ShodhSamajik: Journal of Social Studies, is a quarterly journal of studies focused on social studies, in which research papers are published in Hindi and English language. This journal combines all topics related to social studies. The Social studies is a field of study that focuses on people, societies, and how they interact with each other and their environments. The main objective of the journal is to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of the complex world they live in, encouraging critical thinking, informed decision-making, and active participation in civic and community life through research publication. Editor-in-chief: Prof. Alok Kumar Gupta (Professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Manatu Village, Ranchi, Jharkhand , India) Managing Editor: Dr. Tina Porwal (Ph.D., Maharani Laxmibai Girls P.G. College, Indore, India)
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author. It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board. This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN MAHENDRAGARH DISTRICT
Indian agriculture is currently undergoing a phase of rapid technological and structural transformation. Amid the challenges of a growing population, limited natural resources, climate change, and food security, maintaining agricultural production and productivity has become a significant necessity. Under these circumstances, agricultural innovations and advanced technologies have provided a new direction for agricultural development. The adoption of modern irrigation techniques, high-yielding seed varieties, balanced nutrient management, agricultural mechanization, and scientific farming practices has played a vital role in making the agricultural system more efficient, productivity-oriented, and resource-conserving. Against this background, the present study presents a geographical analysis of the impact of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies on agricultural productivity in Mahendragarh district. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Secondary data were collected from the Statistical Abstract of Haryana, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Haryana, and other government records, whereas primary data were collected from 250 farmers of Mahendragarh district through the schedule method. The analysis comprehensively examines irrigation development, irrigation intensity, micro-irrigation, solar-powered irrigation pumps, high-yielding seed varieties, the use of chemical fertilizers, soil testing, agricultural mechanization, and temporal changes in the per-hectare productivity of major crops. The findings reveal that, during the study period, the expansion of irrigation facilities, the dissemination of modern agricultural technologies, the increasing use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile-based agricultural services, and the growth of agricultural mechanization contributed significantly to improving the productivity of most major crops. An increase in the per-hectare productivity of wheat, pearl millet, gram, barley, and mustard was observed, whereas the productivity of cotton was adversely affected in the final year due to unfavourable weather conditions. The primary survey also revealed that the majority of farmers considered modern agricultural technologies beneficial for enhancing agricultural production, conserving water, saving labour and time, and increasing farm income. This clearly indicates that the impact of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies is not confined merely to increasing production but has also positively influenced the overall efficiency of the agricultural system and the economic condition of farmers. Overall, it may be concluded that the gradual expansion of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies in Mahendragarh district has strengthened the process of agricultural development while enhancing agricultural productivity. In the future, greater emphasis on micro-irrigation, soil health management, the availability of modern agricultural machinery, the dissemination of quality seeds, and the technical training of farmers can further promote a more productive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Kalu Ram (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF DIGITAL LEARNING, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN DEVELOPING TEACHING METHODS FOR ARABIC GRAMMAR
This study addresses the role of digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media in developing teaching methods For Arabic grammar. It highlights the role of digital learning and artificial intelligence by exploring the concepts and significance of each of them. It also examines the ways in which important applications of artificial intelligence can be utilized along with digital learning to improve teaching methods. The importance of the study arises from the contemporary practical topic it covers within the modern educational process. The researcher employs the descriptive-analytical approach. The descriptive-analytical approach aligns with the study’s topic. Previous relevant studies, research papers, books, and periodicals are reviewed in order to establish the theoretical foundation of digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media as well as the role of each of them in developing teaching methods. In order to fulfil the purpose of the study, relevant studies, sources, and references covering the same topic will be discussed. The study has reached numerous results, among which the following are noteworthy: The study showed that digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media have a crucial role in the development of teaching methods. It has been revealed that there is a close correlation between digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media in the development of teaching methods. The study showed that there is a clear facilitation in linking between knowledge, scientific experiences, and practical aspects. The study confirmed that the integration of digital learning with artificial intelligence and social media in the development of teaching methods facilitates the link of knowledge, scientific experiences, and practical aspects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Bassam Hassan Mohra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM THROUGH EFFECTIVE HOMESTAY MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM NEPAL
Community-based homestay tourism is one of the important tourism strategies that can be developed to boost the local economy, maintain cultural heritage and involve community in local tourism. But, the empirical evidence on the factors affecting efficient operation of homestay in Nepal is still limited. The main objective of this study was to investigate the operational issues leading to successful management of homestays and the economic performance and tax compliance of community-based homestays in Nepal. The method used was quantitative research and one of the designs used was descriptive cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 89 registered Home Stay operators of pioneer Community Based Home Stay destination in Ghalegaun and Sirubari of the community-based home stays. Descriptive statistics and linear regression in SPSS version 26 were used for the collected data. It was found that quality infrastructure, road accessibility, culturally authentic homestay, adequate guest facilities, hygiene and sanitation, safe drinking water and hygienic preparation of local food are the factors which are mainly associated with effective homestay management. Homestay operation was also supported by family involvement. However, regression analysis found that none of the variables namely income level and saving capacity – was significant in terms of its relationship with annual tax payment, suggesting that tax compliance may be influenced by institutional and regulatory factors. Improved operational standards, infrastructure, sanitation, cultural authenticity, and institutional support can improve service quality, satisfaction of visitors and sustainability and competitiveness of community-based homestay tourism in Nepal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khemraj Pokhrel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRANSFORMATION OF FAMILY VALUES AMONG YOUTH IN GWALIOR
The family remains the primary setting in which young people learn responsibility, cooperation, respect, gender roles, emotional behaviour, and expectations regarding marriage and elder care. In Gwalior, these values are being renegotiated under the influence of higher education, digital media, urban lifestyles, employment aspirations, migration, and the growth of nuclear households. This paper examines the transformation of family values among youth in Gwalior through a sociological framework that distinguishes structural change from value change. It argues that smaller households and greater personal autonomy do not necessarily indicate the rejection of family relationships. Rather, many young people appear to favour a negotiated family model in which emotional attachment and filial responsibility continue, while authority, marital choice, gender expectations, and career decisions become more egalitarian. The paper reviews relevant literature, identifies a clear research gap, presents one focused objective with corresponding hypotheses, and proposes a mixed-method research design for youth aged 18 to 25 residing in Gwalior. A structured family-values questionnaire, supported by semi-structured interviews, is recommended for examining the influence of education, digital media exposure, family type, and gender. The proposed analysis uses descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation, regression, and thematic interpretation. The paper concludes that family transformation in Gwalior is best understood as negotiated continuity: traditional emotional bonds remain important, but their expression increasingly depends on dialogue, consent, and shared decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shivani Yadav, Dr. Tejpal Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRANSFORMATION OF CULTURAL VALUES AMONG YOUTH IN GWALIOR
Gwalior possesses a distinctive cultural identity shaped by its historical traditions, classical music heritage, festivals, family customs, language practices, and artistic institutions. At the same time, young people in the city are increasingly connected with national and global cultural influences through social media, streaming platforms, education, travel, and changing patterns of employment. This paper examines how these influences are transforming the cultural values of youth in Gwalior. It argues that cultural change should not be understood only as the disappearance of tradition. Instead, youth often retain selected practices connected with family, festivals, religion, and local pride while adopting new forms of dress, language, entertainment, communication, and self-expression. The paper is grounded in the concepts of cultural hybridization and glocalization and develops a domain-based framework for comparing core identity-linked practices with more flexible consumption-oriented practices. A mixed-method research design is proposed for youth aged 16 to 25 residing in Gwalior city. The design combines a structured questionnaire with focus group discussions and recommends the use of descriptive statistics, paired-samples comparison, correlation, and thematic analysis. The paper concludes that the most likely pattern is selective cultural adaptation rather than complete cultural homogenization. Such a perspective can help educational institutions, cultural organizations, and policymakers design programmes that preserve Gwalior's cultural heritage while recognizing the changing preferences and media habits of contemporary youth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ms. Shivani Yadav, Dr. Tejpal Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS: AN EXAMINATION OF ITS CONSEQUENCES
While the causes of academic stress have received considerable attention, its consequences for the well-being and functioning of senior secondary students are equally significant and warrant systematic examination. The present study investigated the consequences of academic stress along two broad fronts: its effect on the psychological and physical health of students, and its effect on their academic performance and social-behavioural functioning. A descriptive and correlational survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 300 senior secondary students through a standardised academic-stress measure together with scales assessing anxiety, depressive affect, psychosomatic symptoms, and behavioural indicators, along with records of academic achievement. Results revealed strong positive correlations between academic stress and anxiety, depressive affect, and the frequency of psychosomatic complaints such as headache, sleep disturbance, and fatigue. Academic stress was negatively correlated with academic achievement, and students in the high-stress group performed significantly worse than those in the low-stress group. Stress was also associated with social withdrawal, irritability, reduced concentration, and procrastination. The findings demonstrate that unmanaged academic stress functions as a self-defeating cycle that undermines the very performance it is intended to protect, and they underline the urgent need for school-based mental-health support and stress-management programmes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Priya Datta, Dr. Prashant Sangwan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY ON AWARENESS OF GOVERNMENT NUTRITION PROGRAMMES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN DEOGHAR DISTRICT, JHARKHAND
Purpose: The present study examines the level of awareness of rural women regarding Government Nutrition Programmes in Deoghar district, Jharkhand. The study aims to assess whether rural women possess adequate awareness about major Government Nutrition Programmes, including Anganwadi services, supplementary nutrition, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, child growth monitoring, and POSHAN Abhiyaan. Methodology: The study is based on primary data collected from 230 rural women through a structured questionnaire. Ten awareness statements measured on a five-point Likert scale were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach's Alpha), and the One Sample t-test in SPSS. Findings: It has been found that the awareness level of rural women concerning Government Nutrition Programmes is below the neutral point. Awareness of Anganwadi was comparatively higher among respondents, but on the other hand, awareness of POSHAN Abhiyaan, IFA Supplementation and child growth monitoring was relatively lower. Most of the statements were found to be significantly different with the help of One Sample t-test. Originality: This paper serves as an analysis of awareness about the Government Nutrition Programs amongst the rural women in the district of Deoghar, Jharkhand, and also emphasizes the importance of increasing nutrition awareness programs at the community level.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aditi Kumari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION (RTE) ACT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: AN ANALYTICAL AND POLICY STUDY OF GWALIOR DIVISION
It would not be incorrect to describe education as the fundamental basis of any nation's progress, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, is considered a crucial—and indeed decisive—step towards ensuring universal and inclusive education in India. The objective of this study is to examine the current status of the RTE Act's implementation in the secondary schools of Gwalior Division and to evaluate its policy implications. During the study, we focused on several key aspects, such as school infrastructure, teacher availability, student enrollment, attendance, educational quality, and various issues related to inclusive education. The study reveals that following the implementation of the RTE Act, enrollment increased in many areas, and public awareness regarding education improved. However, a lack of resources persisted in many schools—particularly at the foundational level—and there was an imbalance in the availability of trained teachers. Issues such as an imbalanced student-teacher ratio emerged, and persistent problems regarding the delivery of quality education were observed. This situation was particularly pronounced in rural and remote areas, where the impact was more evident. Furthermore, the study indicates that for the Act to be truly effective, administrative oversight must be significantly strengthened, the continuous availability of resources ensured, and community participation effectively integrated. Overall, this research offers several policy recommendations aimed at improving educational quality and ensuring equal opportunities; these suggestions could prove useful not only for the Gwalior Division but also for educational systems in other regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mamta Kailashiya, Alka Gupta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RIGHT TO COMMUNICATION AND THE DIGITAL GAP IN NORTH OF ARGENTINA: INTERNET ACCESS AS GUARANTEED TO THE ENJOYMENT OF PUBLIC SPACE
The main objective of this essay is to analyze the links between the concept of the right to communication and other notions, old and new, that are part of the field of reflection on citizenship, public space, and rights -attributions and duties- in the digital era and the issues access to and enjoyment of technology. The proposal triangulates the right to communication, the digital gap, and public space in the specific context of a particular region, northern Argentina. This place has unique features, including cultural interethnic diversity, deep economic inequality, and a mix of rural and urban populations. Thus, this reflection allows ends about the necessity that assume right to communication and digital gap since localized perspective, integral insight, and complex and interactive issues must be dealt with net to add multiple actors. With this focus, these discussions will be beyond juridic and academic ambits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Franco Hessling Herrera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EMPOWERMENT OF TRIBAL WOMEN THROUGH CSR LED ENTERPRISE MODEL: A STUDY OF TATA STEEL FOUNDATION IN JHARKHAND
The vision of Viksit Bharat-2047 could not be achieved without engaging women in leadership roles. Empowerment of women emerged as a critical dimension of inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in tribal regions where economic opportunities for women remain limited. In these regions, all stakeholders including government, CSR based foundations and NGOs are making their efforts to empower women. At many places, they initiated enterprise-based intervention models serving as an effective pathway for enhancing women’s decision-making capacity, income generation, and social status. In this context, the present study, examines the role of CSR led enterprise models supported by the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) of Jharkhand in women’s leadership and empowerment. Tata Steel Limited is a big name and their CSR funding is also huge. Besides, they are working extensively in Jharkhand and Odisha state as their CSR base. Thus, for this study, the TSF run five such enterprises of paper plates making units were selected from densely tribal dominated region in Ramgarh District of Jharkhand. An exploratory research design with a qualitative research approach was adopted using purposive sampling. A total sample of 25 respondents including five women participants from each unit were selected. Data were collected through the case study method, using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as the primary tool. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that enterprise interventions had significantly improved women’s position in many fronts including self-confidence, financial independence, leadership roles, and participation in household and community decision-making etc. Collective enterprise participation has also strengthened their solidarity, networking, and peer leadership. The enterprise interventions accompanied by skill training, market linkages, and institutional support are therefore serving as a transformative instrument towards women’s leadership and empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shaizy Ahmed, Shubham Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PATTERNS OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: EXAMINATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AMONG INDIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Social media use has become so embedded in the life of students that it has created a paradox of the digital age: while social media can connect students, it can also teach them, it can support them, it can also make them feel the need to compare with others, it can distract them, and it can cause them distress. The evidence base surrounding social media is both fragmented and contradictory, as treating 'use' as a monolithic construct. This study examines the distinct dimensions of social media use and their links to the psychological health of university students in India in a single model using the perspectives of psychology, media studies and education. In this study, a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design was used and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire targeting 352 students using stratified-purposive sampling technique. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, regression-based analysis of variance and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis of the data. The results indicate that the usage intensity, social comparison and fear of missing out (FoMO) have significant negative effects on psychological well-being, while online social support has a significant positive effect, and together these factors explain 47 per cent of the variance in psychological well-being. Daily use level also significantly affected well-being, with higher levels of well-being associated with less frequent use. The results confirm that psychological outcomes are not only driven by access to and duration of engagement but also by the pattern and nature of engagement, and suggest it is possible to foster more balanced, supportive digital behaviours and targeted institutional interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Meenu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EUROPEAN OFFICERS IN THE COURT OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH
The court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore was among the most cosmopolitan military courts of early 19th century Asia. In the period 1822-1839, many of these European officers, many of them veterans of the Napoleonic wars, were employed by the Sikh ruler as trainers, leaders and military engineers. This paper explores who they were, their motives, the functions they served and what their presence provides evidence for regarding the nature of the Sikh Empire as a political and military entity. The paper presents a contemporary account, letters and subsequent historical research to prove that the European officers were not simply hired thugs but also unwavering professionals. They were participants in a complicated negotiation between the military knowledge of the West and a sovereign court of Punjabi which knew no fear, was selective and confident in its absorption of foreign knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Balraj Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FOLKLORE AND PUBLIC MEMORY: THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF 1950 IN ASSAM
The 1950 earthquake in Assam, locally known as the 'bor bhuikap' (Great Earthquake), stands as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the region's recorded history. Measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale, it wrought profound devastation — displacing communities, claiming thousands of lives, and fundamentally altering the geography of the Brahmaputra valley. This paper examines the intersection of folklore and public memory in the aftermath of this seismic event, arguing that oral traditions, folk beliefs, songs, and personal testimonies served not merely as cultural artefacts but as critical mechanisms of community resilience, meaning-making, and disaster memory. Drawing on fieldwork, oral histories, and archival sources, the paper demonstrates how the earthquake became embedded in the collective consciousness of diverse Assamese communities, generating a rich body of folklore — from mythological explanations of divine wrath to narratives of survival and solidarity. The analysis contributes to broader social science debates on disaster, memory, and the role of cultural heritage in community recovery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jutika Patir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRENDS AND CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF CRIMES OF MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN RAIPUR DISTRICT: A LEGAL STUDY (2019–2024)
With specific reference to the Raipur district, this study on heinous crimes—such as murder and attempted murder—presents a comprehensive legal and criminological analysis of their trends, geographical distribution, and causative factors during the period spanning 2019 to 2024. The objective of this research is not merely to understand the statistical patterns of crime, but also to identify the social, economic, individual, and institutional factors that influence these offenses. The study relies entirely on secondary sources—specifically the National Crime Records Bureau, State Crime Records, District Police Reports, and Court Records—and employs a descriptive and analytical research methodology. Key findings clearly indicate that, despite fluctuations in the number of cases during the study period, the occurrence of murder and attempted murder has persisted consistently. The incidence of attempted murder cases was found to be higher than that of actual murders, suggesting that while violent tendencies are widespread, not all incidents result in fatal outcomes. Crimes were found to be significantly more prevalent in urban areas, whereas relatively fewer incidents were recorded in rural regions. A gender-based analysis revealed an overwhelming involvement of male accused persons (85–90%), while the involvement of women was found to be limited, yet driven by specific circumstantial factors. Consequently, the study concludes that punitive measures alone are insufficient for the effective prevention of homicidal crimes; rather, a coordinated and multi-dimensional policy intervention at the social, economic, and institutional levels is required. This research offers valuable insights for legal policymakers, administrative authorities, and the academic community.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abhay Pratap Singh, Dr. Rajesh Mani Tripathi, Dr. Vivek Malik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THEY PROTECTED THE KILLERS AND EXPELLED THE FATHER": JUDICIAL BEHAVIOR, STRUCTURAL IMPUNITY, AND PROPHETIC TESTIMONY IN THE MARCO AURÉLIO CÁRDENAS ACOSTA CASE
This article presents a qualitative behavioral analysis of the judicial hearing held on July 9, 2025, at the Foro Criminal da Barra Funda, São Paulo, Brazil, in criminal proceedings arising from the police killing of medical student Marco Aurélio Cárdenas Acosta (22), shot at point-blank range by Military Police officers on November 20, 2024. Using a first-person chronicle published by the author — a physician with 35 years of clinical practice and a dual doctorate — as a primary behavioral document, the study applies the concept of "prospective behavioral documentation": the proposition that observable conduct by judicial actors in a single critical encounter can function as a valid indicator of subsequent institutional behavior. Close reading of the chronicle, cross-validated against events documented over the following eighteen months, identifies four recurring patterns: judicial emotional detachment; prosecutorial ambivalence; trained affective neutralization by the accused officers; and systematic protection of perpetrators through procedural formalism. All patterns were confirmed: three denials of preventive detention, prosecutorial reversal, paralysis of two superior courts, and — most revealingly — a restraining order petition filed by the accused officers against the victim's father. In February 2026, a split decision committed the officers to trial by jury while keeping both free. The case is analyzed as an instance of what O’Donnell (1993) termed "brown areas" of democratic governance, and as evidence that first-person testimony by bereaved family members with analytical training may constitute a valid category of primary evidence in judicial accountability research.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julio César Acosta Navarro (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POLITICAL PARTIES: STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND DEMOCRATIC SIGNIFICANCE – AN OVERVIEW
A political party is an organized group of individuals who share common ideologies, goals, and policies and seek to gain political power and influence governance. The political parties are fundamental institutions in modern democracies that serve as intermediaries between citizens and the state. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and democratic significance of political parties. Drawing on classical and contemporary political theory, including works by Maurice Duverger and Giovanni Sartori, the study explores how parties organize political competition, mobilize participation, and contribute to governance. It also highlights contemporary challenges affecting their effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Md Irfan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREMCHAND’S NOVELS: SOCIAL REALISM, THE ANATOMY OF EXPLOITATION, AND THE CRISIS OF HUMAN VALUES
This research presents a multidimensional and critical analysis of the portrayal of social realism in Premchand’s major novels. Premchand (1880–1936) was a seminal, epoch-making novelist in Hindi literature who transformed the novel genre into a mirror of society. This study re-examines his literature in light of the nature of his realism, the concept of 'Idealistic Realism' (*Adarshonmukh Yatharthvad*), his contribution to the Progressive literary tradition, and contemporary Dalit criticism (Gajrawala, 2012). The research entails a detailed analysis of novels such as *Godan*, *Rangbhumi*, *Nirmala*, *Gaban*, *Sevasadan*, *Karmbhumi*, and *Premashram*. It places at its center themes such as the economics of rural India, the tragedy of the peasantry, the dynamics of the caste system, women's discourse, and the moral crisis of the urban middle class. The research concludes that Premchand’s realism begins with empathy and compassion, ultimately culminating in a demand for justice and equality. His novels remain relevant today in the context of caste-based violence, agrarian movements, and women's safety, notwithstanding certain historical limitations inherent in his realism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nandkishor, Gulab Singh Verma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
WORK STRESS IN COLLEGE TEACHERS OF MANIPUR: ROLES OF EFFORT–REWARD IMBALANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL CLIMATE
This paper takes a fresh look at how college teachers in Imphal experience job satisfaction and work stress, focusing specifically on their work environment and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) construct. Using survey responses from 400 teachers (N = 400), the results show that most faculty members report low surface-level stress. However, there is a clear mismatch between the hard work they put in (such as managing heavy workloads, meeting deadlines, and juggling multiple roles) and the rewards they feel they receive, such as basic recognition, a say in decisions, and real support from their administration. The workplace culture plays a major role in driving this stress, especially in how openly decisions are made and how well colleagues get along. Ultimately, the research shows that even though these teachers seem to be coping just fine day to day, there is a hidden layer of built-in stress deeply rooted in the college system itself.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haripyari Hanjabam, Saikhom Debina Chanu, Seram Raghumani Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
WOMEN IN JAINISM: ASCETICS AND PATRONS IN EPIGRAPHIC AND VISUAL TRADITIONS
This study examines the representation of women as ascetics and donors in Jain tradition, drawing upon inscriptions and their visual articulation in sculpture. It seeks to illuminate the paradox of women’s marginal textual voice yet prominent numerical and social presence within the Jain community. Although canonical texts, largely authored by monks, often portray the female body as inferior and a hindrance to spiritual progress, historical evidence consistently reveals that the number of sādhvīs/āryikās has surpassed that of monks. This distinctive feature of Jainism underscores the tension between textual silence and lived reality. By analyzing inscriptions, the study highlights women’s active participation in religious life—not only as ascetics but also as independent donors whose contributions shaped the material and spiritual landscape of Jain communities. Their presence in records of donations and household systems demonstrates a recognized social agency, even within the patriarchal framework of Brahmanical norms. Sculptural depictions further reinforce their visibility, offering a counterpoint to textual marginalization. Through this dual lens of inscriptional and visual sources, the article argues that Jainism’s approach to women was comparatively more inclusive than that of other contemporary traditions, while still constrained by prevailing social structures. The research thus contributes to understanding how women negotiated space within ascetic and donor roles, revealing the complex interplay between ideology, practice, and representation in Jain tradition.
Copyright (c) 2024 Virendra Singh Bithoo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MOTHERS OF POWER: THE SAPTAMĀTṚKĀ TRADITION IN EARLY MEDIEVAL RAJASTHAN
The cult of the Saptamātṛkās—the seven mother goddesses—represents one of the most distinctive strands of Hindu goddess worship, blending local, tribal, and pan Indian traditions. Their veneration is attested from early Purāṇic texts and inscriptions, and their iconography evolved significantly between the Gupta and medieval periods. Initially depicted as fierce emanations of major deities (Brahmī, Māheśvarī, Kaumārī, Vaiṣṇavī, Vārāhī, Indrāṇī, and Cāmuṇḍā), the Mātṛkās were shown in group panels, often accompanied by Śiva or Vīrabhadra. Over time, their imagery became more elaborate: each goddess acquired distinct mounts, weapons, gestures, and ornaments, reflecting both sectarian affiliations and regional artistic styles. The terrifying aspects of Cāmuṇḍā and Kālī, the martial symbolism of Vārāhī, and the maternal yet protective qualities of Brahmī and Vaiṣṇavī illustrate the spectrum of divine femininity. Archaeological finds from regions such as Rajasthan demonstrate how local traditions shaped their representation, with variations in posture, attributes, and ritual context. The worship of the Mātṛkās was not confined to collective cults; several, notably Cāmuṇḍā and Vārāhī, attained independent status as autonomous deities. Their iconographical development thus reflects the dynamic interplay of theology, ritual practice, and regional artistic idioms, underscoring the centrality of mother goddess worship in the evolution of Hindu religious art.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Virendra Singh Bithoo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROWING ELDERLY POPULATION OF JAPAN AND INDIA
India and Japan both are two quite different countries, generally from every aspect. Where India is a developing country and with a projected GDP growth rate of 6.5% in 2026, it is one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the world. But as compare to India, Japan is significantly more advanced country from many aspects such as health care system, socio-economic status & growth, technology, etc. As per “International Monetary Fund (IMF)” 2026 projection, Japan’s current GDP per capita income is 35.7 thousand U.S. dollars but in India it is only 2.81 thousand U.S. dollars. This means that in Japan average individual income is around 12 times more than that of India. Apart from all these significant difference between the economic status, there is a significant difference in both of these countries in terms of population also as both countries represent two totally different levels of demographic transition. Where the Japan has earned the title of a “super-aged society” in the world and is a home for world’s most rapidly ageing population but at same time experiencing a continuous decline in its overall population, India is comparatively having young population but is ageing rapidly. As increasing elderly population carries many adverse implications with it, this research paper aims to offer a comparative analysis of the demographic transitions occurring in both India and Japan. Furthermore, it also tries to explore the policies and strategies, which these countries are implementing to manage the challenges and opportunities presented by their shifting age structures i.e. growing elderly population.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aman Lata (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENTANGLED DETERRENCE: DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES AND STRATEGIC STABILITY IN SOUTHERN ASIA
This paper develops a hybridised theoretical framework, termed "Entangled Deterrence," to examine how dual-use emerging technologies are systematically undermining strategic stability across the Southern Asian security complex. Focusing on India's evolving posture within a tripolar nuclear environment involving China and Pakistan, the paper argues that artificial intelligence-enabled command and control, offensive cyber capabilities, and dual-use space-based sensing infrastructures interact to produce two structurally destabilising effects: decision compression, wherein the time available for deliberate crisis management shrinks to algorithmically determined windows; and C3I entanglement, wherein conventional and nuclear command architectures become indistinguishable to an adversary.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shubham Rai (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CLASSIFICATION OF TRIBES IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT: AN ANALYSIS
Tribal societies point towards those early stages of human history where culture possessed the distinct characteristic of being unique to each specific human group—a culture that has since evolved to reach its current state of development. The present article attempts to classify the various tribes of India based on geographical, economic, racial, and linguistic parameters. Furthermore, it examines how their culture has undergone transformation in the modern era following contact with outsiders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anirudhdhasinh Y. Raulji (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE PORTRAYAL OF THE DALIT PEOPLE IN PREMCHAND'S FICTION
As Premchand was a socially conscious storyteller who authored a substantial body of both short stories and novels, he masterfully portrayed the social realities of his era in both his short fiction and his longer works. Premchand's narrative literature offers a comprehensive depiction of the various issues plaguing society during his time. His fiction portrays a wide spectrum of challenges—ranging from the problems of rural life to issues concerning family dynamics, education, religion, communal relations, industrialization, the struggle for Indian self-rule, and socio-economic exploitation. Furthermore, his narrative works chronicle numerous other problems prevalent in the society and times in which he lived. The issue of untouchability (the 'Dalit problem') is one such critical concern that finds expression in both his short stories and his novels. During Premchand's era, the living conditions of Dalits (the 'untouchables') within society were far from satisfactory. Given that Dalits constituted an integral part of Indian Hindu society, struggles and movements were underway at various levels to bring about improvements and upliftment in their status.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dilipbhai J. Vasava (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EMPOWERING WOMEN TO BRIDGE THE HEALTHCARE GAPS IN KUTUBDIA
Kutubdia, a remote island in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, faces chronic barriers to education, health care, and women’s empowerment due to its geographic isolation, limited government service provision, and entrenched patriarchal norms. In 2021, Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), with support from Malteser International, initiated a community-based primary health care project aimed at improving maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes by strengthening community clinics and enhancing outreach to underserved households. Baseline data revealed low maternal health service uptake, with only 33% of pregnant women receiving regular antenatal care and most deliveries conducted by unskilled attendants. To address physical access constraints, GK deployed midwives, a medical officer, and community health workers, who later adopted an innovative door-to-door service model using scooters to reach remote households. This approach not only improved timely access to antenatal, postnatal, and outpatient services but also challenged restrictive gender norms by positioning women as visible health leaders in the community. Between 2022 and 2025, four ANC visits increased from 11% to 35%, PNC coverage rose from 6% to 24%, outpatient service utilization tripled from 20% to 60%, and participation in awareness sessions expanded to 65%. The initiative demonstrates how women-led mobility and community-driven primary care can strengthen health systems, promote gender empowerment, and shift social attitudes in climate-vulnerable, hard-to-reach settings. The Kutubdia model presents a scalable approach for advancing equitable, community-based health care in similar remote contexts.
Kutubdia, Bangladesh, Women Empowerment, Healthcare, Gonoshasthaya Kendra
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr.Munzur E Murshid, Dr.Shutopa Islam, Md Matiur Rahaman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY
ASEAN has established itself as a strong and influential regional organization in contemporary international politics and the global economy. Comprising 11 Southeast Asian nations, it not only serves as a vehicle for regional stability and cooperation but also plays a central role in the Asian economic landscape. The systematic expansion of formal relations between India and ASEAN began especially after the 1990s. This was a period when India implemented structural changes in its economic policies, embracing liberalization, privatization, and globalization. These economic reforms paved the way for India’s deeper integration with the global market and strengthened the economic dimension of its foreign policy. In this changing context, the “Look East Policy” was formulated to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian countries, providing a new direction to India’s foreign policy. The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the end of the Cold War resulted in profound changes in the international balance of power. The emerging unipolar structure, replacing the bipolar world order, redefined the priorities of global politics. This change was of particular significance for India, as the deterioration of its long-standing strategic relationship with the Soviet Union underscored the need for a rebalancing of foreign policy. Furthermore, the balance of payments crisis that emerged at that time necessitated economic restructuring. Following economic liberalization, India opened its market to a greater extent for international trade and foreign investment. Against this backdrop, India took concrete steps towards institutionalizing multifaceted cooperation with ASEAN through the Look East Policy, launched in 1992. Southeast Asian countries also viewed post-liberalization India as a major emerging market and potential investment destination. Furthermore, India’s role in the regional power balance was increasingly recognized, especially at a time when other major powers were becoming more active in the Asia-Pacific region. Consequently, relations between India and ASEAN gradually strengthened based on mutual economic interests, strategic needs, and shared aspirations for regional stability. Currently, ASEAN is among India’s major trading partners, and bilateral trade and investment cooperation is steadily expanding. The Act East Policy, an evolution of the Look East Policy, has given this partnership a more proactive, implementation-oriented, and strategic character. This relationship plays a crucial role in shaping the Asian balance of power, regional stability, and inclusive development in the twenty-first century. Thus, the nature of cooperation between India and ASEAN is increasingly dynamic, multi-layered and forward-looking, laying the foundation for serving the long-term interests of both sides in the changing global landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kanchan kumari, Aashish Kr. Bariyar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INDIA’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN THE MODI ERA: SOFT POWER AS A STRATEGIC TOOL IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
India’s cultural diplomacy has emerged as a pivotal instrument of soft power in the Modi era, reshaping its global identity and influence in international relations. Rooted in civilizational heritage and contemporary innovation, India’s projection of culture—through yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood, cuisine, and diaspora engagement—has been strategically aligned with foreign policy objectives. The Modi government has amplified these assets by institutionalizing initiatives such as the International Day of Yoga, expanding cultural centers abroad, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance India’s global narrative. This paper examines how cultural diplomacy functions not merely as symbolic outreach but as a strategic tool in global governance, enabling India to strengthen partnerships, counterbalance rival powers, and assert leadership in multilateral forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations. By analyzing case studies of India’s cultural initiatives and their reception in diverse regions, the study highlights both opportunities and challenges in sustaining soft power as a complement to hard power. Ultimately, the research underscores that India’s cultural diplomacy in the Modi era represents a deliberate recalibration of soft power, positioning the country as a normative actor in shaping global governance discourses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ramesh Chandra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AN ECO-CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MODERN ENGLISH LITERATURE: DEPICTIONS OF NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The ecocriticism is now a significant inter-disciplinary practice and it examines the relationship between the natural world and literature. The current research paper will analyze the way in which nature is depicted in the modern English literature and the way in which environmental consciousness evolved. It discusses the environmental concerns, which the contemporary writers explore in their texts such as the degradation of the environment, global warming, industrialization and human nature relationship. By an examination of the selected literary works, the paper has elicited the turning of nature into romanticized ideas to satirical and sometimes frightening ideas on the potential who express contemporary environmental calamities. The role of literature as a tool to raise environmental awareness and ethical responsibility is also discussed in the paper. Eco-critically speaking, this research paper demonstrates that modern English books are not merely a mirror of environmental concerns but they also adjust in the audience to sustainable thinking and ecological awareness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Rutuja P. Ghorpade (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND SELF-CONFIDENCE IN STUDENTS
The objective of the present study is to analyze the role of the teacher in the development of communication skills and self-confidence among students. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted for this study, wherein data was collected through interviews, observations, and questionnaire-based surveys. The study examined how a teacher's teaching style, encouragement, guidance, and the classroom environment influence students' communication skills and self-confidence. The results of the statistical and qualitative analyses clearly demonstrated that a teacher's positive demeanor, participatory teaching methods, and constructive feedback play a significant role in fostering students' communication skills and self-confidence. Students who received greater encouragement and guidance from their teachers were found to possess higher levels of self-confidence and were better able to articulate their thoughts effectively. The study further indicates that a collaborative and encouraging classroom environment enhances active student participation, thereby facilitating the holistic development of their personalities. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to organize skill-development workshops and to train teachers in the application of effective teaching techniques. This study offers valuable guidance for teachers, academicians, and policymakers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rajendra Kumar Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN INDIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Inclusive education has emerged as an important educational approach that seeks to provide equal learning opportunities for all students regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, cultural, or economic differences. In recent decades, inclusive education has gained global recognition as a key strategy for promoting equality and social justice in education. In India, the concept of inclusive education is particularly significant due to the country’s diverse population and the presence of large numbers of children with disabilities, socio-economically disadvantaged groups, and marginalized communities. The Indian education system has adopted various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive education, including the Right to Education Act (2009), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These policies emphasize the need to integrate children with disabilities and other marginalized groups into mainstream educational institutions. Inclusive education not only ensures equal access to education but also promotes social integration, respect for diversity, and the development of democratic values among students. Despite significant policy efforts, the implementation of inclusive education in India continues to face several challenges. These challenges include lack of trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure, limited availability of learning resources, and persistent social stigma associated with disability and marginalization. In addition, disparities between urban and rural educational institutions further complicate the effective implementation of inclusive practices. This paper examines the concept and significance of inclusive education in the Indian context. It explores the opportunities created by policy reforms, technological advancements, and growing social awareness while also analyzing the challenges that hinder the successful implementation of inclusive education. The study further suggests strategies for strengthening inclusive education practices in India and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, communities, and families.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Arun Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0