Measurements| Navakanta Barua | Summary |IV Sem. BSC/BCA |BU|BNU|ENGLISH

Summary

In this video, Mukesh Soni explores the poem 'Measurements' by Navakantha Baruha, a renowned Assamese poet. The poem, influenced by T.S. Eliot and European decadent culture, delves into the existential crisis of modernity. It metaphorically criticizes the emptiness of human existence and the futility of endless measurements in life. Baruha's work questions the true essence of development and progress, suggesting that modern civilization's focus on materialistic growth overlooks the creation of happiness and fulfillment for humanity.

Takeaways

• 📚 The poem 'Measurements' by Navakantha Barua is a metaphorical exploration of the human condition and the emptiness of modern existence.
• 🏆 Navakantha Barua is a renowned Assamese poet who received the Sahitya Academy Award in 1975, representing a new generation in Assamese literature.
• 🌏 The poem is influenced by European decadent culture and TS Eliot, reflecting the inner crisis of the human soul through themes of doubt, apprehension, boredom, and frustration.
• 🧵 The initial imagery of the poem involves the mundane task of getting measured for clothing, which later transitions into a deeper philosophical examination.
• 🤔 'Measurements' invites multiple interpretations, including the idea of nationhood and the challenges faced by Assam and the North East India due to ethnic violence and communal tensions.
• 🕊 The poem uses the metaphor of stitching a garment for men to represent the unification of various states into one nation, India.
• 🔍 The poem emphasizes the futility and mechanical nature of life, where people are caught in an endless process of measurements that seem to lead to no meaningful outcome.
• 🌐 It critiques modern civilization's approach to development and progress, suggesting that economic measurements do not equate to true happiness or fulfillment.
• 🔄 The poem suggests that human efforts are often futile and that truth and facts are relative, losing relevance over time.
• 📉 The poem ends with a rhetorical question that highlights the pessimistic view of life, questioning the purpose and effectiveness of human actions.
• 💭 The speaker, Mukesh Soni, encourages viewers to reflect on the poem's themes and consider the true meaning of development and progress in modern society.

Q & A

Who is the poet Navakantha Baruha?

Navakantha Baruha is a renowned poet from Assam, born in 1926 in Nagaon District. He is part of the new generation of poets in Assamese literature and received the Sahitya Academy Award for Assamese literature in 1975.

What is the poem 'Measurements' about?

The poem 'Measurements' by Navakantha Baruha is a metaphorical piece that explores the idea of modernity and development. It discusses the endless process of measuring and counting in human life, ultimately leading to a sense of emptiness and futility.

What is the significance of the tailor in the poem?

The tailor in the poem symbolizes the process of measuring and fitting, which is extended metaphorically to the human condition. It suggests that humans are constantly measuring aspects of their lives, but this process does not necessarily lead to fulfillment or meaning.

How does the poem reflect on the human soul?

The poem reflects on the human soul through the use of metaphors and philosophical perspectives. It suggests that the human soul is in a state of crisis, characterized by doubts, apprehensions, boredom, and frustration.

What influence does T.S. Eliot have on the poem?

The poem is influenced by T.S. Eliot and the European decadent culture, revealing the inner crisis of the human soul. It uses complex metaphors and a philosophical approach to explore themes of emptiness and the mechanical nature of modern life.

What is the deeper meaning behind the stitching of clothing in the poem?

The stitching of clothing in the poem is a metaphor for the process of measuring and fitting aspects of life. It extends to the idea of stitching together the various states of a nation, suggesting a deeper unity or nationhood.

How does the poem view modern civilization?

The poem critiques modern civilization as a process that is focused on economic progress and measurements, but lacks concern for the true well-being and happiness of individuals. It suggests that this approach leads to a sense of emptiness and futility.

What is the role of the rhetorical question at the end of the poem?

The rhetorical question at the end of the poem, 'When will someone stitch the garment to fit men?', highlights the poet's pessimistic view of life. It questions the effectiveness of human efforts and the possibility of achieving a meaningful existence.

What are the themes explored in the poem?

The themes explored in the poem include the emptiness of human existence, the futility of human efforts, the mechanical nature of modern life, and the crisis of the human soul. It also touches on the idea of nationhood and the quest for happiness.

How does the poem use measurements as a metaphor?

The poem uses measurements as a metaphor to represent the endless process of quantifying and evaluating aspects of life. It suggests that this process, while seemingly necessary, ultimately leads to a lack of fulfillment and a sense of purposelessness.