did I leave India

And came to North America.

I was very young and full of

naive ideas about studying

poetry, traveling and finding

true love.

North America was clean, sanitized

almost sterile. Everything

swept orderly and shining.

The crowds are smaller, more manageable.

In Syracuse N.A, the skies were blue

The autumnal trees red and orange

And the light is golden and white.

I saw Beautiful pictures.

Everything smelt of plastic and perfume.

India is stark, ancient and ugly,

Magnificent, uplifting or degrading.

In North America, there were

No ruins, No myths, no ghosts.

This really seems brave new

Naked world.

In India, all meaning comes from

Sacramental link with the Past

We may deny history, family and tradition

But somewhere

Five thousand years of continuous

civilisation

Lie in wait like a doting grandparent

Leaving India by Rachana Joshi is a poignant poem that reflects the

emotional complexities of leaving one's homeland. The poem captures

the profound sense of nostalgia, longing, and bittersweet emotions

experienced by those who have left their country for new opportunities,

safety, or other reasons. Joshi's work speaks to the experience of

migration-how it is both an act of hope and an act of sacrifice. The poem

may highlight the memories and attachments left behind, the struggle of

cultural displacement, and the search for a new sense of identity and

belonging.

Leaving India by Rachana Joshi is more than just a poem about

migration; it's an exploration of the emotional landscape that comes with

leaving one's homeland. It captures the pain of leaving behind the

familiar, the struggle to maintain one's identity, and the journey of finding

a new sense of belonging in a different place. The poem's reflective tone

and vivid imagery invite readers to empathize with the speaker's

experience and understand the universal themes of change, resilience,

and hope.

Joshi's language is likely crafted to evoke emotion and provide a deep

sense of the speaker's inner world. By highlighting both the sorrow and

the hope intertwined in the process of leaving one's homeland, the poem

becomes a testament to the courage required to step into the unknown

and build a new life while carrying a piece of one's roots wherever they

go.

Themes :

1. Nostalgia and Longing:

The poem captures the deep sense of nostalgia for one's homeland.

This theme emphasizes the emotional weight of leaving behind

everything familiar- family, friends, customs, landscapes, and traditions.

The longing for the past and the memories of home create a bittersweet

undertone in the poem, resonating with anyone who has experienced the

pain of leaving a place they love

2. Identity and Belonging:

Joshi's poem deals with the theme of identity as the speaker grapples

with a dual sense of belonging. The experience of migration can create

an identity crisis, where one feels caught between two cultures and

struggles to reconcile their roots with their new reality. The poem

explores the idea of belonging, both to the homeland that was left behind

and to the new place that may never fully feel like home.

3. Migration and Displacement:

The poem highlights the challenges of migration, emphasizing the

emotional and psychological impact of being displaced. The speaker

experiences feelings of disconnection, isolation, and being caught

between two worlds. This theme underscores the struggle that many

migrants face as they try to adapt to a new environment while

maintaining a connection to their past.

5. Cultural Transition and Assimilation:

Leaving India explores the theme of cultural transition as the speaker

navigates the shift from one cultural identity to another. The poem

touches on the difficulties of maintaining one's heritage while adjusting to

a new culture and environment. Assimilation can lead to a feeling of

being torn between preserving one's roots and adapting to new customs

and norms.