Literature and Social Transition in Contemporary India: A Critical Study of Select Novels of Chetan Bhagat

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijrtmr.20260605007

Published In

Volume 6, Issue 5 (2026)

Published Online

September-October 2026

Pages

58-62

Article Type

Original Article

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Literature has always acted both as a catalyst for social change and as a mirror reflecting the realities of society. Rapid urbanization, globalization, and socioeconomic mobility have significantly influenced traditional value systems and cultural norms in modern society. Literature plays an important role not only in reflecting culture but also in shaping people’s lifestyles and bringing about cultural transformation. Since time immemorial, literature has influenced society and has therefore been a powerful tool for both constructive and transformative change. Embracing this potential, Chetan Bhagat has contributed to Indian English literature with the aim of bringing positive and constructive change in society, especially among the youth. Thus, this paper critically analyses a select works of Chetan Bhagat to investigate how popular Indian English fiction in portraying the societal shifts. The study focuses on how novels like Five Point Someone, 2 States: The Story of My Marriage, and One Indian Girl depict issues such as gender roles, inter-cultural relationships, educational pressure, and young aspirations. This study also emphasizes how Bhagat's stories capture the transitional stage of Indian culture when traditional structures collide with contemporary beliefs by utilizing sociological and feminist viewpoints. The study makes the proceeding that, in post-liberalization India, popular fiction is important for documenting and shaping the changing social identities.