This record gives
No matter what the action
regardless of their status
chose outrageous clothing,
comprehensive data
involves but it involves a
and experience. I wanted
some chose addiction but
regarding the design
set of people to establish.
to work on a manifesto,
apart from these there
process and development,
Gradually it is becoming
which can be for everyone
were few, who followed
which took place during
more of an industry than
and serves everyone.
the smell of gunpowder.
the elective one. The
the act of defense and
allotted theme for the
anger. Youngsters get
It is strange to denote the
the violent activities
elective one, for batch
attracted to this field
signifier of ‘subculture’
and nourished violence
GDPD 2009 Graphics
because of money and
to violence. But the
all around the globe.
batch was ‘Subculture’,
power involved in it; it
number of people getting
within which everyone
serves as a medium to
involved in this and giving
Everyone wants power
tried to discover something
express their concealed
opportunities to others
and the painless way is
new. As a research subject
adolescent violence,
to enroll themselves in
not always dependable. It
I wanted to focus on
which actually gives
the sector can justify
involves sacrifices, money
violence and wanted to
them money as well.
it turning it into a new
and blood. No matter if
dimension of subculture.
people are involved in it
explore it as a subculture.
They got involved in
As a part of this project
Every other subculture,
or not, they have strong
Violence can be defined
I wanted to focus on
in my knowledge, had
opinions towards it…
as, the intentional use of
different perspectives
their way of defining their
And that is something
physical force or power.
of different people
rebellion nature. Some
I was looking for.
Subculture, even when
be same for a particular
it’s widely used in India
subject. Hence, we call it a
it doesn’t have a major
sub-culture. I do believe it’s
significance. Only a
crude and bizarre to define
handful of people would
it like this. Some might
know about it. Everyone
agree with it some might
has freedom to define it in
not. But on the other hand
his or her way. It’s just a
this is the simplest way I
socio-political condition,
understood the meaning.
which has different
I took this meaning and
definitions. But it is not as
tried to expand my horizon
confusing as other words
and see things differently.
like Karma or Aesthetics.
I wanted to look beyond
It does talk for itself. Even
the existing movements
an amateur can derive a
and look for something
rough meaning through
from a new perspective.
the word itself. Well, I
I don’t underestimate
choose to define it simply
the existence of such
as, people from different
significant movements;
cultures come together to
quite a few defined
share the same belief and
what we are today.
thoughts. Their actions and perceptions might
But I wanted to focus on
the movement in that
strike my head was to study
with the same thing, I tried
an ordinary theme, which
era. Evidently they were
the violence and crime
searching for the branches
was never categorized
from different religion,
through one person. To
of the same theme.
as a subculture. Reasons
cast and regions but there
build up a character sketch
can be very different
was a reason for them to
of a guilty person behind
One very interesting topic,
and intense, might be
come together. I wanted
the bars. This approach
which came up while
someone did acknowledge
to figure out what they felt
would have thrown light
discussing the theme, was
it as one but the mass
and how did they do it.
on a person, his life before
Maoism. I was looking for
imprisonment, reasons
groups of people who are
As time passed I came
for him to undertake this
involved in this activity
didn’t. I wanted to figure it out in a unusual way.
up with different
mode of expression and
and tried to figure out the
I started looking into my
concepts, focusing more
quite a few other questions,
reasons for their actions.
favorite theme, historical
on the contemporary
which would tell more
The first name strike my
episodes, which can give
scenarios of violence and
about the person. But in
head was Maoist, as they
me, hint. The initial idea
people involved in the
this approach the theme
have a strong influence on
was about the struggle for
activities. The idea of
was getting limited to
the people and have a vast
freedom in India. In that
violence occurred from
one person rather than a
history. They are a threat
idea I wanted to focus on
the revolution bit of the
research on subculture.
to the country, yet they
the mass communication
earlier idea but had a lot
As mentioned earlier, I
are a part of the country.
during the reign of
more scope. I found it
thought the subject was
extremists and how they
much more challenging to
interesting and can be
came together. I wanted
explore as a theme within
treated in a pleasant way.
to study the growth of
subculture. The first idea
Instead of getting stuck
Subculture can be defined as a subversion of normalcy.
For this concept I wanted
It can be perceived as negative due to their of criticism
to focus on the history of
to the dominant societal standard. Some thinkers would
the freedom struggle and
also like to express it as bringing together like-minded
dig out the reasons which
individuals who feel neglected by societal standards
extremists shared, which
and allow them to develop a sense of identity.
brought them together. I found it really fascinating
While researching I stumbled upon something,
that people from different
which can be called the keywords of
religions and places. The
Subcultures. They are stated hereafter:
mode of communication
•
Their often relations to work.
would have been really
•
Their negative/ambivalent relation to class.
interesting as it got people
•
Their association with territory.
together in an interesting
•
Their movement out of the home into
way. There were several
non-domestic forms of belonging.
activities people were
•
Their stylistic ties to excess and exaggeration.
involved in, and they
•
Their refusal of the banalities of
hid their identities too
ordinary life and manifestations. .
sometimes. The whole concept for fighting for
While researching and reading up on the topic, I thought
your country and starting
of quite a few thoughts about the project, and I looked at
a revolution was very
it from a really different point of view. My first idea was
interesting, and I still
to focus on a study on the decision-making process and
can’t imagine how they
actions of extremists, in context of freedom struggle.
communicated at such a large scale and managed so many different activities.
The Subculture Theory:
discover that in the
Delinquent Subculture Theory:
Certain groups or
poorest zones of the city,
Delinquent behavior from youths were how a
subcultures in society
certain forms of behavior
society should be, because these conditions make
have values and attitudes
become the cultural norm
them incapable of achieving success legitimately
that are conductive to
transmitted from one
lower case youths experience a form of culture
crime and violence.
generation to the next
conflict that Cohen labels status frustration.
as a part of the normal The primary Focus is on
socialization process. The
Youth can’t really attach themselves to a particular
Juvenile Delinquency
majority of norms, which
cultural sect in the society; as a result they look for
because theorists believe
forces individual to form
something, which can provide them a refuge. In most
that if this pattern
community in new and
of the cases, because of their rebellious nature they end
of offending can be
different ways, dominates
up taking up the path of violence and vandalism.
understood and controlled.
the cultural structure.
Culture represents the norms, customs and values, which both guide behavior and act as a framework from, which behavior is judged by the majority. It is transmitted Socially rather than Biologically. Most of the time people
SUBCULTURE THEORY:
Identity:
Four indicators of
A clear and sustained subjective sense of group
Subcultural substance
identity in itself begins to establish a grouping
Consistent Distinctiveness:
as substantive rather than ephemeral.
Functions, meanings and
Commitment: Depends upon the nature of the group
symbols of subcultural
in question, subcultures are liable to account for
involvement are liable to
a considerable proportion of free time, friendship
vary between participants
patterns, shopping routes, collections and commodities,
and to reflect complex
going out habits and even internet use.
processes of cultural choice and co-incidence rather
Autonomy:
than an automatic shared
Profit making operations will ruin alongside
reaction to circumstances.
extensive semi-commercial and voluntary activities
The first indicator of
indicating particularly high levels of grass-roots
subcultural substance
insider participations in cultural production.
comprises the existence of a set of shared tastes and values, which is distinctive from those of other groups and reasonably consistent, from one participant to the next one place to next and one year to the next.
•
Homicide and other violent assaultive crimes must be viewed in the terms of the cultural context from which they spring.
•
Homicide is most prevalent, or the highest rates of homicide occur, among a relatively homogenous subculture group in any large urban community.
•
The value system of their group, we are contending, constitutes of subculture of violence.
•
The subculture of violence theory holds that the overt use of violence is generally a reflection of basic values that stand apart from the dominant, the central or the parent culture.
•
This overt use of violence constitutes part of a subculture normative system that is reflected in the psychological traits of the members of the Subculture.
Violence, as defined
As stated by World
After reading up on
attached to it; some of them
by Wikipedia, is the
Health Organization, for
violence and understanding
are faceless, aggressive
intentional use of physical
each single death due to
that working on a character
and unfathomable. The
force or power, threatened
violence there are several
sketch won’t be productive
explanations of riots varied
or actual, against oneself,
hospitalsations, hundreds
for the study for the subject
from religious fanaticism
another person or against
of emergency department
like Violence. Eventually
gripping the great
a group or community
visits and thousands of
I started reading up on
unwashed, to instigation
that either results in or
doctors appointment. The
crowd violence, and came
by the habitual criminal,
has a high likelihood
figures state that more than
across a lot of information.
or to instigation by people
of resulting in injury,
1.5 million die annually.
One question, which was
with political agendas.
death, psychological
Potential modifiable factors
really interesting was,
The style of policing and
harm, maldevelopment
can be: Concentrated
why is most violence
the view of crowds as a
or deprivation.
Poverty, Income and
represented as pure events
destructive, wild power
gender inequality and
without identifiable actors
rising from the people
Harmful use of alcohol.
but as mobs? Crowd can
still prevail in the legal
Underlying causes of
turn into an unknown
system, in the police
violence can be effective
monster very easily.
academics and in police
in preventing violence.
Spontaneous combustion,
compounds. Hereafter is
spontaneous rage, earlier
an excerpt found on the
incidents of grievances
‘crowds are faceless’
and insults can lead up to crowd violence. Crowd in
The proliferating crime
India got a lot of signifiers
channels on Indian TV
channels tend to reproduce and reinforce the notion of the men in khaki as a thin brown line defending respectable society against its enemies. Among poor people, political people organize riots. There is also a widespread endorsement of such actions that outrage, anger or frustration somehow naturally manifests themselves in crowds that can easily turn irate and commit acts of violence and destruction. And it comes as a surprise but if a Muslim/Tribal dies by the hand of the authority, they are seen as martyrs within their own communities but not in the wider political community. While studying about crowd violence I branched out to Riots, the most socio-politically messed up part of crowd violence. During riots the category of the other almost invariably overshadows the identity of the individual. Riots situations suspend most parameters of appropriate behavior, proportionality and justice. Instead, intense feeling of fear anger and revenge take over along with forms of wild enjoyment, exhilaration, shame and guilt.
Two categories of Public violence are: •
The register of public protest, of breaking the law peacefully is deeply embedded in the current situation across the Indian political landscape as a set of possible languages of political expression and dissent.
•
Public violence is a form of collective catharsis.
At one point of time of
violence in all the given
Chinese government and
my research I thought
activities. Two of them were
the allied powers. Four
I will study the pattern
like Anti Sikh Pogrom*
structural factors also
of mass violence and
and Boxer Uprising**.
underline the outbreak
confidence of individuals
*Anti Sikh Pogrom:
and course of the war.
in the same regard. I found
Contrary to what is
First was the Informal
it interesting because
commonly believed this
Empire in China.
there were quite a few
pogrom was not the
opportunities in the same.
result of a spontaneous
From instigators to victims,
reaction of the masses
everything had a chance
due to anger caused
to grow in itself. During
by the death of Prime
that time I came across a
Minister, Indira Gandhi.
link, which had quite a few
It was rather an organized
case studies on the mass
politically engineered
violence and specially riots.
action involving congress
This made me feel even
politicians, Delhi police
more confident about the
officers and Hindu civilians.
subject. Initially I decided
**Boxer uprising: This war
to take up 7 case studies
was not planned by either
and deconstruct them. I
side, but resulted from the
wanted to figure out the
mismanagement of the
similar pattern of mass
boxer crisis by both the
I presented this but later when I discussed with my guide, Ms. Shilpa Das, I realized something like this will need more time then what I can provide. Initially I got even more confused but after the discussion I got to know other possibilities of the theme. There were a lot of different topics for me to focus on, when my theme remains the same. I decided to stress on a group, which according to the mass is involved in their own intentions is different. So depending on the discussion I made another proposal, this time it was centered on Maoism.
Theme: Subculture/ Study of violence as a subculture Topic: Similar pattern of mass violence in different parts of the world. Guide: Ms. Shilpa Das SUBCULTURE: In sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, a subculture is a group of people with a culture (whether distinct or hidden), which differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong. Why Mass Violence? I want to focus on mass violence as the topic as it describes more about the emotional and cognitive aspects of a mass rather then just an individual. I wanted to study the actions and reactions of different masses for an act of violence, and find the similarity amongst them. As an act it might be smaller but it can have a huge impact on the mass psychologically. And most of the time the mass will be unable to think about the act and will become a part of it. THE PROCESS: I want to study the pattern of similarity in mass violence around the world through available case studies and research how the crowd reacts and why. •
I have divided the process in main key points, which are as follows:
•
Brief study of crowd psychology.
•
Detailed study of available case studies.
•
Deconstruction of the case studies.
•
Research on instigators and victims.
•
Study of physical and psychological impressions left on the mass after the act of violence.
•
A comparative study of all the case studies.
•
Study of the similar pattern of actions and consequences.
•
Understanding the medium for execution
•
Execution
THE 7 CASE STUDIES: •
Setif and Guelma, 1945- Algeria
•
The repression of the Koçgiri Rebellion, 1920 – Turkey
•
Oradour, 1944- France
•
The last military dictatorship, 1976- Argentina
•
Calcutta riots, 1946 – India
•
Anti-Sikh pogrom, 1984 – India
•
The Boxer War, 1899 - China
THE OUTCOME: The outcome has a lot of possibilities. The execution will be dependent on the material generated from the research and deconstruction of the case studies. Following are the possible approaches for the execution:
•
Publication: A document, which gives a brief of all the case studies.
•
Exhibition: A narrative based exhibition, which binds all the stories
together and tells the viewer about the similarities of all the acts
•
Interactive Media: A module, which serves as a guide to experience
the case studies and understand the similarity of the same. THE TIMELINE: FIRST PHASE: Collection and finalizing on the research material. Narrowing down to the final research material. SECOND PHASE: Study the finalized research material. Mark out the points of similarity and narrow down on the text. THIRD PHASE: Finalizing the content and deciding the medium of execution. FOURTH WEEK: Execution
Theme: Subculture/ Study of violence as a subculture Topic: Study of development and growth of Maoists. Guide: Ms. Shilpa Das SUBCULTURE: In sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, a subculture is a group of people with a culture (whether distinct or hidden), which differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong. What are Maoists? The Naxalites are left-wing extremists who take their name from Naxalbari, a village in the state of West Bengal where they first staged an uprising in 1967. India nearly wiped out the movement during counterinsurgency efforts in the 1970s that left the group broken into smaller factions, including the People’s War Group and Maoist Communist Center. In 2004, these two groups aligned to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The group, now made up of a loose coalition of factions, challenges state power with violence to support its stated goal of helping the landless poor, tribal people, and lower castes. I would like to focus on their development as a group and influences. THE PROCESS: I want to study the pattern of similarity in mass violence around the world through available case studies and research how the crowd reacts and why. I have divided the process in main key points, which are as follows: •
Study of Maoists in India
•
Identifying the reasons and conditions of the formation of Maoists
•
Studying the political conditions of the state in that specific decade
•
Brief study of Mao Tse Tung’s ideologies
•
Study of development of the group over time.
•
Changes in ideology and focus. Study the diversions, if there were any.
•
Focus- People’s Government- People’s War
THE OUTCOME: The outcome has a lot of possibilities. The execution will be dependent on the material generated from the research and deconstruction of the available study material. Following are the possible approaches for the execution: •
Publication: An interactive document, which gives a brief on their ideologies and developments.
•
Exhibition: A narrative based exhibition, which binds the study together and takes viewer through the information like a journey.
THE TIMELINE: FIRST PHASE: Collection and finalizing on the research material. Narrowing down to the final research material. SECOND PHASE: Study the finalized research material. Mark out the points of similarity and narrow down on the text. THIRD PHASE: Finalizing the content and deciding the medium of execution. FOURTH PHASE: Execution
I started researching on Maoism and Maoists
Iconoclastic revolution:
Nationalism and the
after the discussion with my guide, as it had more
Skeptical iconoclasts
appeal of Marxism:
possibilities. I came a lot of information through
formed a new segment
Along with iconoclasm,
several mediums and in different mediums.
of Chinese society, a
radical anti-imperialism
modern intelligentsia
dominated the Chinese
To start with, Maoism is a communist theory derived
whose arrival, or as lauded
intellectual tradition and
from the teachings of the Chinese Maoists, Also known
historian of China Maurice
slowly evolved into a
as Mao Zedong thought. It is an anti-revolutionist of
Meisner, would label it,
fierce nationalist fervor,
Marxism. Certain people believe that mobilization of the
their defection, heralded
which influenced Mao’s
masses, particularly in large-scale political movements; it
the beginning of the
philosophy immensely and
can also refer to the egalitarianism that was seen during
destruction of the gentry
was crucial in adapting
Mao’s era as opposed to the free-market ideology of Deng
as a social class in china.
Marxism to the Chinese
Xiaoping. Some scholars additionally define personality
The fall of the last Chinese
model. In China, the
cults and political sloganeering as Maoist practices.
imperial dynasty in 1911
protest began with 3000
Maoism is defined more by its theoretical and ideological
marked the final failure of
students in the Beijing
departures from orthodox Marxism and Leninism. The
the Confucian moral order,
displaying their anger
modern Chinese intellectual tradition of the turn of
and did much to make
at the announcement of
the 20th century is defined by two central concepts.
Confucianism synonyms
the Versailles treaty’s
with potential and social
concessions to Japan yet
conservation in the minds
rapidly took a violent
of Chinese intellectuals.
turn as protesters began
Chen Duxiu, proposed
attacking the homes and
‘total destruction of
offices of ministers who
the traditions and
were seen as cooperating
values of the past.
with, or in the direct pay of the Japanese. It had a large impact of Bolshevik Revolution.
Human consciousness is the key factor on the human history. Directly contravenes the deterministic tenets of orthodox Marxism. ‘Dedicated revolutionaries’ a new social reality could be formed, Revolutionary struggle of the vast majority of
which would be in harmony with his ideas.
people against the exploiting classes and their state
Basic Components of Maoism:
structures, which Mao termed as “People’s War”. This involved peasants; its military strategies
People’s war: to conduct a successful revolution the
have involved guerrilla war tactics focused on
needs and demands of the masses and demands of
surrounding the cities from the countryside, with a
the masses must be the most important issues.
heavy emphasis on political transformation through mass involvement of the lower classes of society.
New Democracy: Socialism cannot be introduced before that country has gone through a period in which the material conditions improve. Most important feature of the of the society: the most important divide is the divide between contradictions among the masses and contradictions between the masses and their enemies, where the enemies are recognized as all who contradict Maoism. Cultural Revolution: a constant struggle against these ideologies and their social roots must be conducted. Cultural revolution is directed also against traditionalism. Three world’s theory: During the Cold War, 2 imperialist states formed the ‘first world’; the United States and the Soviet Union. The second world consisted of the other imperialist states in their spheres of influence. Third consisted of Non-Imperialistic Countries. The workers in first and second world are ‘bought up’ by imperialism, preventing socialist revolution.
Excerpt from an article
The increasing presence
Some of their actions
Naxalites have attacked
printed in Economic
of Naxalites in areas
have sometimes helped
and killed those they see as
and Political Weekly.
dominated by adivasis has
the adivasis can also be
working in the service of
a geographical reason,
conceded. This is especially
the state. An atmosphere
Adivasis, Naxalites and
namely that the hills and
the case with rates for the
of fear and insecurity
Indian Democracy. Part 5
forests of central India are
collection by non-timber
pervades the district.
well suited to the methods
forest produce, which have
Gun in hand; they now strut
of roaming guerilla warfare.
gone up by as much as
around the countryside,
200 percent in areas where
forcing those without
Public officials are
the Naxalites are active
weapons to fall in line.
unwilling to work hard
and the contractors fearful
The first tragedy is that
and often unwilling to
of their wrath. However,
the state has treated
work at all. Doctors do not
the principal aim of the
its adivasis citizens
attend the clinics assigned
Maoists is not the social
with contempt and
to them; Schoolteachers
or economic development
condescension.
stay away from school;
of the adivasis.
magistrates spend their
The second tragedy
time lobbying for a transfer
The Naxalite movement
is that their presumed
back to the plains. On the
was risen by internal
protectors, the Naxalites,
other hand, the Maoists
discord by sharp and
offer no long-term solution
are prepared to walk
often bloody rivalries
either. It is highly unlikely
miles to hold a village
between different factions,
that a revolution based
meeting and listen.
each claiming itself to
on Maoist principles
be the only true Indian
will succeed in India.
interpreter of Mao Zedong’s thought. MCC’s base was initially in Bihar.
Summary of the editorial
An editorial from Hindustan times, talks
by Dilip Simeon, editor
about the present scenario of Maoism in the
of Hindustan Times.
country. It also asks questions like: •
Are not our mainstream parties equally contemptuous of the law?
•
Why did the NDA regime try and do away with schedule 5 of the constitution?
•
Why is it still being violated?
Dilip questioned about the massacres in Delhi and Gujarat and the involvement of the politicians’ involvement and why are we addicted to the double standards? Every killing launches yet another cycle of trauma and revenge. He says, hindutva is the Maoism of the elite.
The Naxalite movement itself was ruthlessly
Understanding of the
crushed but its ideology proved to be a hydra,
book ‘Hello Bastar’,
springing various people’s movements and
by Rahul Pandita.
struggles, such as the CPI-ML, MCC and PW. •
Who make up the Maoist leaders and cadres?
After staying with and
•
What is their alternative vision of development?
researching on Maoists
•
How do they continue to exert a powerful influence
in India, he came up
on Adivasis, Dalits and then disenfranchised.
with this product.
A book, which talks about Maoism and Pandita’s experience the books lacks connection between chapters but gives you a different perspective for sure. It tries to tell you about the inside stories.
Summary of a news
The younger Mao said he did not see a connection
article from Hindu.
between India’s Maoists and his grandfather’s teaching replying to question from the Hindu in a meeting with
Titled: Indian Maoists are
a small group of journalists along the sidelines of the
missing Mao’s name.
annual session of China’s top political advisory body the Chinese people’s political consultative conference.
•
News and Media makes you lose
Points from an episode of
track of the bigger picture.
Devil’s Advocate. Following
•
Who wants the war?
are the points, which
•
Who needs the war?
defines the conversation.
•
Situation of conflict of War.
•
Government breaking every sort of law about
Host: Karan Thappar
tribal people and assault on millions of
Guest for the respective
people, now the situation is becoming violent
episode: Arundhati Roy
and ugly and if you start extracting morality out of it you are going to be in a mess. •
Maoist Ideology: Overthrowing the Indian state with violence. If Indian state is/was a just state, if ordinary people had minor hope for justice maoists would be a small group with no support.
•
Real constitutionalists are Maoists and real breakers are the government, not just maoists all resistant movements.
“Maoists are good human beings with a lot of dedication and commitment for the country... they could do what others cannot.� - Sri Sri Ravishankar
Idea one: As I tried researching more on the same idea, I came across writings on the revolutionary activities.
Idea two:
The Indian revolutionary
Case study of an individual
underground began
involved in violent
gathering momentum
activities. I thought of this
through the first decade
idea because I wanted to
Idea three:
of 20th century. Several
focus on one person and
This concept was far away
groups arouse in Bengal,
then based on that can
from the forte of violence,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Bihar,
speculate on his condition.
but it was influenced from
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab
I wanted to compare the
the idea of a character
This concept was majorly
and Madras Presidency.
official records and the
sketch. In this I wanted
focused on the research
There were two significant
story of his life according
to study a craft sector/
on a group of people,
revolutionary groups
to him. It was a difficult
artisan. But I never really
which is associated with
during the freedom
thing to execute but it
built up on this idea as
violent activities, and
struggle, which were,
would have thrown light
I was still attracted by
their activities. I chose to
Jugantar and Anshilan
on how individuals get
the ‘violence’ theme.
research on Maoists in
Samiti. Aurobindo
trapped into the circuit of
Ghosh, Bann Ghosh and
confusion and id. I realized
Finally I decided to
different point of views
Bhupendra Dutta made the
that it is important to know
continue with the
of people towards them
Jugantar Party. The Party
what individuals think of
‘Violence’ as the grass
and what they think of
was formed in 1906. They
themselves when they are
root of my elective and
themselves and how they
were involved in cases like
perceived as something
think about an idea, which
would like to be defined.
Muzaffarpur killings and
else. But this concept didn’t
can complement the
Aupore bomb case. The
really serve the study of a
research phase and does
founding of the ‘Indian
subculture as a whole; it
not pile up as a burden.
House’ of the Indian
could have been successful
There were few options,
Sociologist under Shyam
in depicting a character
stated hereafter:
Krishna Varma(1905) took
sketch and reasons for it.
the radical movement to
India. I tried to study the
•
Study of a violent
Britain itself. Eventually
group/community,
in 1920s revolutionary
using media and
activities began to
Internet resources
recognize. One of the most
majorly.
famous revolutionary cases
•
of violent activity.
which was organized by the Hindustan Revolutionary
Character study of a victim of any kind
The Kakori Conspiracy, •
Study of a character
Association. They were
sketch of a person
created to carry out
who is involved in
revolutionary activities
a profession where
against the British.
they try to control crime and violence.
It took me quite a long time to contemplate, which end
As I started working on the execution, I realized I need to
product can stand out as a better solution for the same.
research on ‘magazines’ as well to understand their minute
I was really confused between both the deliverables
details. For which, I studied different kind of magazines
mentioned earlier. It was a difficult choice, as there
and how they have used elements and how they deal
was something I have worked with and on the other
with themes. It was not just about the different graphic
hand there was something was pretty alien. There were
languages, I wanted to know about the different structures
attractions in both of them but then there was a time limit
and how the structure can change the feel of a magazine. I
also. Regardless of the fact that I crossed my dead line,
found out that most of the magazines have a more of less
I wanted to wrap up the project soon. I didn’t wan the
sam structure but The content and emphasis-deemphasis
project to grow on me so much that I get tired of it. After
can change the whole story. If you look into this, you’ll
that point I wouldn’t have been able to work. So finally
realize how graphic is just the fluid and it takes the shape
after comparing the cons of both the mediums, I decided
according to the container. And the content is a really
to work on a third idea.This idea was of a magazine as a
important part of this fluid as that is the major content
platform for discussing violence and topics related to it.
and helps it takes the shape it wants to. I tried to study a number of magazines and found really interesting factors also. Three of them were Vogue, Outlook and My world.
Vouge, India.
After looking at few magazines, I wanted to look at
Trend Report.
something which has the same category but a different structure. To look for something like this, I referred to the trend report of Vogue, spring/summer 2011. Every season they work on an issue, which talks about the trend and what will be new in that specific collection. There are no articles, but a lot of pictures in an organized way under certain subjects. For starters, it has contents, masthead and editorial and the content gets divided with pictures and their categorization. This was an interesting concept and works for the kind of things they want to work on. It sells you the lifestyle and looks. It tries to convey what people should wear and what they should not try. They give a peek in the big world of versace, louis vuitton, mcqueen and etc. The whole magazine gave me a feel of a scrap book, but somehow didn’t invite me i it’s world. Would work with few people. agreed. But graphically the theme could have worked out in a better way. After all this I would still say the way they handled 70 different categories and over 600 looks was amazing.
Luckily, the issue I got to work on was the one with the theme of Naxals. Outlook can be placed in the category Structure of the magazine:
of sociopolitical magazine. It had three totally different
Contents
topics mentioned on the cover page, which could work
Notes
as a brilliant crowd puller. The test on cover was well-
Exclusive
settled with a powerful image to attract ones attention.
Healthcare
The cover story was on Maoism, and the magazine tried
National detailed study
to attack emotionally with powerful imagery. I found
Cover Story
the magazine pretty sorted with the info graphics and
Politics
elements used. Generally I would think of the body type
Opinion
size as a big one, but I was surprised that it works for this
Urban Landscape
magazine. I also feel supportive for the colors used and
Opinion
type synchronization. I had an eventful journey through
Music
this magazine, even the advertisements didn’t behave like
Books
potholes. If I put down the structure, it would go like
Movies Diary
Outlook, India
The structure seemed a bit itch-kitch to me. The major topics would go like:
This magazine was used as a promotional magazine for future group, people could pick one and walk away
My World, India
Experts of the month
with a souvenir. It talks about food, fashion, beauty,
Future Group venture
Fruit of the month
wellness, decor and technology. Starts with masthead
Upcoming events
and a passage by the CEO of future group. To me this
Reader’s corner
magazine seemed a bit confused in itself The issue I
Question-Answers
referred to was from June 2011. It’s focus was men and
Trend
talked mainly about fathers’ day. It would come under
Celeb Talk
lifestyle category but had a bit of film industry in it. Like
Fitness
other lifestyle magazines, this one tried to impose a
Male grooming products
lifestyle by talking about ‘Real Men’ makeovers, fruit of
Diva of the month
the month and grooming guide for men. This magazine
Fashion
is trying hard to fit in and for that they are trying to show
Makeover
the desirable components of ones life to make them
Trend alert
come and read the same unnecessary reading material.
Cover Story Hot picks Food Movies+books+music Tarot Shopping guide
For the ads that go in between pages, advertisers can have a say in where they want the ads to be placed, but it should not interfere with the editorial. This means that ads should not be placed next to editorial This is a part of information I found on the
content with the same colors or product because
web, which states very simply and beautifully
readers can be tricked into thinking the advertising
how the structure works traditionally. And if
is part of the editorial. If an ad looks like an editorial,
you compare this with magazines, you’ll realize
it should say “Promotion” or “Advertisement” at the
that people follow this to quite an extent. The
top of the page to distinguish itself. It’s important
structure of a magazine is based upon a certain
that editorial content is not influenced by advertisers.
order that many publications follow. And there is
Again, the above outline is a standard structure
a reason for the popular approach. It maintains
of a magazine, but the page sequencing of ads
professionalism and makes it easier for readers to
and editorial can slightly vary from publication to
process the information quickly and efficiently.
publication depending on the company’s preferences.
Editorial Order and Flow of a Magazine •
•
The cover is what entices readers to pick up the
the FOB covers short roundups on different topics.
magazine. It has an appealing photo or illustration,
Sections are short and are mostly assigned to
cover lines, roof lines and a UPC code.
junior editors, assistants and skilled interns.
Also known as the Table of Contents, the TOC
•
captures the personality and character of the publication. Advertisers eye this section to get a
magazine and is usually 800 to 2,300 words. •
glimpse of what the magazine is about. Readers turn
•
•
short closers like events, listings, essays, etc. •
Last page.
their interest and if it is worthy enough to read.
•
Deciphering what to put on the last editorial page
The nameplate of the magazine’s staff, the
can be challenging, but the page is consistent for
masthead is a recognition page like movie
every issue, whether it’s an essay or photo collage.
credits seen at the end of a film.
•
Ad Placement Structure in a Magazine
Written by the chief editor, the editor’s letter
•
An acronym for Inside Front Cover, the IFC or Second
usually covers his or her thoughts on the issue’s
Cover is one of the more expensive positions for
theme, how it came into fruition, how it’s relevant
advertisements because the quality of paper is thicker
The publisher’s letter is sometimes left out in
and better, and it is more readily visible to readers. •
The Inside Back Cover or Third Cover is also reserved
some larger publications, but generally he or she
for advertisements because it can garner more
talks about the magazine and how it relates to
profit due to better paper quality and visibility.
the bigger picture. This page can go before or
•
The Back of Book is like the FOB, but it covers
to it to see if there are any pages or articles that pique
and/or the part that should especially be read. •
The feature well is located at the center of the
•
The Back Cover or Fourth Cover is the most
after the editor’s letter. It can also be placed on
expensive position for placing an ad because
the same page, as there are no spoken rules.
it generates the most visibility. When people
A common industry term for Front of Book pages,
are carrying or reading the magazine, the back and front cover are always in plain sight.
Concept One This concept was all about writing and talking about my own point of view. I wanted to see what I could write after all this research and what it can turn into. I started writing as well. For this concept I thought I’ll work on a publication and use reference to finish up the material. I kept researching and contemplating about the idea. I read essays like Hello Baster and Walking with the comrades. These essays were quite influential and had a really deep research and experience behind them.
Concept Two While reading up on resources I realized that another nice way to represent the material would be exhibition. I wanted to work on a narrative, which could work as a dialogue between the viewer and the narrative. Through this concept I wanted to present the subconscious of a confused person. I wanted to reflect the inner chaos of citizens of India, who are aware about the topic. There is a dilemma in everyone’s head about the right and wrong in our country. After collecting the material I worked on the narrative, which clearly stated the confused state of our lovely state. I wanted to use this narrative as a part of the exhibition, and wanted to create an experiential typographic exhibition. The concept was to work on a journey, which talks to you rather than showing the viewer artifacts and boring panels which are bigger than them.
Concept Three As I read more, I grew more and realized the limitations and thought practically about the project. Ideas would come in a frenzy and leave me with thoughts and contemplation. One idea which I found useful was of the monthly magazine. This magazine was about violence, and each issue would talk about different topics within the same. This would serve as a platform for laymen to discuss their views about the topics and their own experience. With this concept I didn’t have to deal with the complexity of content, but I had to figure out the structure of the magazine and the treatment. I had to understand the components of a magazine, and discover the suitable journey for the reader to flip through. I decided to work on the masthead, the colour palette, content management and other fine tunings.
I decided to go after the third concept, after a lot of
Simultaneously I worked on the mast head, I decided
emotional and practical thought. This concept was like a
to call it ‘The Red Journal’( later changed to Red)
enlightenment to me, as I realized that I can never know
There were options like Manch, Vichar, Dialogue and
enough do to justice to an exhibition, and the idea of
what not. One by one, each got neglected I went ahead
a book was far far away. One of my colleagues told me,
with ‘Red’, because of the association of every person
“We are graphic designers, we don’t have to generate
with the colour red. I realized that epitome of all the
the content. We have to give a message through our
emotions could be associated with the colour red, I fell
work. The content from be from anyone.” That idea hit
for the feel of the word but not for the colour. I decided
me. I realized that I’ve been reading what people say, but
to use a colour palette which doesn’t have red in it.
everyone who is speaking has a well defined position in the society. I thought of depicting the thought of people
Part of the exploration would describe the
who want to say something and don’t have a platform.
process in brief, and the journey as well.
This was perfect and I started to work on it. I felt satisfied with the concept of involving people and giving space to speak up. But there was a long way to go. I decided to take the third idea forward and work on the masthead, the structure and other aspects of the magazine. And this was the time when the second research phase started. Now i started researching on how the magazines work and went through book stores to check the covers and how they stand out.
I worked on my own for a bit and realized that there is a lot to know before trying to structure the same. I thought of a rough structure and started talking to different people about it, and tried to explain my tentative outcome. I tried to take their inputs and work on their feedback. I agree that I started really really young, but people helped me to grow through this project. They asked me questions like, why will people come back to my magazine, why it is a magazine at all, any not an internet portal, how will the budding artists will be recognized‌ What is in for people in it. Questions and a lot of questions, which still haunts me sometime. But I tried to get rid of most of them, and tried to achieve a place where I could serve all of them. This concept was promising and it served the same way. I can say that it was perfect at that point of time and has a lot of capability of growing into a encouraging venture.
Based on the hand-drawn exploration, I narrowed down to this look and feel of the masthead. I tried to explore within the same range to understand what I want as a designer, not as a client.
Explorations for colour and the masthead. I was dead sure to carry on this lanuage, but with time I realized the drawbacks and tried to work on something more refine. But there was one thing... Since the start I decided not to use the colour red for the colour palette. I wanted to use a colour palette which can be fresh and attract more attention. Plus, the use of colour red would have made the magazine look more communist, than it sounds because of it’s name. Not that I completely abandoned red colour, I tried to explore that also. But the idea of not using that colour seemed more interestig, and proved interesting too.
Trials for the cover. I tried to explore different treatments to predict the theme for the magazine.
I tried to balance composition of the characters, as one or the other was getting ignored. I wanted a tilt in ‘e’ to give a dynamic feel to the type, which could look more humanist also. Finally I went ahead with the fourth one, as it could balance the charaters and do justice o the name
These were the few masthead explorations, before I decided to call it ‘Red’. This masthead was too long to remember and was less dramatic and more confusing, than what I wanted.
Pages from the earlier draft. It served as per my earlier mindset, but after getting the print I realized the mistakes and tried to work on them.
After the first draft got printed, I realized that there were a lot of tthings to work upon. I tried to get away from the restrictive feel of the earlier one, and increase drama with the changes. These are the few pages from the magazine, which come from differnt sections.
After refining the structure
and look bias towards the
This Magazine is a
happened in the past and
and design language over
communist/ rebellious side
platform to discover talent,
what do you mean by the
a several times, with all the
of the country. I went with
express themselves, and get
phrase/ word itself. And
confusions and limitations,
the colour palette which
information. The concept
while summing up the
I came up with a structure
is not really associated
is to have a monthly
magazine one get to read
for the magazine. It didn’t
with Indian colour palette.
magazine, which deals with
about the current affairs
only sere the purpose, but
It seemed to work with
topics related to violence.
of the same topic. The
was a balanced venture
the treatment because I
Each issue emphasizes on
structure is worked out in
between expression and
wanted to mellow down the
one patch of the big story.
such a way that even if a
information. With the
feeling of rage and opinion,
In this way people can talk
reader is equipped with the
structure I could work
and wanted to embrace
about their stories, their
knowledge, the magazine
on what people want to
expression. I wanted the
ideas and read about the
can enlighten them.
express, and have the
reader just to pay attention
same topic. The magazine
satisfaction of providing a
to the text and what people
is not just for people who
medium for the same. The
are saying, so I decided to
want to speak up, it’s for
structure and the theme
have black & white images
people who want to know
of the magazine was not
with text, which can be full
whats happening in our
very elaborate, but I can
of emotions and colour.
country and what people
say it’s different in it’s
have to say about it. The
own way. I decided not
few starting pages of the
to use the colour red for
magazine will introduce
the magazine, as I didn’t
the topic by throwing light
want to emphasis on red
on the list of incidents
The structure decided after all the research in the same domain was as follows: •
Cover- The cover will have the masthead, volume and issue number along with few catch phrases which give insight of the magazine. The masthead would be of a different colour depending on the colour which can be associated with the topic.
•
The Red Journal- This section gives a detailed timeline and talks about the history of the respective topic/ theme.
•
Introduction- This part tells you how one can define the topic and what are the confusions and misconceptions.
•
Contents page
•
Red Squad- This is the masthead, it gives information
After announcing the next
The statistics of the
about the writers and their contact information.
issue, the magazine would
same magazine would
•
Editorial
get a number of e-mails
be as follows:
•
Post- This is a space where people
and post. They are then
talk about the earlier issue.
sorted out and checked
Finished Size-
Featured Essay 1- One of the two essays, which are
for potential. The short-
21x29.7 cms
written by professional writers to get the magazine to
listed pieces then head to
Open Size-
a considerable level, and to have a come back value.
the research department,
42x29.7 cms
Stance- In this section people talk about their
where the correspondents
From paper size-
point of views, and try to express themselves.
make sure that the content
63.5x91 cms
Whisper- This section is for the photo
is real and have not grain
essay, which gives the user a journey in
of forgery. It is, according
16 pages from each sheet,
the most unusual and extensive way.
to the law, the author’s
with extra margins for
•
Featured Essay 2
responsibility to take
clipping and finishing.
•
Encounter- Here readers will get to know about
charge of the content
the experiences shared by different people, related
presented under his name.
Paper type: Royal Art
to the same topic and how they feel about it.
It is not the the magazine’s
Paper, 90 GSM
Hustle & Bustle- As we started with a timeline,
content, and magazine is
this would be perfect way to end it, because
just a medium to express.
•
• •
•
•
Minimum no. of pages
this part updates you with current affairs
in the magazine:
and conclude the magazine as well.
40(covering 2½ sheets)
Back Cover- In this magazine back cover is
Maximum: 80 pages.
pretty important, as it invites people for the
With more contribution
net issue and discloses the theme for people
the number of the
to generate and work on their text.
pages can increase.
This project took me almost a year to complete, but I think
Now. To conclude this project, I’m excited but don’t know
I wouldn’t have been happy if I just wrapped it up for
how to conclude something which was your life for so long.
academic requirements. This project is my own brainchild
No matter what I did, I kept thinking about my concept
and helped me a lot to grow as a person. I started as a
and how I can improve it. I might have lost the thread
dreamer and realized the importance of my work and what
of thought somewhere, but I regained the confidence
I can do with it. I don’t know when will I get to learn so
and tried to develop something people would like to
much from my work again. I keep mentioning how this
welcome. I remember that 5 days into the project and I
project grew on me and made me think in a different way.
decided to change my subject. Then people encouraged
I remember sitting on my chair in the graphic studio
me and told me to carry on with it. I keep wondering
and staring at the trial prints put up on the board. I
how it would have been if I focused on something else.
would wonder for hours, and think what is missing. I kept
It’s pretty naive to say that I like my project, but I would
trying to put all the pieces together and look at the big
certainly take this opportunity to say that I know some
picture. As a learning experience, this project was the best
time down the line, this project will make me feel proud.
teacher. It was a hypothetical project, which taught me
I don’t know if I’ll continue to do work like this, but
more responsibility when I was trying hard to make my
whatever I’ve done makes me feel good as a person and
dream sound logical. I tried to work both with my heart
as a graphic designer. It wouldn’t have been such brilliant
and brain, and now I can say I’m satisfied with what I
if it was not for Suresh and Shilpa. Both of them helped
have done. There will always be space to grow, and things
me a lot in really different ways. I was scared to even
to change, but the outcome suits my current notion.
start the project. I thought of myself as a child, Shilpa’s encouragement helped me to arrive to my destination. Her belief in me and positive comments helped me regain confidence and deal with such a serious topic. And if it was not for Suresh, I wouldn’t have understood the complexities of a magazine, and how they follow a structure. It was not just my work which brought out this design. It was a culmination of efforts of many more.
Peopel:
Few weblinks:
Immanuel Suresh
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/
Shilpa Das
editorial/article3346306.ece
Rupesh Vyas
http://sanhati.com/articles/2250/
Tarun Deep Girdher
http://southasiarev.wordpress.com/nepal-worker-11/
Rana Snehal
the-worker-11-communist-party-of-india-maoist/
Vivek Sheth
https://reddiarypk.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/
Sachin Ravindaran
maoism-critique/#more-621
Rhea Rawat
http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/
Ketki Jadhav
terroristoutfits/CPI_M_Timeline11.htm
Pranay Arun-Kumar
http://naxalrevolution.blogspot.in/p/quotes_04.html
Nihar Desai
http://southasiarev.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/a-
Shraddha Jain
timeline-of-maoist-revolution-in-india/
Antara Jha
http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/
Brij Raj Singh
Essay/maoists-in-india.html
M. P. Ranjan Rajesh Dahiya Jyothi Iyer Batchmates‌ and everyone who was there for me through all the jumpy ride. Keywords & Celebrities Communist party of India- documents and statements Aman Panchayat Sanity Sucks Blog Seamus Murphy Photography Soak Exhibition See off Earth week in Buenos Aires Rahul Pandita Arundhati Roy Indian Punchline The Hindu Maoism in India- Tilak Dasgupta Terror groups in India Satp.org Wikipedia Redsun.org naxalrevolution.blogspot.in cfr.oeg The political theology of violence Subculture of violence- Marvin Wolfgang Anti-Sikh Pogrom- Jagdish Tytler and H S Phoolka Boxer War Hello Baster Amartya Sen Gyan Pandey Dipesh Chakraborty