Flipped Class Activity: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Flipped Class Activity: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Hello learners. I am a student at Smt Smt.S.B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. I am writing this blog as part of thinking activity assigned by professor Dilip Barad. In this task we have to examine 6 videos of Arunthati roy's "Ministry of Atmost Happyness".
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Video 1
Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is a complex novel with numerous major and minor characters, making it initially difficult to discern their importance. It is set across five key locations: Khwabgah, Jannat Guest House, Jantar Mantar, Kashmir, and Dandakaranya.
The story opens at the Jannat Guest House with a vivid description that initially seems to depict a tree but is later revealed to be Anjum, the protagonist. The chapter, titled Where Do Old Birds Go to Die?, symbolizes people like Anjum, marginalized by society. Anjum’s name is interpreted by a character called “The Man Who Knew English,” who links it to Majnu of the Laila-Majnu tale. Anjum, however, explains that her name signifies a gathering where everyone is welcome. A blind Imam often visits the graveyard where Anjum resides, and though their views on God and existence differ, they engage in thought-provoking conversations.
The second chapter, Khwabgah (the House of Dreams), delves into Anjum’s backstory. Born Aftab to parents Mulakat Ali and Jahanara Begum, Anjum was intersex. Her mother struggles to accept this, as Urdu—a gendered language—has no term that provides dignity for people like her child, leaving only words like Hijra and Kinner. This reflects how language shapes reality, as explained in structuralism.
As Aftab grows, he is drawn to Khwabgah, a community of transgender individuals. Fascinated by their lives, he begins visiting regularly and has conversations with Bombay Silk, who explains that unlike cisgender people, the struggles of trans individuals are both internal and external. Khwabgah, housed in a Mughal-era haveli, has residents such as Bombay Silk, Mary, Gudiya, and their leader, Kulsum Bi. Historically, trans individuals held respected roles in the Mughal Empire, but history has since been rewritten.
Aftab’s mother prays for him to become “normal” at the dargah of Hazrat Sarmad Saeed. The novel recounts Sarmad’s story—how his love for Abhaychand brought him to India, where he became a fakir. Sarmad was executed under Aurangzeb for refusing to recite the full kalima, symbolizing his spiritual defiance. The novel also references Mulakat Ali’s lineage connecting him to Genghis Khan and draws parallels to the Ramayana, where trans people, overlooked by Lord Ram, stayed behind, highlighting their societal exclusion.
Aftab eventually embraces his identity as Anjum and moves to Khwabgah. Later, at Jama Masjid, she adopts an abandoned baby, Zainab. When Zainab falls gravely ill, Anjum prays at the mosque. On this journey with her relative Zakir Mian, they encounter the 2002 Gujarat riots. A mob spares Anjum, believing killing a transgender person brings bad luck, but Zakir Mian is brutally murdered. Traumatized, Anjum returns home, where her femininity is diminished. This leads to her departure from Khwabgah, as it no longer feels like a refuge.
Anjum moves to a graveyard, where she eventually builds the Jannat Guest House with the help of Mr. Gupta, creating a sanctuary for the marginalized and forgotten.
Video 2
In the novel, the first permanent resident of the Jannat Guest House is Saddam Hussain, who once worked at a government hospital. He reveals the caste-based discrimination there, where Dalits, including himself, are assigned degrading tasks like postmortems. After leaving that job, he becomes a security guard but faces exploitation when Sangeeta Madam’s agency deducts 60% of his salary.
Saddam's past is marked by tragedy—his father, a chamar who dealt in animal skins, was lynched by a mob incited by a policeman named Sairavat after a bribe negotiation failed. Inspired by the resilience of Iraq's Saddam Hussein, he adopts his name as a symbol of defiance.
The story expands to include various residents of the guest house and explores their interactions with larger societal and political issues. The guest house community learns about Jantar Mantar, a hub for protests during 2011-2012, including Anna Hazare’s movement (with references to Tubby Old Gandhian and Arvind Kejriwal), Mothers of the Disappeared from Kashmir, Manipuri Nationalists opposing AFSPA, Delhi’s Kabadiwalas, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors.
A pivotal event occurs when a baby is discovered among the protesters. Anjum, the transgender owner of the guest house, attempts to claim the child, but disputes arise among the protesters, resulting in the baby’s disappearance. The narrative intertwines personal stories of grief and resilience with broader themes of injustice, identity, and political unrest.
Video 3
In the third part of Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, the narrative style undergoes a notable shift. It moves from a detached, third-person perspective to a closer, first-person account through Piglet, a landlord in Delhi. This change provides a more profound insight into the characters and their experiences.
This section focuses on figures like Musa, who turns to militancy, and Hariharan, a journalist, illustrating how the ongoing conflict in Kashmir influences their lives and choices. It examines themes such as identity, trauma, and the personal consequences of violence as the characters confront their painful histories while navigating love, loss, and turmoil.
A significant event is the disappearance and later reappearance of a baby, which ties various characters and narratives together. The baby symbolizes hope and suggests the possibility of new beginnings, even in the midst of adversity.
The story also portrays the far-reaching impacts of violence, especially on innocent people like Musa's wife and daughter, highlighting the collateral damage of conflicts on ordinary families. It reflects on how violence leaves lasting psychological scars on everyone it touches, including perpetrators like Captain America, a brutal officer haunted by his actions.
While the narrative delves into themes of pain and suffering, it also offers moments of optimism. The baby becomes a symbol of renewal, demonstrating that love and kindness can endure even in the darkest of times.
Video 4
The story reaches its conclusion with Dr. Azad Bhartiya playing a key role in tying everything together. We learn that Saddam has married Miss Udaya Jebeen, and they now live at the Jannat Guest House. Meanwhile, Tilo has taken up teaching at the Jannat Graveyard.
Musa spends what could be his last night with Tilo at the guest house as he prepares to leave for Kashmir. During their intimate moments, Tilo reflects on her life there, reads a poem that showcases her distinct outlook on life, and shares her thoughts on stories and identity. Musa is deeply moved by her uniqueness and recalls a tragic story of a young man who died in Kashmir, a memory that embodies both sorrow and hope.
At the time, "Anjum", a transgender woman and the owner of the Jannat Guest House, reflects on her life as she strolls through the graveyard she cares for. She takes Miss Udaya Jebeen, the child under her guardianship, on a nighttime walk, revealing the peaceful side of the city after dark.
At the end, Anjum’s strength and determination show that life continues, even for Miss Jebeen. Small, seemingly insignificant details, like a dung beetle diligently at work, symbolize life's persistence. While the narrative acknowledges its moments of sadness, it ultimately conveys a reassuring sense that life will find a way forward.
Video 5
The Nature of Paradise :
The Jannat Guest House symbolizes the idea that paradise is not a distant place but something created through mutual respect and understanding. Anjum’s sanctuary reflects this ideal.
The importance of Ambiguity and Diversity
The novel highlights the significance of diverse cultures and beliefs in India, along with the challenges arising from these differences. These issues persist in contemporary times, such as vegetarians feeling uneasy dining with non-vegetarians. Each religion has distinct food-sharing traditions — Hindus offer prashad, Christians share wine, and Muslims serve meat — showcasing the uniqueness of customs within each community.
Modernization's Cost:
The novel examines the human cost of development, such as displacement of slum dwellers and farmers. Roy advocates for sustainable growth that benefits all, especially the marginalized.
Life and Death Boundaries:
Characters like Musa and Revti, though deceased, remain alive in memories. Jannat Guest House reflects this liminal space between life and death.
Social Status of Contemporary India:
The novel portrays the lives of marginalized groups, from Hijras to victims of violence, exposing the flaws of modern capitalism and the ongoing struggles for justice.
Corruption and Political Violence and Capitalism:
Roy critiques the exploitation of Kashmir’s conflict by various groups, highlighting how political and economic interests perpetuate suffering.
Resilience and Hope:
Despite the harsh realities, the novel emphasizes the strength of marginalized individuals, with symbols like Udaya Jebeen, a baby embodying new beginnings.
Gender Identity and Social Division:
Through Anjum’s journey, Roy challenges rigid gender binaries, promoting a vision of harmony beyond traditional divisions of gender, religion, and nationality.
Social Hierarchy vs. Inclusivity:
While rigid societal structures cause isolation and violence, the inclusive community Anjum builds offers hope and belonging.
Religion and Power:
Roy illustrates how religious conflicts, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, foster violence and deepen divisions within India. She critiques Hindu nationalism and extremist figures, such as Gujarat ka Lalla, who intertwine religion with politics, marginalizing minorities. Additionally, Roy highlights how Islamic extremism in Kashmir exacerbates internal strife, with radicals targeting moderates and enforcing a narrow perspective on freedom. By examining the consequences of blending religion and politics, Roy underscores the dangers it poses to peace, unity, and individual freedoms.
Overall, the novel examines India’s social, political, and cultural realities through interconnected stories, focusing on themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of inclusivity and justice.
Video 6
Hazrat Sarmad Shaheed:
Hazrat Sarmad Shaheed, an Armenian by origin, journeyed to India, converted to Islam, and fell deeply in love with a Hindu man named Abhaychand. His execution stemmed from his religious skepticism. While the details of his story remain unfamiliar to many, his shrine represents a love that surpasses religious divisions, creating a space of inclusivity for everyone. His life stands as a testament to the idea that love and spirituality can transcend the confines of strict religious dogma.
The old man baby:
An elderly man gained fame in India for his hunger strike against corruption, aiming to draw attention to the struggles of the poor who were being displaced from their homes. He became a symbol of hope for many. However, as time passed, his movement was co-opted by wealthy individuals and political groups with differing agendas, diverting its focus from genuine reform. Despite his weakening health, his protest sought to ignite hope for a brighter future.
The Shiraz Cinema:
The Shiraz Cinema symbolizes India’s effort to promote its culture, particularly in Kashmir. However, it was shut down by some Muslim separatists who viewed it as a means of cultural imposition. Later, the Indian Army repurposed the cinema as a site for torture, intensifying the region's tensions. This transformation highlights how conflicts can escalate and deepen divisions when opposing forces clash.
Jannat Guest house and funeral parlor:
The Jannat Guest House symbolizes a safe haven for marginalized individuals, reflecting an inclusive India. Situated near death, it serves as a reminder of life's fragility and the hope for acceptance.
Duniya and Jannat :
In the story, "Duniya" (world) and "Jannat" (paradise) symbolize the contrast between reality and an ideal, peaceful place. However, the novel reveals that paradise can sometimes be as harsh and dangerous as the real world.
Motherhood :
The story explores the struggles of characters like Anjum, who desire motherhood despite challenging circumstances. It links motherhood to the Hindu concept of "Mother India," but highlights the disconnect felt by those of other religions. Ultimately, it portrays motherhood and nationality as ideals rooted in inclusivity and empathy.
Bodies, Refuse, and Internal Organs:
The novel uses bodies and waste as powerful symbols. In India, Dalits are tasked with handling waste and disposing of dead bodies, highlighting systemic injustice. The concept of the body also reflects resistance, as characters reject societal and governmental control. Additionally, it symbolizes internal struggles, with characters grappling with trauma and emotional turmoil.
Gujarat ka Lalla:
"Gujarat ka Lalla" refers to Narendra Modi, symbolizing the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. The character draws from Modi’s association with the 2002 anti-Muslim riots. His political ascent illustrates the growing threat of Hindu nationalism, which exacerbates challenges for minorities and marginalized groups.
The Color Saffron:
In the novel, saffron represents Hindu extremism. It is the color associated with followers of a Hindu nationalist leader. Saffron becomes a symbol of violence and the lasting trauma of religious conflicts, as seen in Anjum's survival of a brutal massacre.
Vulture :
In the novel, vultures symbolize the destructive consequences of modernization on both nature and society. They die due to a drug given to cows to boost milk production, reflecting the damage caused by industrial practices. Vultures also represent those who resist mainstream culture but are often ignored and fading away.
Guih Kyom, the Dung Beetle :
The dung beetle, featured in the final chapter, symbolizes hope. Despite its small size and perceived weakness, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the environment and promoting plant growth. The beetle demonstrates that even seemingly insignificant actions can have a profound impact, emphasizing that hope can arise from the most unexpected places.
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