| 1 |
Author(s):
Hannah Lim, Allysha C. Maragh-Bass.
Country:
Singapore
Research Area:
Public Administration
Page No:
1-33 |
The Impact of COVID-19 Government Policies and Socioeconomic Disparities On Older Adults in Singapore: A Narrative Review and Recommendations for Pandemic Preparedness
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 disparities exacerbated existing quality-of-life challenges for lower-income older adults. Using existing data and healthcare policy papers, our research questions were to explore: (1) the effectiveness of COVID-19 policy implementation; and (2) the overall issues faced by lower-income elderly throughout the COVID-19 period. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review and analysis of secondary data sources published in PubMed Central and Google Scholar from 2020 to the present. We included qualitative and quantitative data from Singapore. Our analysis focused on investigating pandemic outcomes specific to lower-income elderly and the role of government policy in addressing these outcomes. When necessary, we supplemented our searches with grey literature documenting government policy and community responses. We anticipated that lower-income elderly would experience the greatest burden of COVID-19 disparities and that government policy should focus on reducing inequality post-pandemic. Results: Elderly Singaporeans of lower income were more vulnerable during the pandemic due to the restriction of crucial community services. Disparities in financial stability and mental health were greatest early in the pandemic (2020–2022), compounded by social isolation and job loss. Post-pandemic, some economic recovery has occurred, but permanent shifts toward telehealth have widened the digital divide. Conclusions: This study contributes to the field of research by drawing from existing literature to determine that lower income elderly faced more severe outcomes in multiple aspects during the pandemic, showing that they suffered to a greater extent from the pandemic. Further studies should look into the longitudinal mental and physical effects of the pandemic on the lower income elderly as well as track how, if any, government policies and community services are helping them adjust to the post pandemic realities such as the increased use of technology in essential services.
Keywords: Covid-19, older adults in Singapore, government policy, pandemic preparedness, active lifestyles, socioeconomic disparities, digital divide, necessity of community services, mental health
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ela Yağmur Açıkkaya, Zehra Betül Akay.
Country:
Turkey
Research Area:
Psychology
Page No:
34-52 |
The Modern Panopticon: Reflections of Social Surveillance on Consumer Perception and Behavior
Abstract
With the increasing role of digital technologies and social media in daily life, individuals have become part of a continuous process of digital and social surveillance, both consciously and unconsciously. Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon model and Michel Foucault’s theory of surveillance have evolved into the concept of the “modern panopticon” in contemporary societies (Foucault, 1977). Through social media platforms, online shopping sites, advertisements, and social norms, individuals experience a sense of being watched in both digital and social environments. In this process, personal data collected through targeted advertisements and personalized content creates an invisible control mechanism that shapes consumption preferences, weakening the perception of free will (Zuboff, 2019). This study aims to examine the effects of digital and social surveillance on consumer perception within the framework of the modern panopticon and to investigate how advertisements, popular brands, and personalized content influence purchasing behaviors. A literature review was conducted to establish the theoretical framework, followed by a quantitative survey applied to participants from different age groups and educational levels. The findings show that many participants feel watched and regulate their physical appearance and behaviors accordingly. In addition, social media, advertisements, and influencers significantly affect aesthetic perceptions and purchasing decisions. Overall, the results indicate that the modern panopticon has a guiding effect on consumer behavior.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Asia Khatun, Dr. Mamata Patra.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Political Science
Page No:
53-63 |
Education and Women Empowerment: A Study of Impact and Challenges
Abstract
Abstract
Education is a basic human right and a major source of women's empowerment and gender equality in India. This study explores the link between education and the empowerment of women, focusing on constitutional provisions, policy frameworks, and persistent challenges. Although female literacy has improved, there are still major differences in gender because of socio-cultural factors, poverty, and unequal availability of resources. The study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach using secondary data from Census reports, government policies, and scholarly literature. It finds both the traditional problems (patriarchy, early marriage, economic constraints) and the modern ones (digital divide and infrastructural gaps and poor policy implementation). The results show that education increases the decision-making power of women, economic independence, and social participation. Nonetheless, the barriers to including everyone in accessing quality education are the restrictions in the implementation of policies like the Right to Education Act and structural inequalities. The paper is conclusive that legal and policy frameworks offer a strong base, although empowering women cannot be achieved without proper implementation and elimination of systemic barriers as well as concentrating on inclusive and equitable education
Keywords – Inclusive Education, Women, Empowerment, Equality, Human Right, Development.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Dr. Jayasmita Kuanr, Sunil Mahananda.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Performing Arts
Page No:
64-71 |
Acoustic Narratives: An Analysis of Folk Music and the Discursive Construction of Regional Identity in Odisha
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of folk music in Odisha in discursively constructing regional identity through the use of folk music as a cultural and semiotic source of expression. It aims to know how folk traditions of acoustic storytelling express collective memory, societal values, and localised systems of knowledge and thus define a sense of belonging together. The research uses a qualitative interpretive approach that is based on the theory of cultural identity and representation, which is developed by Stuart Hall, and the notion of discourse, developed by Michel Foucault. The paper examines the negotiation of meaning through close textual analysis of the lyrics in the chosen folk songs and ethnographic analysis of performance situations within particular cultural contexts. It is a hybrid theoretical perspective that allows a critical analysis of folk music as a representational and a discursive practice. The results demonstrate that folk music in Odisha functions as an essential cultural text that encompasses historical awareness, ecological links and socio-cultural stratifications. Such songs are not only a way to maintain indigenous epistemologies, but also to create regional identity by strengthening symbols, rituals, and histories of belonging. Furthermore, the paper reveals the dynamic tension between continuity and change, especially with the folk traditions adjusting to the new media and new socio-economic realities. The paper will conclude that folk music is a living archive and a discursive place that regional identity is constructed and reimagined. It highlights the role of working with vernacular forms of expressiveness in cultural studies in order to gain more insight into the multidimensional aspects of identity construction in the regional contexts.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Asmi Jain.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Economics
Page No:
72-81 |
Pink Tax: Do women’s products cost more than mens?
Abstract
This paper examines the existence and underlying cause of the "pink tax", which is a form of gender-based price discrimination in consumer markets. While it's not a formal tax, the pink tax refers to the higher prices often charged for goods and services marketed towards women. With the use of product-by-product analysis of razors, deodorants, hair care items etc, this study compared price, quantity, function, research and development, and labour inputs to assess whether price differences are justified.The findings suggest that in many cases, products that are marketed to women are priced higher despite offering similar functions and production characteristics. These disparities most often appear explicitly in everyday consumer goods and essential services, where differences in packaging and branding don't fully explain the magnitude of the price gap. The paper also considers a key counterargument that attributes price differences to product differentiation, acknowledging its relevance while identifying its limitations across categories lacking meaningful variation.The analysis over here indicates that the persistence of the pink tax may be better understood as a demand-side phenomenon, which is influenced by market segmentation, consumer behaviour, and relatively inelastic demand. Overall, the paper argues that gender-based pricing reflects broader structural patterns within the market therefore, raising important questions about fairness, efficiency, and the role of policy in addressing such disparities.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Mahabub Alam.
Country:
India
Research Area:
History
Page No:
82-88 |
War, Identity and Subaltern Voices: Bengal and the 49th Regiment in the First World War
Abstract
The ‘Great war’, popularly known as the First World War proved to be disastrous for the human civilization during the first half of twentieth century in diverse trajectories. India as a part of British colony initially reluctant to join this catastrophe. Later, India had been part of this war as British colony on compulsion. Most of the literature on the First World War is Eurocentric and colony’s role in it has been marginal or omitted from the mainstream narratives. Recent researches on the First World War since 2018 has particularly focused on unexplored terrain of the war and shifted focus towards the global south. India’s contribution in this regard has somehow discussed at length, yet the role of Bengali soldiers and subsequently the 49th Bengalee Regiment has not been properly analysed in the larger backdrop of the First World War studies. Therefore, my paper tries to focus on Nazrul and his inclusion in the 49th Bengalee Regiment and how the war changed personal and literary landscape of Nazrul. This paper also challenges the dominant narrative that the Bengalis were effeminate and did not have marital qualities for the war.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Mithun Das, Tapas Roy, Dr. Rajesh Das.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Library and information Science
Page No:
89-97 |
A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Methods for Credit Card Fraud Detection
Abstract
The problem of credit card fraud causes significant financial losses to businesses and consumers and prompts studies on effective ways of detecting fraud. Here we examine a publicly available dataset of credit card transactions (a total of 10,000) (151 fraudulent, 9,849 legitimate) and create supervised learning models to categorize credit card transactions. We train classifiers of logistic regression, random forest, and XGBoost, and the class imbalance will be addressed through the use of class-weighting. Performance is also assessed using accuracy, recall, F1-score, and ROC AUC (Receiver Operating Characteristics Area under the Curve) as sole accuracy will not suffice in the unbalanced data scenario. Evidence indicates that logistic regression achieves high recall (91 ) but low precision (23%), which is a high number of false alarm. Compared to the above, random forest is balanced (precision 100, recall 58, F1 =0.73), and the XGBoost is almost perfect in discrimination (precision 100, recall 97.8, F1 =0.99, ROC AUC =0.999). The results are consistent with available literature, which indicates that ensemble techniques (random forests and boosting) are more effective than simple models in detecting fraud. We speculate about the implications of this trade-off on a real-world deployment, as well as providing future work directions.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Prem Singh Singare.
Country:
India
Research Area:
History
Page No:
98-106 |
Development and Prospects of Historical and Tourist Sites in Dhar District
Abstract
Abstract
This research paper presents an analysis of the development and prospects of historical and tourist sites in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the historical heritage, cultural significance, and current tourism status of Dhar district and to understand its overall development potential. Dhar district has been an important historical center since ancient times, particularly during the rule of the Paramara dynasty, which witnessed remarkable progress in art, architecture, and education. Major sites such as Mandu, Bhojshala, and Dhar Fort reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The study is based on secondary data sources, including books, research articles, government reports, and tourism publications, and follows a descriptive and analytical research approach.
At present, despite its tourism significance, the region has not achieved the expected level of development. Lack of infrastructure, inadequate conservation, and weak promotional strategies have limited its potential. The study concludes that with systematic planning, effective conservation strategies, and active community participation, Dhar district has the potential to emerge as a significant tourism destination in Madhya Pradesh.Keywords: Dhar District, Historical Heritage, Tourism Development, Mandu, Cultural Heritage
| 9 |
Author(s):
Cristóbal S. Berry-Cabán.
Country:
United States
Research Area:
Psychology
Page No:
107-115 |
The Last Casualty: A Case Study of the Death by Suicide of an 1898 United States Soldier
Abstract
This study examines the death of Private Philip R. M. Hildreth, a New York Volunteer Cavalry soldier who died from a gunshot wound in October 1898 shortly after returning from service in Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War. Using contemporaneous newspaper accounts, military records, and medical testimony, the case is analyzed to assess competing interpretations of his death as either accidental or self-inflicted. The findings situate Hildreth’s decline within the broader epidemiological context of the campaign, where infectious disease, particularly malaria, produced significant neurological and psychological effects among returning soldiers. The study argues that his death represents a form of delayed casualty not captured in official statistics, reflecting the enduring biological and psychological burden of military service. It further demonstrates how late nineteenth-century frameworks, moral, medical, and sociological, shaped the classification and interpretation of ambiguous deaths. By integrating individual case analysis with historical context, this work highlights the limits of conventional casualty accounting and underscores the role of disease and post-service deterioration in shaping veteran outcomes.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Manish Kumar.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Defence Studies
Page No:
116-128 |
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Military Modernisation: Assessing India’s Defence Industrial Reforms
Abstract
India’s defence sector has long faced structural and technological challenges. Over the years, international defence supplies have played a significant role in supporting India’s defence capabilities, addressing inefficiencies and reducing external dependency. This paper examines whether the reforms introduced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework have solved the problems facing the defence sector and successfully handled enduring issues with defence procurement, innovation, and production.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat project is a crucial part of the defence reforms, and the Indian defence sector is still striving to increase resilience. Ensuring that the defence sector meets the nation's defence needs is a goal of the Indian government. According to official government data, policy analysis, and scholarly literature, the changes have improved defence exports, enhanced private-sector participation, and raised domestic output. Nonetheless, significant obstacles persist across crucial domains, including defence research, defence technologies, procurement, and institutional concerns. The study argues that while the Atmanirbhar Bharat project is a noteworthy step by the Indian government to establish an independent defence industry, further reforms are necessary to build a robust defence industry capable of supporting military modernisation.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Dr. Kumari Khusboo.
Country:
India
Research Area:
History
Page No:
129-134 |
Santhal Lives Matter: Towards an Historical Anthropology of Adivasi Communities in Santhal Pargana Region of Eastern India
Abstract
This article highlights some of the critical political and cultural issues in the lives of the Santhal Adivasis in eastern India. It points to customs, rituals and questions of livelihood to demonstrate that the story of the Adivasis in Santhal Pargana is an unfinished project of autonomy. The state of Jharkhand is a geographical and administrative reality, but the dream of a true self-governed space, where their customary practices, spiritual beliefs, and relationship with the land are sovereign—remains elusive. Indeed, the Santhal people are not expected to remain helpless victims of history. They are agents who have consistently fought for their honour and self-respect, from the epic rebellion of the Hul to the everyday forms of resistance documented by scholars like James Scott. Their history, once silenced and marginalized, is now being sung in their own language and written through their own scholarship, fulfilling the call for a “history from below” and challenging the dominant national narrative. Insights from history and anthropology are deployed here to show how Santhal lives matter and should be studied for its own sake and for larger concerns regarding the concerns of indigenous communities in what may be termed as tribal India.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Faheem Abdul Muneeb.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Political Science
Page No:
135-146 |
Institutional Layering without Supranational Authority: Organising Climate Cooperation in South Asia
Abstract
Climate governance has evolved into a dispersed and multi-level system in which authority extends beyond formal multilateral institutions. Yet existing scholarship continues to associate effective leadership with institutional density and delegated authority, leaving underexplored how cooperation is organised in regions where such conditions are absent. This paper addresses that gap by examining climate governance under conditions of weak regional institutionalisation.
It argues that cooperation in such contexts does not consolidate within multilateral frameworks nor fragment into ad hoc arrangements. Instead, it is structured through institutional layering—the allocation of governance functions across multilateral, minilateral, and bilateral modalities, each performing distinct roles under constraint. This configuration enables the expansion of cooperation without corresponding growth in supranational authority.
The argument is developed through the case of cross-border renewable electricity integration in South Asia, a region characterised by shallow delegation, political fragmentation, and asymmetrical interdependence. Drawing on evidence of electricity trade, infrastructure development, and institutional arrangements, the analysis shows that cooperation has deepened through infrastructural and contractual embedding, while regional institutional capacity has remained limited.
The findings suggest that climate leadership under weak regionalism is modality-dependent: it operates through the organisation of cooperation across institutional forms rather than through institutional consolidation. The paper contributes to climate governance scholarship by reframing the relationship between cooperation and institutional structure, and to the study of rising powers by highlighting adaptation under constraint as a distinct form of strategic statecraft.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Rabiudzaman Sarkar.
Country:
India
Research Area:
English
Page No:
147-156 |
Nature as Teacher and Healer: Wordsworth’s Ecological Vision in English Romantic Poetry
Abstract
Nature occupies a central position in English Romantic poetry, where it is frequently presented not merely as physical landscape but as a source of moral insight, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. Among the Romantic poets, William Wordsworth stands out for his sustained and profound engagement with the natural world. His poetry transforms nature into a living presence that educates the human mind, shapes moral consciousness, and nurtures spiritual growth. This paper re-examines Wordsworth’s poetry to explore how nature functions as a moral and spiritual guide in his poetic vision. Through close reading of selected poems, including Tintern Abbey, The Prelude, Ode: Intimations of Immortality, and The Tables Turned, the study demonstrates that Wordsworth presents nature as a formative force that influences human perception, memory, and imagination.
The article further investigates the relationship between nature, childhood experience, memory, and the growth of the poetic mind, showing how Wordsworth constructs a lifelong bond between human beings and the natural environment. The paper also situates Wordsworth’s ideas within the broader Romantic response to industrialisation and modernity, highlighting his concern for emotional balance and spiritual harmony in an increasingly materialistic world. By analysing the interconnections between nature, childhood experience, moral awareness, and spiritual reflection, the article highlights the continuing relevance of Wordsworth’s ecological and humanistic vision in contemporary literary and environmental studies.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Khushi Kashyap.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Mass Communication
Page No:
157-167 |
Caste on Screen: Analysis of Dalit Women’s Representation in Hindi Cinema (2021–2025)
Abstract
This paper will involve a close textual and critical analysis of the presentation of the Dalit women protagonists in six Hindi films released between 2021 and 2025: Homebound, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery (2023), Vedaa (2024), Madam Chief Minister, 200 Halla Ho, and Phule. Based on the framework of Brahmanical patriarchy, the study explores how contemporary Hindi cinema has swerved - and where it continues to fail - in its portrayal of the Dalit women as agents of resistance, as political subjects and as protagonists with inner lives. The paper traces a historically significant, but structurally incomplete, transition: decades of victimhood, silence, and symbolic containment to more complex, agentive representations. The paper also locates recent films within a longer history of the cinematic representation of Dalit women, both in the lineage of the much-vaunted reformist savarna gaze, of Achhut Kanya (1936) and Sujata (1959) and in the controversial history of the so-called bandit queen, of Bandit Queen (1994) and Bandit Queen (2000). The study concludes that a significant representational breakthrough has been made by post-2021 Hindi cinema through purposeful formal and narrative decisions, but that these decisions remain limited by narrative resolutions that undercut structural critique, the lack of Dalit women in authorial roles and the commercial pressures of the OTT economy.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Dr. Kajal Bansal.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Economics
Page No:
168-180 |
Impact of ODOP Scheme in Export Promotion of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract
Abstract:
Uttar Pradesh's 'One District One Product' (ODOP) scheme has completely transformed the state's export landscape over the past eight years. This research paper attempts to examine the manner in which exports from Uttar Pradesh have been boosted. The ODOP scheme has carved out a distinct identity for itself, not only within the country but across the entire globe. During the G20 Summit held in 2023, ODOP products were specifically selected as gifts for world leaders, a choice that significantly enhanced the global brand value of these products. Several of Uttar Pradesh's key ODOP products—such as Bhadohi carpets, Moradabad brassware, leather goods from Agra and Kanpur, ready-made garments from Gautama Buddha Nagar, and 'Kala Namak' rice from Siddharth Nagar—have firmly established their dominance on the international stage. Currently, there are 75 districts associated with the ODOP scheme and Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India's fifth-largest exporter. This demonstrates that ODOP is not merely a government scheme; it has evolved into the very engine of Uttar Pradesh's economy. It stands as a successful model for transforming the "Vocal for Local" ethos into a "Global" phenomenon. Consequently, this initiative is not only generating employment opportunities for the populace but is also contributing to the overall strengthening of the national economy.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Janhavi Kale, Dr. Rashmi Sharma.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
181-196 |
Influence of Gender on Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary Level Students with Respect to Their Academic Performance
Abstract
Critical thinking has emerged as one of the most essential skills for students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. This study investigates the effectiveness of critical thinking skills specifically logical reasoning, analytical skills, evaluation skills, and problem-solving skills on the academic performance of elementary level students. A descriptive survey method was employed with a sample of 1,000 students from 10 schools (5 CBSE and 5 M.P. Board) in Indore city, comprising both government and private institutions. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire measuring four critical thinking skills, while academic performance records were obtained from school databases. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between critical thinking skills and academic performance (r = 0.624, p < 0.01). Among the four skills, problem-solving emerged as the strongest predictor of academic achievement. Significant differences were found based on gender, type of board, and type of institution, while age showed no significant role. The study underscores the need for integrating critical thinking instruction across the elementary curriculum.
Keywords: Critical thinking, academic performance, elementary education, logical reasoning, analytical skills, evaluation skills, problem-solving skills
| 17 |
Author(s):
Bibek Gope, Dr. Krishna Kalita.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
197-205 |
Professional Competency of Graduate Teachers: A Comparative Study
Abstract
Teaching can be considered the mother of all profession. Professional competency is the important factor in determining their effectiveness and success in this field. Recognising the importance of teachers’ professional competency, investigator tries to assess the professional competency of graduate teachers, because graduate teacher is the pillar of secondary education. For assessing the professional competency descriptive survey method is used and the studied carried out on 114 graduate teachers among these 49 are TET qualified appointed teachers and 65 is Non-TET teachers in Nagaon district (Nagaon urban) educational block using dis-proportionate simple random sampling technique. A self-constructed tool is used to measure the professional competency of graduate teachers. Validity of the tool assessed by the expert in field and reliability of the scale measure by using test-retest method, reliability of the scale is found 0.84. Findings of the study demonstrated that majority of the teachers approximate 50% showing the very high and high level of professional competency. The study found no significant different between TET and Non-TET qualified graduate teachers in the term of professional competency.
Key words: Professional competency, Graduate teacher, TET, Non-TET.
| 18 |
Author(s):
Dr. Gaurav Dongre.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Political Science
Page No:
206-215 |
Multipolarity in Practice: Assessing BRICS Expansion and the Shift in Global Power Structures
Abstract
This paper will explore what BRICS expansion means to the changing balance of global power and the shift to multipolarity. Based on a mixed-method approach, which is a combination of quantitative analysis of economic factors and their effects on the international system and qualitative assessment of institutional and geopolitical processes, the paper will examine whether the expansion of BRICS can be considered a substantive change in the international system. The results show that BRICS has been successful in increasing its global relevance and more so in the economic weight, trade integration and energy geopolitics. The incorporation of key energy producing and strategic located nations has enhanced the ability of the bloc to impact the global markets and regional dynamics. Nonetheless, even with these gains, BRICS is still limited by internal diversity, economic asymmetry and limited institutional depth, which limits its functioning as a cohesive alternative to Western-led global institutions. As you have empirically analysed and discussed in your paper, multipolarity can best be regarded as an emergent yet transitional state and not a fully established world order. The paper finds that the current BRICS expansion is a factor contributing to the redistribution of power but is not yet a consolidated counter-hegemonic system.
| 19 |
Author(s):
Rismita Borah, Dr. Siba Ranjan Mahanta.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
216-223 |
A Study on Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents Across Different Socio-Economic Status
Abstract
The study explores how emotional intelligence and self-esteem are connected among adolescents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It investigates the impact of parental education, household income, and parental support and care and access to socio-emotional resources on adolescents’ emotional abilities and self-worth perceptions. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem across all socio-economic levels. However, students from higher socio-economic backgrounds generally display more refined emotional regulation and greater self-confidence and also they are emotionally healthy and able to face to face various challenges in life and they have better communication skills and socially active. The results emphasize that a nurturing school environment and consistent peer support and engaging in co-curricular activities can help to reduce socio-economic challenges, encouraging healthier emotional growth even among students from lower income families. Overall, the study highlights the importance of inclusive, school-based emotional development programs to enhance student psychological well-being regardless of socio-economic status.
| 20 |
Author(s):
Ms. Kama Jam, Dr. Kanchi Baria.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Home Science
Page No:
224-238 |
Household Biomass Smoke Exposure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Rural Indian Women: A Systematic Review Integrating Environmental, Nutritional, and Policy Perspectives.
Abstract
Introduction: Household air pollution from biomass/solid-fuel cooking remains a major risk factor for COPD and related chronic respiratory outcomes, with women bearing disproportionate exposure due to gendered household roles. [1] India continues to face substantial rural reliance on polluting fuels, and NFHS-5 documents markedly lower rural clean-fuel adoption than urban, suggesting continued high exposure among rural women. [2]This systematic review synthesizes epidemiological evidence from India (2000–2026) linking household biomass/solid-fuel cooking to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or closely related spirometric endpoints (airflow obstruction/abnormal pulmonary function), and integrates (i) environmental exposure metrics (PM levels, ventilation, cooking duration), (ii) nutritional vulnerabilities (low BMI, anemia, antioxidant-related pathways), and (iii) policy context (clean-cooking scale-up, NCD programme integration)
Objectives: To systematically review
i) The association between household biomass/solid-fuel smoke exposure among rural Indian women
ii) How environmental, nutritional, and policy factors modify risk and inform interventions.
Methods: Following PRISMA principles, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase (search strings provided), Google Scholar, IMedIND, and grey-literature repositories (WHO/UNICEF/Government of India/NFHS) for English-language records from January 2000 to February 2026. Eight India-based empirical studies met inclusion criteria for women-focused COPD/airflow obstruction outcomes and/or adjacent mechanistic evidence (inflammation/oxidative stress biomarkers), spanning southern (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka), eastern (Odisha), and northern (Uttar Pradesh/Delhi-NCR) settings. Across the most comparable spirometry-based studies with a clean-fuel comparator, solid biomass/biomass fuel use was strongly associated with airflow obstruction or abnormal pulmonary function, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) in the range of approximately 5–8 in rural women. A small random-effects meta-analysis (k=2) pooling these spirometry-proxy outcomes produced a pooled OR of 6.55 (95% CI 4.58–9.36), interpreted as a “signal estimate” rather than a definitive national effect due to heterogeneity in outcome definitions and age bands. Eligible studies were India-based, included women (rural or rural-stratified), measured household biomass/solid-fuel use and/ pollutant metrics), and reported COPD while diagnosis. Risk of bias was assessed using adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (cross-sectional/case–control) and ROBINS-I domains for non-randomized exposures.
Results:
A rural Tamil Nadu study (January–May 2007) reported COPD prevalence 2.44% in non-smoking rural women >30 years and higher prevalence among biomass users (OR 1.24; wide CI). A large Indian multi-centre-linked screening study reported COPD prevalence 18.4% among biomass-exposed women, with strong dose–response by exposure duration (e.g., OR 2.9 for >25 years vs lower exposure categories) and underdiagnosis driven by limited spirometry access and low awareness. In Odisha, never-smoking women (18–49 years) using solid biomass had higher odds of chronic bronchitis (OR 1.96) and airflow obstruction (OR 5.55) than LPG users. In western Uttar Pradesh, biomass use was strongly associated with abnormal pulmonary function compared with LPG (OR 8.01). A random-effects meta-analysis pooling the two most comparable spirometric proxy outcomes yielded OR 6.55 (95% CI 4.58–9.36).
Conclusions: Evidence from multiple Indian regions supports a strong association between household chulha induced cooking exposure and spirometry airflow obstruction/abnormal pulmonary function among rural women, with exposure intensity, ventilation, and socioeconomic disadvantage acting as important modifiers. Integration with nutrition and anemia reduction strategies, and alignment with clean cooking and NCD programme implementation, are likely to improve effectiveness and equity.
| 21 |
Author(s):
Simran Joshi.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Communication
Page No:
239-250 |
Development Communication through Indian Cinema: An Analysis of Social Change and Public Awareness in Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abstract
In this paper, the author will analyse the way Indian cinema can be used as a development communication tool and in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on textual analysis of sixteen chosen Hindi movies and data of audience reception that was conducted as part of a quantitative survey. Focus Group Discussion, the research illustrates that modern Bollywood is systematically active in terms of gender equality (SDG 5), quality education (SDG 4), health and sanitation (SDGs 3 and 6), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), climate action (SDG 13), and peace and justice (SDG 16). The analysis of the movie is based on the Entertainment-Education Theory, Cultivation Theory, and Agenda-Setting Theory, which demonstrates that cinema conveys development messages via the emotional appeal, visual representations, the plot, and character experiences. The data obtained by the audience prove that 71 percent of those surveyed heard about a social issue through a movie, with 88 percent of respondents demanding more socially aware movies. The participants of the Focus Group have expressed actual attitudinal, professional, and behavioral change that could be attributed to certain movies. The paper recognizes five cross-cutting patterns through the corpus of the film, the protagonist-as-audience-surrogate approach, the relentless approach to institutional failure, and the conflict between the commercial resolution imperative in Bollywood and the structural honesty imperative of development communication. The paper concludes that Indian cinema is not just a mirror of social reality, but an influencer of the formation of the level of consciousness of the population and the promotion of the SDG agenda by culturally appealing stories.
| 22 |
Author(s):
Sandeep Kumar, Ravinder Pal Ahlawat, Naveen Kumar.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Physical Education
Page No:
251-257 |
Artificial Intelligence in Physical Education: A Critical Analysis of Myths, Reality, Misuse and Opportunities
Abstract
This paper explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in physical education and sports, focusing on its myths, realities, misuse, and opportunities. AI, as a transformative technology, is increasingly being integrated into educational and sports environments to enhance performance analysis, personalized training, and health monitoring. The study highlights how AI supports teaching and learning through tools such as wearable devices, fitness applications, and virtual coaching systems, making physical education more interactive and data-driven.
At the same time, the paper critically examines common misconceptions, including the belief that AI can replace human coaches or deliver completely accurate and unbiased results. It also addresses potential risks such as data privacy concerns, overdependence on technology, and ethical challenges associated with the misuse of AI systems.
Furthermore, the paper presents the practical reality of AI as a supportive tool that complements rather than replaces human expertise. It emphasizes the importance of balanced integration, where AI enhances decision-making while preserving essential human qualities such as motivation, communication, and ethical judgment.
Overall, the paper concludes that AI holds significant potential to improve physical education and sports, provided it is implemented responsibly, ethically, and with proper human supervision.
| 23 |
Author(s):
Jamilu Yaya, Jamilu Yaya.
Country:
Nigeria
Research Area:
Sociology
Page No:
258-270 |
Parental Attitudes Towards Child Immunization in Dass Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Despite the availability of free routine immunization services in Nigeria, childhood vaccination coverage in Dass Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State, among the areas fighting low childhood immunization uptake for pentavalent vaccine completion far below the WHO recommended threshold of 90%. Understanding parental attitudes and structural barriers is essential for designing effective public health interventions. Objective: This study evaluated parental attitudes towards child immunization, assessed perceived benefits, and identified structural and sociocultural barriers to immunization compliance in Dass LGA, Bauchi State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 394 parents (response rate: 98.7%) of children aged 6 months to 5 years, recruited via simple random sampling from healthcare facilities in Dass metropolis. Data was analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and chi-square tests. Results: Most parents expressed positive attitudes: 71.4% affirmed vaccine benefit, 70.3% would recommend immunization to peers, and 73.1% disagreed that vaccines are harmful. Perceived benefits were widely acknowledged, 83.0% endorsed reduced hospital attendance and 73.6% recognized disease-prevention value. However, major barriers persisted: 73.1% cited inadequate health facilities, 74.3% identified information deficits, 80.2% reported high parental illiteracy, and 81.7% endorsed lack of cultural sensitivity in vaccine delivery. Negative attitudes were significantly associated with primary-level education or below (chi-square [chi2] = 18.74, p < 0.001), rural residence (chi2 = 14.31, p = 0.001), and Muslim affiliation (chi2 = 9.82, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Positive parental dispositions in Dass LGA are systematically undermined by structural, informational, and sociocultural barriers. Targeted community engagement, health literacy campaigns, culturally adapted service delivery, and PHC infrastructure investment are urgently required to bridge the attitude-behavior gap and improve immunization coverage.
| 24 |
Author(s):
Dr. Puspangada Dash.
Country:
India
Research Area:
History
Page No:
271-281 |
Modernist Movement in Odia Literature: The Revolutionary Renaissance (1866-1920)
Abstract
Abstract
Tracing back to the plight of Odisha we can state that it was started by the alien rule at the middle of the Medieval rule. Lots of atrocities were inflicted upon the Odia identity in the form of disintegration, attack on Odia language by giving her a lower status and imposing foreign nomenclature, and finally lackadaisical attitude of the alien Government towards the precarious condition of the native Odia people. This article tries to draw the attention of readers to how it was in the aftermath of the Great Famine of 1866 that the seeds of nationalism were sown by the educated and learned sons of Odisha which helped in ushering a new era in Odia speaking land. This work also delves into the fact that the result of the modernist movement for literary revivalism was significant as it brought out a notable change in the field of education, health and political atmosphere of Odisha. This article also aims at providing information regarding the hardship of the people of Odisha due to colonial rule and the l the British government’s apathy. The colonial government did very little to preserve Odia identity and language. The objective of this study is to throw some light on the magnificent works of some renowned patriotic and scholarly writers of the state of Odisha. The archival studies were followed to complete the article.
Key Words:
Kabi Samrat, Bidagdha Kabi, Reetiyuga, Madalapanji, Cutchery
| 25 |
Author(s):
B. Kilangla Jamir.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Economics
Page No:
282-296 |
Public Sector Enterprises and Fiscal Health: Evidence from Nagaland
Abstract
The role of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in India’s development process is significant, promoting industrialization, employment generation, infrastructure development, and ensuring regional balance. However, the growing financial burden of inefficient and loss-making public enterprises has raised concerns regarding their implications for fiscal sustainability, particularly in fiscally constrained states like Nagaland. This study examines the State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs) and their fiscal health in Nagaland during the period 2012–13 to 2021–22 using secondary data from Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and State financial documents. The study analyzes trends in turnover, debt, accumulated losses, investment patterns, grants, subsidies, and budgetary support. The findings reveal that the contribution of SPSEs to the state’s economy has steadily declined, while debt liabilities, accumulated losses, and dependence on government grants have increased significantly. The debt-turnover ratio deteriorated over the study period, indicating weak operational efficiency and growing fiscal stress. The study concludes that SPSEs in Nagaland have increasingly become fiscal liabilities rather than engines of economic growth. The paper recommends improved governance, financial restructuring, monitoring mechanisms, and timely closure of non-performing enterprises to strengthen fiscal sustainability.
| 26 |
Author(s):
Pooja Bharti.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Commerce
Page No:
297-312 |
Impact of Quick Commerce (Q-Commerce) on Impulsive Buying Behaviour Among Urban Indian Consumers
Abstract
Quick commerce (Q-commerce), characterised by ultra-fast delivery of goods within 10–30 minutes, has emerged as a disruptive force in India's retail landscape, particularly in Tier-1 and rapidly urbanising Tier-2 cities. This study investigates the impact of Q-commerce on impulsive buying behaviour among urban consumers in Patna, Bihar, using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework and elements of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A structured survey employing a five-point Likert scale was administered to n = 172 respondents residing in the Patna urban agglomeration. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with supplementary multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that delivery speed (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and convenience perception (β = 0.387, p < 0.001) are significant positive predictors of impulsive buying tendency (IBT). Impulsive buying tendency, in turn, significantly influences customer satisfaction (β = 0.298, p < 0.001) and post-purchase regret (β = 0.223, p = 0.005). The mediation analysis confirms that convenience perception partially mediates the relationship between delivery speed and IBT. The study contributes to extant literature by contextualising Q-commerce within a semi-metropolitan Indian urban setting and offers actionable insights for Q-commerce operators, policymakers, and consumer welfare advocates.
| 27 |
Author(s):
Juboraj Roy, Dr.Biswajit Das.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Library and information Science
Page No:
313-323 |
Building an Institutional Repository with Omeka Open-Source Software
Abstract
Omeka is a digital library software, that is free, content management system (CMS), open-source software designed to facilitate the creation of digital repositories for libraries, exhibitions, and archives in museums. In this paper outlines the process of building a repository using Omeka, which includes an installation guide for Omeka. The creation of collections and items, organization of metadata using Dublin Core standards, and customization of themes to match the repository’s aesthetic. Additionally, we have to run Omeka (version 3.1.2), which Operating System is Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, with PHP (version 8.3.26, using the apache2handler), MySQL Server (version 10.11.13) database support, Apache server version 2.4.58, and sufficient storage for hosting digital files. Through this approach, Omeka supports the creation of dynamic, accessible, and well-organized digital collections, while fostering collaboration and community engagement in open source heritage projects. By enabling libraries to digitize, preserve, and provide public access to their collections, Omeka provides an effective platform for developing scalable, user-friendly, library repositories that align with open-source principles. Omeka’s scalability, flexibility, and community driven development make it an ideal platform for creating accessible and interactive digital repositories.
| 28 |
Author(s):
Anubha Sharma.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Psychology
Page No:
324-337 |
Exploring Climate Anxiety, Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction in Life in relation with Experiential Avoidance among Young Adults
Abstract
Experiential avoidance (EA) as a phenomenon is described as a psychological reluctance to pursue certain experiences, be it physical circumstances, thoughts, feelings, memories or behaviour. Instead one builds a mental barrier against them. Substantial amounts of studies have linked experiential avoidance to varied issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or behavioural disorders. The present study examined the relationship between Experiential avoidance, Climate anxiety, Self-efficacy and Satisfaction with life. The sample involved 129 female young adults in the age group 18 to 25 years. ‘Acceptance and Action Questionnaire Second Version’ (Bond et al., 2011), ‘Hogg Climate Anxiety Scale’ (Hogg et al., 2024), ‘General Self-Efficacy Short Scale–3’ (Doll et al., 2021) and ‘Satisfaction with Life Scale’ (Diener et al., 1985) were used to assess the psychological correlates of Experiential Avoidance. t Tests and Pearson product moment analysis were conducted to explore the comparison of groups and links amongst the variables. The results presented significant disparity between the EA group and Non-EA group on Climate anxiety and Satisfaction with life. The present study portrayed the association of Experiential avoidance with Climate anxiety and Satisfaction with life. These findings could facilitate clinical evaluation, outreach provision and ward off under-recognition or poor understanding of features, predictors, and risk factors of EA in Indian youth and create awareness regarding the hex of Climate anxiety.
| 29 |
Author(s):
Abhishek Naik, Binod Kumar Pradhan, Mr. Prabhat Kishor Mahanand.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
338-347 |
Transforming Higher Education for Viksit Bharat 2047: Academia’s Strategic Role Under NEP 2020
Abstract
India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 depends greatly on the transformation of its higher education system. In this context, the National Education Policy 2020 emerges as a significant framework aimed at reshaping the structure, purpose, and functioning of higher education in India. This paper examines how academic institutions can contribute meaningfully to the realization of this long-term national vision through the reforms introduced by NEP 2020. It explores key dimensions such as multidisciplinary education, institutional reforms, digital learning, research and innovation, skill development, and inclusive access to education. The study argues that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not merely centres of teaching, but also spaces for knowledge creation, critical thinking, innovation, and social transformation. In an era shaped by technological advancement, global competition, and changing employment patterns, universities and colleges play a decisive role in preparing a skilled and responsible generation capable of driving national progress. Drawing upon policy documents, government reports, and existing academic literature, the paper highlights how NEP 2020 seeks to connect educational reforms with India’s demographic potential and aspirations for sustainable and inclusive development. By emphasizing innovation, flexibility, and quality in higher education, NEP 2020 has the potential to position India as a leading knowledge-based society in the coming decades.
| 30 |
Author(s):
Sovna Khati.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Political Science
Page No:
348-361 |
Power Languages in India: The Making of Hindi as a Power Language
Abstract
Politics of language in India is evident not only in the standardisation and hierarchical ordering of languages, it is also expressed in attempts at getting into power languages through demands for linguistic recognitions as pedagogic tool, or entry into job-market and more instrumentally, in autonomy movements and demands for separate states. In this paper we attempt to see the issue of national languages and politics of language in India in general and Hindi in particular by situating them in our historical experiences.
One of the important modern developments which brought the imagined community of nation into a homogenous connected reality was the development of print capitalism. The homogenous nation and its culture had to be sustained through centralised socialization or national education, through the common medium of language and this universal unified culture constitutes the natural repositories of political legitimacy and (re)production of the nation. Rooted in colonial history in India and in tandem with absorption of modular forms of western nationalism, the case of emergence of new Hindi with Devnagari script and marginalisation of script neutral Hindustani in India as well communal separation of Hindi and Urdu testify to how the subliminal category of language get politicised within the framework of nation. The paper concludes that coexistence of two official languages and a list of scheduled languages are all parts of standardisation of national languages and are all power languages relevant to emotional integration and business communication.
Keywords: nation-state, system, language, Hindi, education
| 31 |
Author(s):
Kartik, Satendra.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Sociology
Page No:
362-373 |
The Role of Caste and Labour Relations in the Lives of Landless Agricultural Labourer Women in Western Uttar Pradesh: A Sociological Study
Abstract
The study focuses on the caste and labour relationship issues pertaining to the lives of women agricultural labourers who are landless in western Uttar Pradesh. This study is confined to the selected districts of Western Uttar Pradesh namely Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bijnor, Mainpuri, Aligarh and Badaun which are mainly the divisions of Western Uttar Pradesh. The relationship between agriculture and land ownership, caste hierarchy, gender division of labour and rural power relations is strong in this region. Women in agricultural labour for hire without access to land are in a vulnerable situation as they rely on the availability of seasonal jobs in agriculture, informal employment and low wages, as well as unequal relationships with groups that own the land. They are still involved in the tasks of sowing, weeding, harvesting, collecting fodder, providing care to livestock and post-harvest activities, but they are socially invisible and economically undervalued in rural agriculture. The study takes a sociological approach that integrates the lens of Marxism, Ambedkarism, feminism and intersectionality in examining the combined impact of caste, class, gender and landlessness on women's labour opportunities, wages, dignity, mobility, bargaining power and experiences of everyday discrimination. The study is based on the secondary data and the sources of data used are Census reports, NSS data, Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, district statistical handbooks, government publications, books and research articles. It believes that the situation of landless agricultural labourer women should be discussed with the backdrop of poverty or employment, but it is essential to look into the combined structure of the caste hierarchy, gender subordination, landlessness and dependency on agrarian labour.
| 32 |
Author(s):
Dhruvisha Mangroliya, Dr. Vijay Gondaliya.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Social Science
Page No:
374-384 |
To Study the investment awareness and preference for investment of Young Couple in Surat City
Abstract
This study focuses on analysing the investment awareness and preferences of young couples in Surat City. It examines their level of financial knowledge, investment behaviour, risk appetite, and factors influencing their investment decisions. The research is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from young couples, along with secondary data from journals and reports. The study evaluates awareness of various traditional and modern investment avenues such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, insurance, and real estate. The findings indicate that while young couples have good awareness of traditional investment options, their knowledge of modern financial instruments is comparatively limited. Most respondents prefer safe and stable investments, although there is a growing inclination towards higher-return options. Factors such as income level, financial goals, risk perception, and influence from family or informal sources significantly affect their investment choices. The study highlights the need for improved financial literacy and professional guidance to help young couples make informed and effective investment decisions, thereby ensuring long-term financial stability and growth.
| 33 |
Author(s):
Rohit Chauhan, Prof. Chander Mohan Parsheera.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Management
Page No:
385-399 |
Role of Community-Based Tourism in Achieving Multiple Sustainable Development Goals: An Overview
Abstract
Many tourism scholars over the years have proposed community-based tourism as an effective means of promoting and ensuring sustainable tourism development at the global level. This study attempts to find out the importance of community-based tourism activities in achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing regions across the globe. The current study involved a systematic review of the literature from different research articles and case studies from different parts of the world, focusing on themes which were relevant to this study. Other relevant literature from various web sources was also reviewed. The study's results indicate that the community-based tourism approach can work with the United Nations' Agenda 2030 to help reduce inequality, promote local culture, protect the environment, and contribute to poverty alleviation at the global level. The study also found that weak institutional frameworks, limited market access for the locals, and challenges in measuring social and environmental impacts are the major factors that often reduce the effectiveness of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) at a destination.
| 34 |
Author(s):
Mallam Anjali.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
400-407 |
Rural and Urban Disparities in Multiple Intelligence Dimensions and Achievement in Mathematics among Secondary School Students in Guntur District
Abstract
Geographic location, including rural and urban residence, is a strong predictor of educational access and cognitive skills in developing countries such as India. The present investigation endeavours to analyze that, whether, there is any significant difference between Rural and Urban school students in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh in MI on all the nine dimensions and AM through quantitative and qualitative-categorical analyses. Stratified random sampling was used to select 1,000 Class IX students — 500 Rural and 500 Urban — from 25 schools. Statistical techniques such as Independent Samples t-test and Chi-square (χ²) were used. Results showed that Urban students were significantly better on MI as a whole (t = 2.71, p < 0.01), and also significantly better on seven out of nine intelligence dimensions. Nevertheless, Chi-square analysis shows that there is no statistically significant difference in the distribution of MI level category (χ² = 5.560, NS) and in the distribution of MA level (χ² = 0.427, NS), serving a disaggregated qualitative and quantitative comparative overview with explicit policy relevance.
| 35 |
Author(s):
Divisha Rastogi.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Psychology
Page No:
408-421 |
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in the Management of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Borderline Type: A Clinical Case Study of a Young Indian Woman
Abstract
Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Borderline Type (EUPD-BT; ICD-10: F60.31), characterised by pervasive emotional dysregulation, chronic emptiness, self-harming behaviour, and unstable interpersonal relationships, presents one of the most complex challenges in clinical psychology practice. This case study documents the comprehensive clinical assessment, diagnostic formulation, and psychotherapeutic intervention of Miss N.D., a 27-year-old unmarried Indian woman referred to the Clinical Psychology Unit following inadequate response to pharmacotherapy. A thorough bio-psychosocial formulation identified an abusive romantic relationship as the primary precipitant, with heightened emotional sensitivity, poor frustration tolerance, and submissive personality traits as predisposing vulnerabilities. A 17-session Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) programme — spanning seven months — was implemented, targeting three core skill domains: Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance. Post-intervention outcomes revealed marked improvement in anger management, significant reduction in self-harming behaviour, enhanced interpersonal functioning, and increased psychological well-being. The case illustrates the clinical efficacy of culturally sensitive DBT in an Indian hospital-based outpatient setting and underscores the importance of structured, phased psychotherapeutic intervention for EUPD-BT in young adults.
Keywords: Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, emotion regulation, self-harm, Indian clinical psychology, case study
| 36 |
Author(s):
Sunny Deol Mandi.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Anthropology
Page No:
422-430 |
Bongaism: Reconsidering Santal Cosmology Beyond Animism and Totemism
Abstract
This article examines the Santal, an Indigenous community in India, understanding of bonga, i.e., supernatural being, and explores how Santal cosmology cannot be fully explained through universal religious theories such as animism and totemism. Drawing upon long-term ethnographic engagement with the Santal community in the Jangal Mahal region of West Bengal between 2020 and 2025, the study analyses how Santal religious, spiritual and cosmological understandings are formed and transmitted through rituals, oral narratives, festivals, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, and everyday interactions with the natural world. The article combines ritual observation, oral narratives, textual analysis, and ethnographic reflections to examine the relational and performative dimensions of Santal cosmology. While theories such as animism and totemism provide important insights into spirit beliefs, clan relations, and sacred associations with natural entities, they remain insufficient to explain the complexity of Santal understandings of bonga. The study demonstrates that the Santal concept of deity differs significantly from idol-centred religious frameworks, as the adi bonga are generally perceived as omnipresent, formless, and deeply connected to sacred landscapes, ritual practices, and collective life. In this context, the article argues that “bongaism” may provide a more culturally grounded framework for understanding the relational, ecological, and performative dimensions of Santal spirituality and cosmology.
Keywords: bongaism; Santal cosmology; animism; totemism; Santal ritual practices, embodied knowledge
| 37 |
Author(s):
Divya, Indira Singh.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Education
Page No:
431-441 |
Reconceptualizing Inclusive Growth in Education: The Evolving Role of E-Learning in Enhancing Work Engagement
Abstract
Expanded access, meaningful engagement, and equal participation of students and teachers are all necessary for inclusive progress in education. In recent years, online learning has evolved into a strong tool for advancing educational inclusion, especially for marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities, girls, and students from rural and underprivileged areas. The role of digital learning has changed dramatically due to rapid technological breakthroughs, evolving social dynamics, and changing educational policies. These changes have an impact on inclusive educational outcomes and work engagement levels. The purpose of this study is to investigate how e-learning's place in education has changed over time and to assess how it affects work engagement, which is a crucial factor in inclusive growth. For this purpose, a structured, trend-focused review of literature from 2018 to 2024 was carried out using Scopus-indexed journals, policy papers, and academic reports. The analysis highlighted trends in digital pedagogy, teacher involvement, learner participation, and inclusive practices by tracking changes in research focus from access-oriented digital efforts to engagement-centered methods. The results show that interactive, learner-centered settings that prioritize motivation, teamwork, and supportive learning ecosystems are gradually replacing infrastructure-driven e-learning approaches. Research indicates that elevated work engagement in both teachers and students is closely linked to enhanced inclusive outcomes, especially when e-learning platforms incorporate adaptive technologies, inclusive materials, and collaborative learning approaches. The study comes to the conclusion that by increasing work engagement and participation, e-learning has developed into a crucial enabler of inclusive growth in education. To maintain inclusive educational growth, policymakers and educators must place a high priority on accessible keywords—ecosystems, ongoing capacity building, and inclusive digital pedagogy.
| 38 |
Author(s):
Manav Goyal.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Sociology
Page No:
442-450 |
Negotiating Structure and Agency: Remittances, Belonging, and Identity among Kerala’s In-Migrants
Abstract
Internal migration has become central to Kerala’s contemporary labour economy, yet migrant workers from North and Northeast India continue to occupy socially precarious positions within the state. While Kerala’s development model depends increasingly on migrant labour, questions of belonging, recognition, and welfare access remain unevenly negotiated. This article examines how migrant workers navigate remittances, identity, labour precarity, and everyday exclusion in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Drawing on mixed-methods fieldwork conducted between 2024 and 2025, including surveys, semi-structured interviews, and ethnographic observations, the study argues that migration is not merely an economic process but a deeply emotional and relational experience. Remittances emerge as moral obligations tied to dignity, care, and familial belonging rather than simple financial transfers. At the same time, migrants encounter symbolic and institutional forms of exclusion through linguistic hierarchies, insecure housing, labour segmentation, and the discourse of athithi thozhilali (“guest worker”), which frames them as economically necessary yet socially temporary. Rather than romanticising resilience, the article highlights the everyday improvisations through which migrants endure uncertainty and negotiate partial belonging. The paper argues that Kerala’s migrant regime reveals differentiated forms of citizenship within the Indian nation-state, where formal mobility coexists with unequal recognition and conditional social membership.
Keywords: internal migration, remittances, belonging, labour precarity, identity, translocality
| 39 |
Author(s):
Riya Dey.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Geography
Page No:
451-474 |
Assessment of Local Residents’ Perception of Selected Waterfall Sites in Eastern Chota Nagpur Plateau, India
Abstract
The waterfalls are one of the geo-heritages, having the power to display a spectacular view through natural forces, attracting tourists to visit those sites. But it has not gained much recognition in terms of tourism development since there is very limited research done considering the views of the local people on such sites. Therefore, the current research focused on the perceptions of local residents on tourism development at selected waterfall sites in the Eastern Chota Nagpur plateau covering the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The local residents’ perception on tourism development was tested using 19 variables. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to see the nature of the dataset. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to extract the factors. Then, multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between extracted factors as predictors and tourism perception as outcome variable. Kruskal Wallis test was applied to test the hypotheses and weighted composite mean score was prepared to rank the selected waterfall sites in Eastern Chota Nagpur plateau. The results indicate that the local residents see the tourism as socio-cultural, economic and environmental aspect which influence the tourism development. But attention should be taken by the authority to create jobs, involvement of local people in decision making, infrastructural development, local culture protection etc., to harness the potential of selected waterfall sites.
Keywords: Tourism; Local residents’ perception, Waterfall, Exploratory factor analysis; Eastern Chota Nagpur plateau
| 40 |
Author(s):
E. M. Mahesh Chathuranga Ekanayaka.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Fine Arts
Page No:
475-482 |
Contemporary Art as a Medium for Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: An Analytical Study of Post-Conflict Sri Lanka
Abstract
In post-conflict and disunited societies, peace and conciliation extend beyond the absence of violence and involve emotional mending, social trust, and the reconstruction of fractured collaborative individualities. Contemporary art is decreasingly honored as a significant artistic practice that engages with these complex processes. This paper examines the extent to which contemporary art has been used to make peace and conciliation, fastening on its abstract foundations, practical mechanisms, and socio-artistic impact inpost-conflict surrounds. The study uses a qualitative, interdisciplinary exploration methodology, employing critical literature review, visual and contextual analysis of artworks, and relative case study analysis. crucial sources include peace studies proposition, art literal education, exhibition attestation, and artist- led enterprise. named transnational case studies are examined with an in- depth focus on Sri Lanka to assess how contemporary cultural practices similar as installation, performance, participatory art and community- grounded systems address themes of trauma, memory, relegation and identity. As a example Chandraguptha Thenuwara through his groundbreaking “Barrelism” series, transforms military symbols such as the ubiquitous painted barrels used for roadblocks into recurring motifs that expose the normalization. The Sri Lankan case is anatomized to understand how artists and groups are responding to the heritage of civil conflict by creating indispensable spaces for dialogue, memory and intercultural engagement. The paper argues that while contemporary art can not serve as a stage-alone medium for conflict resolution or structural reform, it plays a pivotal reciprocal part in peacebuilding. By facilitating dialogue, challenging dominant narratives, and fostering empathy, contemporary art can be seen to have contributed to the convergence of emotional and artistic moments, even when they are often overlooked by formal political processes. The study concludes that integrating contemporary art into broader peacebuilding frameworks enhances the potential for sustainable and inclusive reconciliation.Keywords: Contemporary Art, Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, Conflict, Social Practice Art.
