Lab Activity: R2020

Lab Activity: R2020

This blog task is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad as a Lab Activity under R2020. For further details, click here.

Activity 1: Character Mapping (Remember → Understand)

Task Using the provided list of characters, generate a Character Map Infographic with any Gen AI tool that supports visual output.

Outcome: The infographic reveals a clear pattern in which power circulates through tightly connected institutions—education, media, and politics—while morality remains fragmented and unevenly distributed. Characters who occupy institutional centres, such as Gopal Mishra and MLA Shukla-ji, convert authority into personal gain, showing how systemic corruption is normalised rather than exceptional. Power here is collective and protected: regulators, party workers, and private owners form a self-sustaining network that resists accountability.

In contrast, moral idealism appears isolated. Raghav Kashyap’s ethical stance relies on personal courage rather than institutional support, making integrity vulnerable and costly. Aarti Pradhan embodies moral ambivalence, positioned between justice and privilege, illustrating how individual ethics are compromised by proximity to power.

The most striking pattern is the invisibility of the vulnerable class: their suffering sustains the system but grants them no influence. Overall, the map suggests that in Revolution 2020, morality functions as an individual burden, while power operates as an organised, deeply entrenched structure.

Activity 2: Cover Page Critique (Understand → Apply → Analyse)

Examine the cover page of Revolution Twenty20 and produce an AI-supported visual or textual analysis of it.

Infographic : 

Text : 

The cover of Revolution Twenty20 creates very clear expectations that closely correspond with popular, youth-focused fiction.

Revolution:

The term “Revolution” conveys ideas of radical transformation, rebellion, and idealism. However, its stylized formatting—boxed, fragmented, and combined with “Twenty20”—immediately signals a softened or altered version of revolution. Instead of suggesting a large-scale political uprising, the design prepares the reader for a personal or ethical conflict unfolding within a corrupt social system. The tagline “Love. Corruption. Ambition.” further shifts the meaning of revolution from a collective ideological movement to an internal and social struggle.

Youth:

The silhouette of a young figure looking toward the city represents aspiration, uncertainty, and transition—defining characteristics of youth. The presence of a romantic couple in the background emphasizes themes of longing and emotional tension, indicating that youthful ambitions are deeply connected to love and compromise. Overall, the imagery presents young protagonists who are torn between their ideals and the demands of survival.

Marketability:

The bold composition, strong color contrasts, and clean design make the book visually striking and easy to recognize. It clearly targets urban, English-speaking Indian youth by combining romance, ambition, and mild social commentary—a formula strongly associated with Chetan Bhagat’s popular appeal.

Typography, Color, and Symbolism:

The rough, distressed typography suggests instability and inner conflict. The pink-red hues symbolize both passion and corruption, while the urban skyline represents modern India’s dual nature—offering opportunity while also reflecting moral decay—features commonly found in contemporary commercial fiction.

Critical Reflection: Identifying Interpretive Gaps

After generating the AI-based analysis, we can identify at least two oversimplifications:

1. Overlooking the Cultural Significance of “Twenty20”

The analysis treats the combination of “Revolution” and “Twenty20” simply as an indication of a weakened or compromised revolution. However, this overlooks the strong cultural resonance of “Twenty20” within India. T20 cricket is fast-paced, highly commercialized, and media-driven. Labeling a revolution as “Twenty20” therefore suggests that resistance itself has been transformed into spectacle—quick, consumable, and market-friendly. This reflects the pragmatic survival strategies of characters like Gopal, whose ambitions are shaped more by opportunity and self-interest than by deep ideological conviction.

2. Ignoring the Visual Disruption of “LOVE” in the Title

While the analysis notes that the tagline internalizes revolution, it does not fully examine the graphic intervention within the title. The word “LOVE” appears inside a bright pink box that visually interrupts or replaces part of “REVOLUTION.” This design choice implies that romantic desire does not merely coexist with revolution—it actively disrupts or overrides it. In light of the character dynamics, particularly Aarti’s role as the emotional focal point, this suggests that the male protagonists’ so-called revolutionary impulses may be secondary to their personal competition for love. The revolution, therefore, becomes emotionally driven rather than politically grounded.

Activity 3: Infographic from Video Discourse (Analyse → Evaluate)

Task Using a Gen AI tool, generate an infographic based on the given video discussion on Popular Literature.

Video: 

Infographic:

How does the visual representation contrast “mass appeal” in popular literature with “intellectual capital” in high-brow literature?

1. Setting and Environment

Popular Literature:

The setting resembles an open marketplace with a stall labeled “Mass Appeal.” This suggests commercial accessibility and public consumption. The environment feels lively, open, and socially interactive.

High-Brow Literature:

The setting includes a grand academic building labeled “Intellectual Capital,” resembling a university or institutional space. This symbolizes prestige, scholarship, and long-term cultural value rather than immediate popularity.

2. Purpose and Primary Goal

Popular Literature:

It is shown as aiming for entertainment and commercial success. The imagery emphasizes enjoyment, quick engagement, and market-driven production.

High-Brow Literature:

It focuses on intellectual growth and philosophical depth. The visuals suggest reflection, artistic experimentation, and serious thought rather than profit alone.

3. Language and Style

Popular Literature:

The phrase “Crystal Clear Style” indicates simple, transparent language. It prioritizes easy understanding and fast consumption.

High-Brow Literature:

Phrases like “Symbolic Depth” and “Addressing the Abstract” highlight complexity, layered meanings, and challenging ideas that require careful interpretation.

4. Structure and Predictability

Popular Literature:

The section labeled “Formulaic” suggests predictable plots (love stories, mysteries, clear conflicts). The presence of stage-like scenes reinforces dramatic but straightforward storytelling.

High-Brow Literature:

The label “Experimental” indicates innovative forms and narrative experimentation. The winding path visually represents non-linear, complex storytelling.

5. Character Representation

Popular Literature:

The “Moral Clarity” sign shows clear heroes and villains, emphasizing simple moral divisions.

High-Brow Literature:

The “Human Complexity” section highlights ambiguous characters with “grey” motivations, suggesting psychological depth and moral uncertainty.

6. Reader Engagement

Popular Literature:

Readers are shown walking casually, engaging easily. The tone suggests instant gratification and emotional connection.

High-Brow Literature:

The imagery demands active intellectual engagement. Readers appear thoughtful and reflective, implying effort and deeper analysis.

7. Symbolism of the Journey

Popular Literature:

The path is straight and accessible, symbolizing direct enjoyment and clarity.

High-Brow Literature:

The path is winding and elevated, symbolizing intellectual challenge and sustained effort.

Extended Output:

The visual representation clearly establishes a structured contrast between popular literature and high-brow literature by using symbolic environments, character depictions, and thematic markers. Popular literature is associated with accessibility, entertainment, commercial success, and emotional clarity. It is presented as socially engaging, easy to understand, and designed for immediate satisfaction. The imagery suggests that its value lies in mass readership and instant connection.

In contrast, high-brow literature is portrayed as intellectually demanding, symbolically rich, and culturally prestigious. It emphasizes abstract thought, experimentation, and psychological complexity. The institutional setting reinforces the idea that its value is measured not by immediate sales but by long-term intellectual and cultural impact. The winding paths, layered symbolism, and reflective figures visually communicate that engaging with such literature requires patience, critical thinking, and interpretive effort.

Overall, the representation suggests that popular literature builds broad social reach and commercial popularity, while high-brow literature builds intellectual capital, critical awareness, and lasting cultural significance.

Activity 4: AI-Generated Slide Deck on Themes (Evaluate → Create)