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Life Lessons From Haruki Murakami’s Work

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Haruki Murakami, an infamous Japanese novelist, always does justice to the expectations of his readers through his distinct storytelling style. The way his words transcend his readers into another world offers many worldly lessons we can learn from.

Murakami exclusively uses his talent to knit together a web of words that seem to make perfect sense and the analogies he incorporates into his work produce captivating narratives. His work encourages his readers to think about life and also, teaches them numerous valuable lessons.

Firstly, his ability to minutely grasp every detail and putting it on paper encourages you to experience your encounters meticulously. His work stands testimony to the fact that he is not afraid to try new writing styles. In addition to this, he teaches his readers to be keen about experimenting with life and keeping oneself above all others.

While many consider his writing style twisted and complex, some claim that the way he gives an explanation about relationships and paints a dreamy, yet completely real picture about them ought to teach his readers a lot. Gehna Kapoor, a student of SGTB Khalsa College commented: “Norwegian Wood, in particular, taught us how a person can love two people simultaneously.”

Secondly, his books shed light upon the depth of emotions that are felt by everyone alike. He often talked about loneliness and love that ran alongside each other in his stories. Murakami provides such surreal insight about life that turns everyone to think. In one of his books, he said: “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” His observance of emotions, particularly suffering, brings out narratives that teach everyone to be sensitive towards the feelings of others as well. Bhavya, a student of Daulat Ram College, says, “Murakami’s treatment of emotions is truly eye-opening and stark in nature. It compels you to introspect and look at them, in a new light.”

Besides his work, Murakami, in reality, follows an extremely rigid schedule that brings him discipline and he follows that schedule religiously. Murakami is also known for barely making any appearances in media and chooses to lead a simple life while calling himself a simple man.

Feature image credits- Paperback Paris

Suhani Malhotra

[email protected]

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Arts & Culture

Life Lessons From Haruki Murakami's Work

By

Haruki Murakami, an infamous Japanese novelist, always does justice to the expectations of his readers through his distinct storytelling style. The way his words transcend his readers into another world offers many worldly lessons we can learn from. Murakami exclusively uses his talent to knit together a web of words that seem to make perfect sense and the analogies he incorporates into his work produce captivating narratives. His work encourages his readers to think about life and also, teaches them numerous valuable lessons. Firstly, his ability to minutely grasp every detail and putting it on paper encourages you to experience your encounters meticulously. His work stands testimony to the fact that he is not afraid to try new writing styles. In addition to this, he teaches his readers to be keen about experimenting with life and keeping oneself above all others. While many consider his writing style twisted and complex, some claim that the way he gives an explanation about relationships and paints a dreamy, yet completely real picture about them ought to teach his readers a lot. Gehna Kapoor, a student of SGTB Khalsa College commented: “Norwegian Wood, in particular, taught us how a person can love two people simultaneously.” Secondly, his books shed light upon the depth of emotions that are felt by everyone alike. He often talked about loneliness and love that ran alongside each other in his stories. Murakami provides such surreal insight about life that turns everyone to think. In one of his books, he said: “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” His observance of emotions, particularly suffering, brings out narratives that teach everyone to be sensitive towards the feelings of others as well. Bhavya, a student of Daulat Ram College, says, “Murakami’s treatment of emotions is truly eye-opening and stark in nature. It compels you to introspect and look at them, in a new light.” Besides his work, Murakami, in reality, follows an extremely rigid schedule that brings him discipline and he follows that schedule religiously. Murakami is also known for barely making any appearances in media and chooses to lead a simple life while calling himself a simple man. Feature image credits- Paperback Paris Suhani Malhotra [email protected]]]>

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DUB Speak

Jab We Met 12 Years Ago

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It’s been 12 years since one of Bollywood’s biggest Rom-com took over our hearts with a beautiful chemistry after Jab we met was released in 2007. 

Imtiaz Ali has always managed to portray extraordinary stories about love, life and friendships that always have a heartfelt impact on us walking out of the theatre. Jab we met is one of those few Bollywood movies which had a Hollywood remake. A Hollywood movie called “leap year” was inspired by the Bollywood classic and also won several hearts. This story about two completely different people and their journey of finding love in each other in extreme circumstances sounds cliche but in this movie, there’s a lot of craziness and laughter with moments of self-realisation and tears.

Geet, a charming bubbly girl who has unrealistic dreams and doesn’t think much, makes stupid decisions and then endure them like they weren’t the consequences of her own actions, a character we can all relate to. She lives her life unapologetically and doesn’t seek anyone’s validation no matter what the outcome. When she comes across Aditya, a serious guy who always had everything planned out for him and had real pride in his thoughtful way of living. You’d think for a man who reckons so thoroughly about everything and is a lot more serious in life wouldn’t face any sort of setbacks and awful times. That’s when the movie teaches you that you could choose to live either way but life would surprise you in every aspect and you would have to face terrible times no matter what. There’s no winner or loser here. 

This movie has also taught us that no matter how hard you hit the rock bottom, tough times don’t last forever and things work out eventually. This might sound like a utopian thought but it’s just all about perspective. The movie took the common problems of the audience and gave a viewpoint for the way out. The hardships of heartbreak, rejection, being cheated on, issues with family, and career problems. How many times have we seen a future with someone and planned everything with that person and witnessed it turning out a lesson for life? It’s true that things don’t work out the way we always want them to. And it’s fine because there’s always a better side to it. It doesn’t always have to be with the person you’ve had a history with. Jab we met made me realise that it’s not about your first love, but the love of your life.

One’s never too grown-up or proud to try the most childish ways to get over things if it makes them feel better. If it makes you feel better to flush down a picture of a toxic ex, DO IT. If you’re not happy with what you’re doing in your life, it’s never too late to start over, go with it and turn things around. And you don’t always have to hate the people who are not in your life anymore, you can always learn from them and thank them and ace in life. 

Let’s not ignore the unrealistic romantic standards the movie has set for us. If the movie was a happy ending for Aditya and Geet, it was a disastrous end for Anshuman. But let’s face it, we have all been at both ends and after seeing the movie, I definitely do not want to be at the third end where I miss my train at Ratlam station and get lectured about how “Akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai“.

Twelve years and no other story beats that combination of love, laughter and tears. Thank you for all the life lessons better than any Tedtalk.

Feature Image Credits: IMDB

Avni Dhawan

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Recounting My First Week at College

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The ‘firsts’ are always memorable. Here’s recounting my first week at college while hoping yours went likewise.

Truest of joys are lived in the coalescence of our dreams. The 20th of July 2018 marked my Orientation Day in college, and it also marked the day I saw my dream of studying at the University of Delhi (DU) come true. While thousands of us approached our colleges in the highest of spirits,  there was a great deal of anxiety too. However, as the week progressed, the anxiety also dwindled. Thankfully, the weather has been blissful, if the resulting muck is not to be accounted for. But this week has been an amazingly informative and inspiring one. The atmosphere increasingly becomes more intoxicating! However, it goes without saying that some inherent downsides were also present. Henceforth, I have endeavored to be more realistic in my account.

Our fear of crowds, seniors, and our own batchmates takes root from the fear of judgement. In this regard, a senior of mine told me, “Everyone judges you, but this is why you are here. You judge people and find in them the requisite companionship. Do not fear this judgement. This is your time, live it fully. Let nothing hold you back.” As repetitive as it sounds, it is an absolute truth. Initially, I was afraid of being laughed at. I feared that a wrong answer to a question would probably diminish my credit among rest of the stellar performers who have made it to my college and course. But at the same time, I reminded myself that if one can make people laugh, it is his or her victory. However, if they laugh mockingly, it is their loss. This week I have learned so much about the discipline that I always dreamt of studying, that every moment in learning this discipline has been an insightful and learning experience.

Undoubtedly, another highlight would be the brilliant people I have come to know. From the learned to the rad, all my seniors have offered the best advise and counsel. A large number of us came here hoping to find friends for life. While many have already struck similar chords with like-minded people, many others have not been as fortunate. After years of being with their high school friends, they find it difficult to fill the void of companionship in a week. Give yourself and others some time because all good things take time, after all. But remember to remain original and true to yourself while creating new bonds, because you are all you have to offer. Presenting any other version of yourself would not do justice to who you inherently are.

Today, after a week of walking straight into a dream, it still feels surreal. And very ideally, it will always be. I do not presume I have learned all in a week, neither should you. But I have witnessed a change already, as have we all. Acceptance and compassion start with us. We all are afraid, varyingly if not equally. But it is in the nature of fear to take away our happiness. Fear is the end of growth. Opportunities will come, but your endeavor to grasp them will determine everything. This idea is my greatest takeaway from this week. Most colleges have commenced their registrations for enrolling the excited freshers in a number of societies – possibly the most celebratory avenues in colleges. Before I entered the gates of my college, I was told about societies,  “Join them all, even the ones you find remotely interesting. Live them fully, as per your interests. Do not ever hesitate.” Now whenever I enter them, my conviction strengthens.

Believe and thrive, grasp and grow. I hope you have an adventure as great as you deserve. I hope we all do. With the first week’s closure, I know one thing for sure, that I will have loads of fun. Will you?

 

Feature Image Credits: Kartik Chauhan for DU Beat

Kartik Chauhan

[email protected]

 

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