Oxford's Word of the Year for 2024 is "brain rot," which refers to the perceived deterioration of mental or intellectual faculties, especially due to excessive consumption of trivial or low-quality online content. This term rose significantly in usage over the past year, with a 230% increase. Its popularity highlights concerns about the impact of digital media on mental health, particularly the effect of constant engagement with meaningless content on platforms like TikTok and other social media sites. The phrase originally appeared in Henry David Thoreau's Walden but has gained new relevance in the age of internet culture, often used humorously by younger generations. This term reflects a growing societal awareness of the mental consequences of digital overstimulation and raises questions about the type of content that dominates online space.
Cambridge's Word of the Year: "Manifest"
On the other hand, "manifest" was selected by Cambridge as the Word of the Year. This term has evolved from its traditional use to a more contemporary meaning: the act of making something clear or evident, especially in the context of personal goals or desires. It is widely used in self-help and motivational communities, where "manifesting" one's desires or intentions has become a popular practice. The surge in popularity of this term can be linked to the rise of wellness culture and the increasing focus on personal empowerment and self-actualization. The concept of manifestation also ties into broader societal themes of control over one's destiny and the power of positive thinking, especially in a world that feels increasingly uncertain and out of control.
Cultural and Societal Significance :
'Brain Rot': The Digital Dilemma
The term "brain rot" refers to the mental exhaustion that comes from spending too much time consuming low-quality content online, especially on social media platforms. As people scroll endlessly through posts, videos, and memes, their attention spans shrink, and their ability to focus on more complex or meaningful tasks can diminish. This idea is especially relevant today, as research shows that spending too much time on screens can increase anxiety, cause attention problems, and lower mental well-being. The term highlights a cultural concern about how our increasing digital engagement is affecting our mental health. Social media platforms often prioritize entertainment over deeper, thoughtful content, which may contribute to this feeling of mental "decay." In a world where content is constantly pushed at us, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of mindless scrolling, which is why terms like "brain rot" are becoming more common.
'Manifest': The Call for Purpose
In contrast, the term "manifest" is all about intentional living and the power of focusing on your goals and desires. This idea comes from self-help and spiritual practices where people believe that thinking positively and visualizing your dreams can help make them come true. In recent years, especially during times of global uncertainty, many people have turned to practices like affirmations and goal-setting to take control of their lives. "Manifest" reflects a cultural shift toward self-empowerment, where people believe they can shape their futures through their thoughts and actions. Whether it's through entrepreneurs claiming their success is due to manifesting their goals, or wellness influencers encouraging others to manifest personal peace, the term captures a desire for control and purpose in a world that often feels unpredictable.
Together, both words show two sides of modern life: the challenges of managing our relationship with digital media and the drive for self-improvement and personal control. While "brain rot" addresses the downsides of our screen time, "manifest" speaks to the ways people are actively seeking meaning and empowerment. These terms reflect how we are trying to navigate a world filled with both distractions and opportunities for growth.
Your personal reflections or examples that connect these words to real-life scenarios.
As a postgraduate student, I experience both "brain rot" and "manifest" in my daily life. "Brain rot" describes the mental fatigue from long hours spent online, juggling academic research, creative projects, and social media. This constant digital engagement often leads to distractions, reducing focus and leaving me mentally drained. On the other hand, I use "manifestation" to stay motivated. Setting clear goals and visualizing my academic and personal success helps me stay focused and empowered, especially when the world feels uncertain.
The pandemic intensified both these concepts—remote learning increased "brain rot," while lockdowns encouraged people to reflect and pursue personal growth, fueling the rise of manifestation practices. Social media influencers and wellness coaches promoted goal-setting as a way to regain control, further spreading the idea of manifesting a better future.
These words, "brain rot" and "manifest," represent two sides of modern life. On one side, we have the struggle to manage our screen time and mental health, and on the other, we have a cultural movement focused on goal-setting and personal empowerment. Both terms are shaping how we think and interact with the world around us, reflecting the challenges and opportunities that come with living in a digital age.
Conclusion :
The Power of Words in Shaping Society
Words like ‘Brain Rot’ and ‘Manifest’ reflect how society is changing. ‘Brain Rot’ highlights the mental fatigue from too much screen time and digital overload, reminding us to be mindful of our digital consumption. On the other hand, ‘Manifest’ encourages people to take control of their lives through goal-setting and positive thinking, promoting self-empowerment.
These words capture two sides of modern life: the draining effects of digital distractions and the inspiring power of intentional living. Together, they encourage us to balance our digital habits with purposeful action to create a healthier, more focused life.
This blog is based on the highlight of Youth Festival-2024. 32nd "Bhav Spandan Youth Festival organised by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.
Inagration Ceremony :
Youth Festival was started with Ingration Ceremony and Stuti perfomance was delivered by the Kalapath Group with the theme of Nari Vandana ,song like, "Rangreza."
Kala Yatra :
Mimicry :
Mimicry, a dificult skill. Participants to use various sounds like trains, bullets, animals, door and many more.
Skit :
The skit highlighted important issues like unemployment, flaws in the education system, and challenges in handling rape cases. It showcased women’s struggles, non-binary challenges, and corruption in employment, with themes of unity (Hum Sab 1 hai), women’s empowerment, paperless transactions, dreams (Hu sapana thoda vechu chu), and Bhavnagar’s poor road conditions. Through humor, music, and voice variation, it delivered serious messages in a style reminiscent of Neo-classical Horatian satire.
Sugam Geet :
These are the titles of Sugam Geet :
1. આવું શાને થાય છે
2. મહેકતી હવામાં કંઈક તો સમાયું છે
3. ગાતા ખોવાયું ગીત શોધો હવે કલરવની ભીડમાં
4. આખિર ઇસ દર્દની દવા ક્યાં છે
5. દિલ એ નદાન
6. કૌન રે છેડે ઓલા,તારે રે દરબાર મેઘરાણા
7. ઓ વાલમ તારી આંખોમાં ઉડે રંગ ફુવારા
8. કુચી આપો બાજી
9. સૂરજના અંધારે ગળેલી રાત
10. એક પથ્થરમાંથી બનાતા શિલ્પને અદર મળે, જો માથરું જીંદગીને તો જ નકાર મળે.
Poetry Recitation :
These are topics of Poetry :
● વૃદ્ધ માબાપની વેદના
● કાશ એવ ુંબને...કે-
● હું એવો ગ જરાતી
● દોસ્ત! તુ વાત તો કર
● મારું ગામ ખાલી થઈ રહ્ ુંછે.
● પ્રેમ એટલેકે-
Bhajan :
Bhajans explore themes of solitude, spiritual seeking, love, and self-discovery, often with a focus on Gujarati culture. While English literature may address similar themes, Bhajans uniquely emphasize these aspects, especially through phrases like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ." They often resemble stories that reflect personal journeys, similar to novels or essays, and showcase a range of themes and experiences.
A key feature of Bhajans is their philosophical tone, reflecting "Vairagya" or detachment. Phrases like "Ghadvaiya mare Thakorji nathi thavu," "Mane jya game che tya Haru chu faru chu," "AMbani Dale Koyal ji re," "Zer to pidha jani jani re," "Shilvant Sadhune," "Odhaji," and "Dhuni re Dhakhavi re beli" highlight this depth, adding a unique layer of cultural and spiritual meaning.
On-the Spot Painting :
Clay Modaling :
Rangoli :
Poster Making :
Cartooning :
Essay :
These is the topics of Essay :
* કોણ સરહદો ઈચ્છે છે?
* યશગાથા ગુજરાતની
* નારી અસ્મિતાનુ ગૌરવ - જાગવું જરૂરી છે.
* સ્વચ્છતા- ફરજ કે ફરજિયાત?
* જીવનમૂલ્યોની કમી માટે જવાબદાર કોણ?
* કલા - એક રામબાણ ઔષધ
Eloucution :
These are topics of Elocution :
1. ભારતની વિદેશનીતિ - કેટલી કારગત?
2. ઇન્ટરનેટ અદૃશ્ય થઈ જાય તો!
3. રોજ પરીક્ષા, રોજ પરીક્ષા, રોજ પરીક્ષા દઈએ
4. આત્મહત્યા એ ઉકેલ ખરો?
5. કોરોના - ભૂલવો તો છે, પણ...
6. મારાં સ્વપ્નનું વિકસિત ગુજરાત
Installation :
These are topics of Installation :-
Accident
Happiness
Worship
On-the Spot Photography :
Mono - Acting :
Quiz :
As Volenteer :
In Youth Festival in me participate as a Volenteer. total 10 Volenteer in our English department. Our English Deparment hosted the Literature events like,Quiz, Essay, Poetry Recitation. 10 Volenteers divided in 3 events in 3-3 as volenteers. All volenteers duty is all 3 events participants regestrations and basic arrangements of in class banch proper set in total participants each events. In University provided in Youth Festival in food pass, transportation and accomandation. As Volenteers my experince is good many things teach and judges are very calm and helpful us and teach the How are we arranged all things in requir in three days evnts?.
Volenteer photo with Literature events Judges :
Experience :
My experirnce is excellent in three days of Youth Festival. Both as a volenteer and as a viewer. We all learned important lessons about unity, encouragement, and teamwork. We managed everything ourselves, from organizing the Kalyatra to handling backstage tasks, and the support from the whole team was truly inspiring.We also had a great time during the three days of the festival. Last day we click the group photos :
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie born on 15 September 1977) is a Nigerian novelist, writer of short stories, and nonfiction. Her novels, short stories, and nonfiction explore the intersections of identity.
Works :
Purple Hibiscus (2003)
Half of a Yellow Sun (2006)
Americanah (2013)
The Thing Around Your Neck (2009)
We Should All Be Feminists (2014).
In 2008, Adichie was awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant. She was described in The Times Literary Supplement as "the most prominent" of a "procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors [who] is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature". Her most recent book, Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, was published in March 2017.
Video 1 :- Talk on importance of story/literature
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s talk on “The Danger of a Single Story” highlights how limiting ourselves to just one perspective about people or places can create harmful stereotypes. Adichie explains that when we only hear one story about a group, we risk reducing them to incomplete and misleading stereotypes.
She shares how her own view of literature changed when she discovered African writers like Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye. She realized that characters in books could be as real and relatable as her own experiences, and stories could reflect real-life events. This helped her understand that literature isn’t confined to just one narrative.
Adichie also discusses her experiences with the single story, such as how her American roommate had misconceptions about her because of stereotypes about Africans. She also mentions how her own stereotypes about Mexicans were shaped by negative media portrayals.
In her talk, Adichie emphasizes the risks of reducing complex human experiences to a single narrative. In our globalized world, where we are constantly exposed to various stories through media and literature, her message is especially relevant. She highlights the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and argues for embracing diverse narratives to foster understanding and empathy.
Video 2 :- We Should All be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her personal journey from being non-feminist to feminist. Initially, she didn't like being called a feminist by her friend Okuloma. She explains that in African and Nigerian societies, feminism is often seen as "un-African" and tied to negative stereotypes, like being unhappy or unable to find a husband. Despite this, she embraces the term and calls herself a "happy African feminist."
Adichie provides examples of gender inequality, such as not being chosen to monitor her class in school despite having the highest test score, just because she was a girl. She also notes how men are often seen as more important, like when a man received praise for money she had given.
Her talk criticizes how gender norms are established and maintained, especially in Nigeria and Africa. She argues for a fairer society where gender does not limit opportunities and challenges traditional beliefs. Adichie calls for changing how we raise boys and girls, aiming for a world where everyone can be themselves without being restricted by gender norms. She believes feminism is about creating equality for everyone, not just about women’s rights.
Video 3 :- Talk on importance of Truth in Post-Truth Era
In her speech, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes the importance of truth. She explains that while honesty might not always lead to success, it provides personal comfort and dignity.
Adichie highlights the value of being self-aware and learning from one's mistakes. She shares how recognizing the flaws in her early work helped her improve and succeed. She encourages graduates to be leaders who value integrity and truth.
She also discusses how literature can help us understand others and make better decisions. Adichie advises the graduates to be courageous in speaking the truth, even in difficult times, and to embrace their unique paths, rather than conforming to traditional ideas of success. She views literature as a powerful tool for empathy and navigating life's challenges.
Socrates, a pivotal figure in Western philosophy, was born around 470 BCE in Athens. Unlike other philosophers, he left no written works; instead, his ideas were passed down through his students, notably Plato and Xenophon. Socrates is renowned for his Socratic method, a dialogue technique that challenges assumptions and stimulates critical thinking, laying the groundwork for dialectical philosophy and education. His inquiries often focused on ethics, exploring concepts like justice, virtue, and the examined life.
Despite his influence, Socrates faced controversy in Athens, accused of corrupting youth and impiety. His trial and execution in 399 BCE, as recounted in Plato's "Apology," underscored his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Socrates' legacy endures through Plato and Xenophon's writings, which depict his conversational style and philosophical insights, shaping subsequent Western philosophical thought. He remains a symbol of intellectual integrity and moral inquiry, despite being ridiculed in contemporary Athenian comedy, like Aristophanes' "Clouds," which caricatured his philosophical pursuits.
Video :1
The video about Socrates begins with his touching final words, "Crito, I owe the sacrifice of a rooster to Asklepios." This leads into a discussion of his journey from soldier to one of history's greatest philosophers. The Oracle of Delphi declared him the wisest man alive, prompting Socrates to question others about their knowledge, which led to the development of the Socratic Method. His famous statement, "The unexamined life is not worth living," shows his commitment to deep thinking and moral reflection. Socrates' refusal to cooperate with the Thirty Tyrants highlights his bravery and dedication to truth, even at the risk of his life. He viewed death as a release from life's burdens, believing that only the ignorant fear it. A memorable story about a beauty contest showcases his unique approach to philosophy, challenging traditional ideas and redefining beauty through critical thinking. Cicero noted that "Socrates was the first to call philosophy down from the heavens," emphasizing how Socrates made philosophy relevant to everyday human concerns.
Video : 2
The video uses a creative approach, featuring Socrates himself narrating his life story from his prison cell. He talks about his background and philosophical ideas, emphasizing his principle of skepticism: don’t accept beliefs blindly, but always question and seek the truth. The video uses two metaphors: a tree and a stone. A stone stays the same, but a tree grows, representing the need for inquiry to achieve intellectual and personal growth. Socrates challenges traditional ideas of virtue and love, arguing that simply repeating words without understanding their meaning is pointless.
The video also shows how Socratic knowledge spread through historical figures like Plato, Aristotle, and Alexander the Great, influencing the Roman Empire. This intellectual tradition paused during the Dark Ages but was revived in the Renaissance when people embraced Socratic methods again. A key quote from Socrates, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing," highlights his enduring philosophy of continuous questioning and humility in the search for knowledge.
Video : 3
This video focuses on Plato's "Apology," not as an expression of regret but as a defense of Socrates. It provides a detailed look at Socrates' final trial, illustrating Athens' democratic legal system where a jury decided his fate. Socrates famously claimed he knew nothing, disavowing any wisdom. He showed no fear of death, stating he would continue to seek the truth even beyond the grave. Socrates had an unusual view of death, seeing it as potentially beneficial. He declared, "A good man cannot be harmed either in life or in death, and his affairs are not neglected by the gods." In his final moments, Socrates stayed calm and encouraged people to question and challenge those who commit injustices against the innocent. The video underscores Socrates' steadfast dedication to truth and justice, even as he faced death.
Video : 4
A fourth video from Ted-Ed enhances learning with engaging animations, showing that Socrates didn't debate or give advice but instead kept asking questions in response to answers he received. For example, when discussing justice with Euthydemus, Socrates used persistent questioning to deepen understanding. He compared himself to a midwife, helping ideas come to life through his method of inquiry. This Socratic method is now fundamental in many fields like medicine, astronomy, mathematics, law, and education, aiding logical discussion and uncovering basic truths.
These insights reveal Socrates as more than just an unconventional philosopher; he was a soldier, thinker, and martyr for truth. His life and teachings continue to inspire and challenge us to keep questioning, learning, and growing. Socrates' dedication to examining life, even in the face of death, highlights the importance of seeking truth and understanding. His method of inquiry is a powerful tool for learning and critical thinking, reminding us that true wisdom starts with recognizing our own ignorance.
Conclusion :
Socrates' life and teachings extend far beyond philosophy, symbolizing intellectual bravery in ancient Athens. His Socratic dialogue method has influenced fields like philosophy, law, and education, emphasizing oral debates to keep ideas dynamic.
His trial and execution by hemlock demonstrate his unwavering integrity and moral courage. By accepting his death, Socrates highlighted his principles. His famous quote, "The unexamined life is not worth living," encourages critical engagement with our beliefs and actions.
Socrates' influence reaches beyond ancient Greece, resonating in modern academia and other fields. The Socratic Method's focus on dialogue and inquiry shapes contemporary learning and problem-solving. His legacy reminds us that true wisdom comes from questioning and challenging our own beliefs, embodying intellectual humility and a persistent pursuit of knowledge.
This blog is part of sunday reading task about the movie review and comparative study.
- assigned by Dilip Barad sir.
12th Fail Movie
Introduction :-
12th Fail is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film produced, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on the 2019 eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak about the real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.The film stars Vikrant Massey in the title role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee.
The film transcends the traditional coming-of-age narrative, delving deep into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and societal expectations.
Background of family :-
In Monoj Kumar's family, father mother and his younger brother and one younger sister. The background of family was very poor family. They always struggle in money purpose and day to day life. Manoj's family always supported to his work and dedication. They always with his/her children.
Theoretical Framework:
In the beginning of the movie, they use a helicopter shot to show how small Manoj's role is when he cheats in the exam. The film starts with the same kind of shot. In "12th Fail," dim lighting, quiet backgrounds, and soft music show challenges in the protagonist's life. These choices help us feel the struggles and aspirations of the characters.
In the movie,Manoj losing his bag symbolizes more than a lost belonging; it signifies the loss of hope for his future, leaving him feeling abandoned. The scene portrays him sitting alone, with dull and dark colors reflecting the mental turmoil he's experiencing.
In the scene Gauri Bhaiya uses UPSC as a symbol for the game of snakes and ladders. Manoj, lacking trust, seeks friends to restart in this challenging game. UPSC, described as a game of snakes and ladders by the seasoned aspirant, highlights the harsh reality that only a few among lakhs get selected, forcing the rest to begin anew.
In this scene Using the gate to frame the scene signifies how it acts as an obstacle separating them from the awaited result.
Contextualization :-
The education system depicted in the movie was poor and marked by widespread cheating. Both students and teachers believed in dishonest practices, setting a bad example. Manoj Kumar Sharma failed his 12th exam because he refused to cheat. This issue extends to government job exams, with instances of leaked papers causing injustice to honest candidates. The movie reflects the cultural context, illustrating how the flawed education system profoundly impacts youth aspirations, creating a complex narrative around education and government jobs.
Thematic study :-
1. Focus on his aim :-
Manoj Kumar Sharma's story emphasizes the importance of focusing on life and career goals. His journey to becoming an IPS officer highlights the value of patience in achieving success. Despite numerous challenges, he maintained trust and patience, demonstrating that persistence and a positive attitude contribute to triumph in academic pursuits.
2. Role of library in his life :-
The library played a crucial role in Manoj Kumar Sharma's life, significantly impacting his knowledge and creativity. It served as his living, working, and reading space, contributing immensely to his personal and career development.
Comparative study :-
Aspirants 2.0 is an Indian web series serving as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 series "Aspirants." It continues the story of three friends, Abhilash, Guri, and SK, who navigate the challenges of life after clearing the UPSC exam and becoming civil servants.
Similarities:
- Both "12th Fail" movie by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and "Aspirants 2.0" web series explore the theme of education and the challenges faced by individuals in pursuing their goals.
- Both works likely depict characters dealing with failures and setbacks in their academic or aspirational journeys.
- Importance of friendship: Both stories showcase the strong bond of friendship and its role in supporting the protagonists through their struggles.
Differences:
- "12th Fail" is a movie, while "Aspirants 2.0" is a web series, which means they may differ in terms of storytelling format, pacing, and character development.
- The specific narratives, characters, and plotlines in each work are likely distinct, providing unique perspectives on the theme of education and aspiration.
- Tone: "Aspirants" has a more hopeful and optimistic tone, while "12th Fail" is more cynical and critical of societal norms.
Cultural Significance:
- "12th Fail" may address the cultural pressure and expectations related to academic success, reflecting societal attitudes toward education.
- "Aspirants 2.0" could delve into the cultural significance of competitive exams and the challenges faced by individuals in pursuing careers in specific fields, shedding light on societal norms and aspirations.
Both works likely contribute to discussions about the impact of education on individuals and society, offering insights into the cultural fabric that shapes aspirations and success.
Conclusion :-
The movie underscores the power of hard work, dedication, dreams, a strong mindset, family support, and willingness in overcoming challenges. Vikrant Massey's remarkable performance accurately portrayed Manoj Kumar Sharma, while Medha Shankar embodied the character of Shraddha Joshi. Vikas Divyakirti contributed to writing the movie, including its impactful conclusion.
