Research Review Journal of Social Science
हिंदी में पढ़ें | ગુજરાતી માટે ક્લિક કરો UGC Guidelines on Peer-Reviewed Journals The Research Review Journal of Social Science (RRJSS) is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to the advancement of research in the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities. Established in the year 2021, the journal provides a credible and inclusive platform for academicians, researchers, and scholars from India and across the globe to publish high-quality and original research work. RRJSS publishes research articles, review articles, and short communications that contribute to theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The journal follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic integrity, originality, and adherence to ethical publishing standards, while also offering timely and efficient publication. To promote global knowledge exchange and wider dissemination of research, RRJSS accepts manuscripts in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, making scholarly work accessible to diverse academic communities. As an open-access journal, RRJSS ensures unrestricted worldwide access to all published content. The journal welcomes submissions from international authors, universities, research institutions, and academic organizations, encouraging cross-cultural research, comparative studies, and global academic collaboration. Journal Information Title: Research Review Journal of Social Science (RRJSS) Year of Start: 2021 Frequency of Publication: Bi-Annual (Two Issues per Year) ISSN (Online): 2583-2867 Peer Review Process: Double-Blind Peer Review Subject Areas: Social Sciences and Humanities Languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati Indexing: Google Scholar Accessibility: Open Access Plagiarism Detection: Turnitin (Licensed) Publication Format: Online Contact Details Contact No.: +91 93284 90029 Email: editor@rrjournals.co.in Website: https://rrjournals.co.in/ Address: 15/B, Kalyan Nagar Society, Fire Brigade Road, Outside Shahpur Gate, Ahmedabad – 380004, Gujarat, India
RESEARCH REVIEW PUBLICATION Registration No. UDYAM-GJ-14-0031580
Impact of Jawai Dam Water Management on the Water Crisis in Western Rajasthan
Water scarcity remains a critical issue in the dry and semi-arid areas of western Rajasthan. The Jawai Dam, located in Pali district, serves as a vital water source for irrigation, potable use, and ecological requirements of the surrounding regions. This research article aims to examine the degree to which the ongoing water crisis in western Rajasthan is mitigated by the water management strategies of Jawai Dam. Data was gathered from governmental publications and other published research articles employing a descriptive research methodology. The study indicates that Jawai Dam's optimal functionality is hindered by poor management, siltation, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, despite its significant improvements in irrigation capacity and drinking water supply. The study asserts that the region's enduring sustainability and equitable water allocation depend on the modernization of distribution infrastructure, public engagement, and integrated water resource management.
Developed India @2047: Envisioning a Strong and Prosperous India through Environmental Consciousness
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is the essence of environmental sustainability, which is also one of the fundamental pillars of a Developed India. A "Strong India" is not merely a slogan; it is a vision that every citizen aspires to realize. However, the irony lies in the fact that the goal of sustainable development is being reconsidered in a world that thrives on a culture of excessive consumption, particularly in developed countries. As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, it faces the critical challenge of maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. The primary objective of this research paper is to examine the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, while also highlighting the challenges associated with this process. Abstract in Hindi Language: "भविष्य की पीढ़ियों की आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने की क्षमता से समझौता किए बिना आज की आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करना" ही पर्यावरण स्थिरता हैं जो विकसित भारत का प्रमुख्य आधार स्तंभ भी है क्योकि "सशक्त भारत" केवल एक नारा नहीं, बल्कि वह स्वप्न है, जिसे हर देशवासी अपनी आंखों में संजोना चाहता है| विडंबना यह है कि विकसित भारत में सतत विकास के लक्ष्य पर एक ऐसे विश्व में पुनर्विचार किया जा रहा है जो अति-उपभोग की संस्कृति पर फल-फूल रहा है, विशेषकर विकसित देशों में। इसलिए आज भारत 2047 तक एक विकसित राष्ट्र बनने की दिशा में आगे बढ़ते हुए, आर्थिक विकास और पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता के बीच संतुलन बनाने की चुनौती का सामना कर रहा है। आर्थिक विकास और पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता के मध्य संतुलन बनाते हुए सरकार क्या-क्या प्रयास कर रही हैं, इसका अध्ययन करना और चुनौतियों पर प्रकाश डालना मेरे इस शोध पत्र का प्रमुख्य उद्देश्य है| Keywords: विकसित भारत@2047, पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता, मानव विकास सूचकांक, पर्यावरण नीति, 'पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय', जैव विविधता संरक्षण
Postcolonial Perspectives in Indian English Literature: An Overview
This paper examines postcolonial perspectives in Indian English literature by analyzing how writers negotiate the enduring cultural, psychological, and political legacies of colonialism. Drawing upon the theories of Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, the study explores key themes such as linguistic appropriation, hybrid identity, historical revisionism, marginality, gender, diaspora, and environmental justice. It argues that Indian English writers transform the colonial language into a medium of cultural assertion while challenging imperial narratives and recovering suppressed histories. Through the works of Raja Rao, Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Arundhati Roy, Mulk Raj Anand, Bama, Mahasweta Devi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai, and others, the paper demonstrates how literature becomes a site of resistance, self-representation, and identity formation. It concludes that postcolonial Indian English literature extends beyond anti-colonial discourse to engage with globalization, social inequality, ecological concerns, and evolving notions of nationhood, thereby contributing significantly to contemporary postcolonial scholarship.
Human Dignity under Totalitarian Control: A Humanistic Reading of Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451
This study investigates the issue of human dignity under totalitarian authority through a critical, comparative humanistic reading of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Both works are set in distinct dystopian nations, but they both explore the how systems of power may slowly turn human beings into compliant, conditioned and socially controllable creatures. The essay deals with the annihilation of autonomy through psychological training, censorship, technological control, consumerism, manufactured consent and the repression of critical thought. In Huxley’s dystopia, societal stability and manufactured happiness are employed to destroy individuality, emotional depth, independence and the yearning for independent thought. Bradbury’s civilization, in contrast, demonstrates how censorship, mass entertainment, technological distraction and intellectual inactivity may build a culture that quickly relinquishes knowledge and contemplation. Drawing on humanistic thought of Erich Fromm, Hannah Arendt, Herbert Marcuse and Michel Foucault, the paper argues that human dignity depends on the preservation of autonomy, critical consciousness, memory, meaningful relationships, creativity and capacity for moral choice. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that the two novels portray resistance as a humanistic awakening. John’s refusal to accept manufactured bliss and Montag’s reawakening of intellectual curiosity show how it is possible to take back human dignity from repressive regimes. The most important point I got from this study is that totalitarian control is most harmful when domination is disguised as happiness, security, comfort, or societal stability. The paper concludes that Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451 are still very relevant as warnings of how human dignity can be undermined not only by obvious political violence but also by technologies, institutions, and cultural practices that gradually erode the human capacity to think, question, remember, and choose freely.
Impact of Environmental Change on the Santhal Community in Dumka District and Government Initiatives
The present research study is based on four selected villages of Dumka district, Jharkhand, namely Phulopani, Muhjoba, Gandak, and Jhiluwa. The study presents an empirical analysis of the multidimensional impacts of climate change on the health of the Santhal community within the specific geographical and cultural context of these villages. Using primary data, the research examines the extent to which rising average temperatures and the increasing uncertainty of monsoon patterns have heightened the health vulnerability of the Santhal community. The study scientifically assesses the contamination of traditional water sources, including wells, ponds, and natural springs, across the selected villages and examines the resulting increase in water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera. Based on 40 household surveys and 20 in-depth interviews, the research further analyzes how the decline in local biodiversity has placed nearly 30% of the medicinal herbs traditionally used by the Santhal community at risk of becoming scarce. The findings reveal that climate change is adversely affecting not only the physical health of the Santhal people but also their mental well-being and socio-economic conditions. The study also highlights how the depletion of natural resources is challenging the effectiveness and sustainability of the community's indigenous healthcare knowledge and practices. Furthermore, the research finds that the roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have improved access to healthcare services. However, significant deficiencies in safe drinking water and healthcare infrastructure continue to persist. Finally, the study evaluates the resilience of the Santhal community's traditional adaptation mechanisms and critically examines the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at health protection. It emphasizes the need for community-based adaptation strategies and the scientific integration of indigenous knowledge into local policy frameworks to strengthen climate resilience and improve public health outcomes. Abstract in Hindi Language: वर्तमान शोध अध्ययन झारखंड के दुमका जिले के चार चयनित गांवों—फूलोपानी, मुहजोबा, गंडक और झिलुवा के विषेश संदर्भ पर आधारित है। यह शोध चयनित गावों के विशिष्ट भौगोलिक एवं सांस्कृतिक परिप्रेक्ष्य में जलवायु परिवर्तन तथा संथाल समुदाय के स्वास्थ्य पर पड़ने वाले बहुआयामी प्रभावों का अनुभवजन्य (Empirical) विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत करता है। यह शोध प्राथमिक आंकड़ों के माध्यम से इस तथ्य की पड़ताल करता है कि बढ़ते औसत तापमान और मानसून की अनिश्चितता ने संथाल समुदाय की स्वास्थ्य सुभेद्यता (Vulnerability) को किस सीमा तक बढ़ाया है। इस शोध के अंतर्गत चयनित चारों गांवों में पारंपरिक जल स्रोतों (कुओं, तालाबों, प्राकृतिक झरनों) के दूषित होने तथा उससे उत्पन्न जलजनित रोगों (डायरिया, टाइफाइड, हैजा) में वृद्धि का वैज्ञानिक आकलन किया गया है। कुल 40 घरेलू सर्वेक्षणों और 20 गहन साक्षात्कारों के माध्यम से यह विश्लेषण किया गया कि स्थानीय जैवविविधता में गिरावट के कारण संथालों द्वारा प्रयुक्त लगभग 30% औषधीय जड़ी-बूटियाँ दुर्लभ होने की कगार पर हैं। शोध के निष्कर्ष यह विश्लेषित करता हैं कि जलवायु परिवर्तन संथाल समुदाय के लोगों को न केवल भौतिक स्वास्थ्य बल्कि मानसिक स्वास्थ्य और सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति को भी प्रभावित कर रहा है। इसके साथ ही साथ यह शोध विश्लेषित करता है कि 'संसाधन ह्रास' किस प्रकार संथाल समुदाय के देशज स्वास्थ्य ज्ञान की सीमाओं को चुनौती दे रहा है। अध्ययन में पाया गया कि प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना के तहत नवनिर्मित सड़कों ने स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं तक पहुंच को सुगम बनाया है, लेकिन अभी भी पेयजल और स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं की कमी बनी हुई है । अंततः, यह अध्ययन संथाल समुदाय के पारंपरिक अनुकूलन तंत्र की सक्षमता का परीक्षण करता है। इसके साथ स्वास्थ्य निवारण की दिशा में किए गए सरकारी प्रयासों का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण करते हुए स्थानीय नीतियों में 'समुदाय-आधारित अनुकूलन' एवं देशज ज्ञान के 'वैज्ञानिक एकीकरण' की आवश्यकता पर बल देता है। Keywords: जलवायु परिवर्तन, संथाल समुदाय, दुमका, देशज स्वास्थ्य ज्ञान, स्वास्थ्य सुभेद्यता, औषधीय जड़ी-बूटियाँ, समुदाय-आधारित अनुकूलन, जलजनित रोग, और सरकारी प्रयास
Socio-Cultural Aspects and Their Impact on Partition Novels with Special Reference to Bapsi Sidhwa
The Partition of India in 1947 remains one of the most powerful and tragic events in South Asian history, shaping not only political boundaries but also deeply affecting the social and cultural fabric of the subcontinent. Partition novels, as a literary response to this event, explore the emotional, psychological, and communal consequences experienced by ordinary people. Among the many writers who have portrayed the trauma of Partition, Bapsi Sidhwa stands out for her sensitive and realistic depiction of human relationships, cultural tensions, and social breakdown during this turbulent period. Her novels, especially Ice-Candy-Man (also published as Cracking India), offer a nuanced understanding of how socio-cultural factors—such as religion, class, gender, ethnicity, and community identity—shape individual experiences and collective memories of Partition. This abstract studies the socio-cultural aspects present in Sidhwa’s work and examines how these elements influence her representation of Partition. Sidhwa highlights the fragile harmony among various communities before Partition, stressing how cultural diversity once formed the basis of everyday life in Lahore. Through the eyes of her young protagonist, Lenny, she shows how communal trust collapses under the weight of political decisions and growing hostility. Gendered violence, displacement, and the breakdown of social structures are presented as central themes, revealing how women, minorities, and marginalized groups suffered the most. Sidhwa also portrays the Parsi community’s unique position as neutral observers, offering an important perspective on how smaller groups navigated the crisis. By analysing these socio-cultural dimensions, this paper emphasizes the importance of Partition novels in preserving historical memory and understanding collective trauma. Sidhwa’s work not only records the human cost of Partition but also encourages readers to reflect on tolerance, coexistence, and the dangers of communal division. Her contribution enriches Partition literature by combining personal narrative with broader cultural insight, making her novels essential for understanding the socio-cultural impact of Partition on South Asian society.
This paper, largely based on conceptual and theoretical orientations, addresses two relevant perspectives that is gender and sex through the disciplines of biology and sociology. It is argued that gender and sex are ambiguous as far as both disciplines are concerned. Gender is used in this context as an analytical tool to comprehend social facts pertaining to women and men whereas sex refers to physical differences of the human body. The former is socially constructed and the latter is biologically determined. In this connection, an attempt for this paper is made to focus on how gender and sex are differentiated from each other socially and naturally. It is then gender socialisation and gender role remain imperative for sexes.
Healthcare, Citizenship and Social Inclusion - A Sociological Analysis of Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
When Ayushman Bharat was launched in 2018, it was described as the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programme. That description is factually accurate. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) component covers over 12 crore households, offers cashless hospitalisation cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and has — according to the National Health Authority dashboard — already authorised over 6.8 crore hospital admissions and over ₹85,000 crore in claims. This paper tries to look at what all of this has actually meant for social inclusion in India. Drawing on NHA dashboards, PM-JAY annual reports, MoHFW policy documents and a range of sociological research, it attempts to go beyond the numbers to ask: who is genuinely benefiting, and who is still being left out? The findings are, as one might expect, mixed. The scheme has done really good. It has also reproduced some old inequalities in new forms, particularly around urban-rural hospital clustering, biometric authentication failures at kiosks, and the very real difficulty that many rural women face in physically accessing empanelled hospitals even when they hold a valid card. The paper closes with some practical policy suggestions.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Indianness and the quest for identity in V. S. Naipaul's A House for Mr Biswas
The concept of Indianness occupies a central position in V. S. Naipaul's novels. Although he was born in Trinidad, a Caribbean island country, Naipaul inherited a deep Indian cultural legacy from ancestors who migrated as indentured labourers. His father was an unpaid labourer on a sugarcane farm. In A House for Mr Biswas (1961), Naipaul depicts Mohun Biswas, an Indo-Trinidadian character seeking to establish his identity in a colonial, culturally fragmented society. This paper explores Naipaul's representation of Indianness through family traditions, religious practices, cultural memory, and the pursuit of self-awareness. It contends that Indianness in the novel functions not merely as a hereditary attribute but as a dynamic force shaping the protagonist's consciousness and quest for belonging.
Knowledge-Intensive Service Industries, Capital Deepening and Labor Productivity in India: Evidence from an Endogenous Growth Framework
The knowledge-intensive service industries (KISI’s) have revolutionized the economy by bringing about knowledge, innovations, and human capital as major factors of production in productivity growth and economic development. In India, the service sector accounts for more than fifty percent of Gross Value Added (GVA), with some important sectors being Information and Communication, Financial and Insurance Activities, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services which are becoming increasingly important in technological innovation and development. Taking into consideration the concept of endogenous growth theory, the current study examines the significance of knowledge-based service sectors for the growth in labour productivity in India, focusing mainly on the dimensions of capital deepening, capital structure, and labour skill levels. The labour productivity is estimated using the ratio of value-added per labour unit employed. The capital stock, capital composition index, and labour quality index can be seen as key independent variables for the present research work. Data has been collected from the database of India KLEMS. Various statistical methods like descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis will be applied in this study.
Impact of Organizational Climate on Leadership Effectiveness and Job Satisfaction Among Secondary School Principals
This study looks at how organizational environment affects secondary school admins work satisfaction and effectiveness as leaders. Within schools, organizational environment affects their leadership behavior, cooperation, communication, and trust. A positive school atmosphere helps principals to perform their administrative duties efficiently. In this study, 50 secondary school principals were chosen at random. Questionnaires were sent to them and data was collected. After this, this data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and percentage analysis. The findings showed a favorable relationship between ‘organizational climate’, ‘job satisfaction’ and ‘leadership effectiveness’. Where ever, principals working in supportive contexts, a higher level of professional satisfaction and leadership performance improvement was observed. As per this study's findings, improving organizational environment can improve administrators and their school performance positively.
Government and Private Secondary Schools
Urban Family, Sanitation, and Public Health: A Sociological Review of Contemporary India
Rapid urbanization has transformed the social structure, living conditions, and health profiles of families in India. Despite improvements in sanitation infrastructure and public health policies, disparities in access to hygienic living environments continue to affect urban households, particularly among economically and socially marginalized populations. This review paper examines the interrelationship between family structure, sanitation practices, and public health from a sociological perspective. Drawing upon national and international literature, the paper explores how family characteristics, socioeconomic status, gender relations, cultural norms, and urban governance shape sanitation behaviour and health outcomes. It also critically evaluates major government initiatives and identifies existing research gaps. The review concludes that sustainable urban health depends not only on infrastructure development but also on strengthening family-based behavioural change, community participation, and socially inclusive public policies.
Sustainable Development with Special Study of Himachal Pradesh
Sustainable development is a balanced idea of development. It does not reject economic growth, but it insists that growth should not destroy nature, public health, social justice and the rights of future generations. In India, sustainable development has received constitutional and judicial recognition through Article 21, Article 48A and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court has also treated sustainable development as part of Indian environmental law. Himachal Pradesh is an important state for the study of sustainable development because it is a Himalayan state with rich forests, rivers, biodiversity, tourism potential and hydropower resources. At the same time, it is ecologically fragile and vulnerable to landslides, floods, cloudbursts, forest degradation, unplanned construction and climate change. This article studies the meaning, legal basis and practical importance of sustainable development with special reference to Himachal Pradesh. It argues that Himachal Pradesh needs a mountain-sensitive model of development based on ecological protection, disaster-resilient planning, responsible tourism, strict environmental regulation and local community participation.
Coming-of-Age Narratives in North-East Indian Women’s English Fiction: A Review of Literature on Female Bildungsroman and Gendered Identity
This review of literature examines major scholarly contributions on North-East Indian women’s English writing with particular emphasis on the works of Easterine Kire, Anjum Hasan, Daisy Hasan, Daribha Lyndem, and Malsawmi Jacob. The study explores how selected novels represent women’s experiences through themes of gender, identity, memory, trauma, belonging, and cultural negotiation. Existing scholarship highlights the significance of tribal and matrilineal contexts, collective memory, political conflict, and the relationship between individual and community identities. The review further demonstrates the relevance of feminist theory, postcolonial studies, cultural identity theory, trauma studies, and intersectionality in understanding these narratives. Special attention is given to the female Bildungsroman, which presents coming-of-age as a multidimensional process shaped by social, cultural, historical, and emotional factors. The review identifies important research gaps, including the lack of comparative studies, limited use of interdisciplinary approaches, and insufficient attention to empowerment and policy concerns. It establishes the rationale for a comparative study of six novels and highlights their relevance to issues of gender justice, education, cultural preservation, and social inclusion.
Forging Unity through Education: Vallabhbhai Patel’s views on the role of education in the unity of India
Education is vital for any society to run democratically and strengthen the nation's foundation. Education helps improve people's lives by enabling them to understand their rights and participate in the political system. Education plays a key role in the all-round development of people and makes society a better place by fostering critical thinking, promoting social cohesion, and empowering individuals to contribute positively to their communities, which in turn supports the democratic values that leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel championed during the unification of India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the architects of modern India and played a central role in the unification of the states within India's boundaries. Patel believed in an education system that instills patriotic values in children. Patel believed in an education system that would instill a sense of national unity among the young generation and promote the nation's integration. Patel wanted an education system accessible to all, regardless of gender. This paper explores Patel’s views on education in post-colonial India’s nation-building and national unity. This paper also scrutinises Patel's critical and under-examined views on the type of education system India should adopt. Still, this paper will explore his views on the role of education in developing a new independent India. This paper will examine his ideas regarding the role of education in promoting India's unity, social justice, and development.
Strategic Autonomy of India’s Foreign Policy: Contemporary Problems and Challenges
India has emerged as one of the fastest growing major economies in the world in the twenty first century. With the continued expansion of its economy base, several estimates suggest that India could become the world’s third largest economy by 2031. However, despite sustained economic growth, the realization of the vision of a developed India by 2047 largely depends on how effectively the country responds to emerging security challenges. These new-age threats not only affect national security but also test India’s strategic autonomy and its ability to make independent decisions in global affairs. In this article, three key issue areas are examined: the Asian nuclear dilemma, climate change and energy security, and the geopolitics of international trade. Each of these emerging security concerns has significant implications for the strategic autonomy of India’s foreign policy. The article argues that an assertive and timely response by Indian foreign policy to these challenges will strengthen India’s strategic autonomy, which is essential for achieving the vision of a developed nation by 2047.
Prevalence and Determinants of Malaria among Older Adults in India: An Analysis of Socio-demographic and Household Variables using LASI, Wave-1, 2017-18
Background and objectives: Malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite control efforts, it remains a major public health concern, especially among older adults. This study examines the prevalence and socio-demographic and household determinants of malaria among older adults in India using LASI Wave-1 (2017–18). Methods: This study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 (2017–18), including 72,270 adults aged 45 years and above. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of socio-demographic and household factors with malaria Results: Malaria prevalence was higher in rural (9.2%) than urban areas (3.7%). Alcohol consumption was associated with higher odds of malaria in urban areas (AOR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.61–2.06). In rural areas, individuals in the richest wealth quintile had higher odds of malaria (AOR: 1.33). Households with more than five members showed increased malaria risk in both rural (AOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.15–1.39) and urban areas (AOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.19–1.81). Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations had significantly higher odds of malaria in rural (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.45–1.95) and urban areas (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.37–3.28). Additionally, kutcha housing, unimproved drinking water and sanitation facilities, and the use of unclean cooking fuel were associated with higher odds of malaria in both settings. Interpretation and conclusions: The study has identified the major Socio-demographic and housing factors associated with malaria. Higher malaria risk was observed among Scheduled Tribes, individuals living in kutcha houses, large households, and residents of high-burden states. Improving housing conditions, sanitation, access to clean water, and rural health infrastructure may help reduce malaria risk in this population.
Transgender Discourse and Human Rights in Hindi Novels Centered on the Transgender Community
Human rights are the inherent and universal rights of every individual, including the rights to life, equality, freedom, dignity, and equal opportunities for development. However, in the context of the transgender community, the actual realization of these rights often remains questionable. Due to social neglect, discrimination, and inequality, their lives are surrounded by numerous challenges. This reality has been sensitively portrayed in many Hindi novels. The characters in novels based on transgender discourse face physical, psychological, and social hardships, yet they continue to struggle for self-respect and identity. These works not only depict their suffering but also highlight their courage, resilience, and aspiration for liberation. Novels written on transgender lives in Hindi literature broaden social awareness and encourage readers to seriously reflect on issues such as human rights, equality, and social justice. Abstract in Hindi Language: मानवाधिकार प्रत्येक व्यक्ति के जन्मजात और सार्वभौमिक अधिकार हैं, जिनमें जीवन, समानता, स्वतंत्रता, सम्मान और विकास के समान अवसर शामिल हैं। किंतु किन्नर समुदाय के संदर्भ में इन अधिकारों की वास्तविक स्थिति अक्सर प्रश्नों के घेरे में दिखाई देती है। सामाजिक उपेक्षा, भेदभाव और असमानता के कारण उनका जीवन अनेक कठिनाइयों से घिरा रहता है। इसी यथार्थ को हिंदी के अनेक उपन्यासों ने संवेदनशीलता के साथ अभिव्यक्त किया है। किन्नर-विमर्श पर आधारित उपन्यासों के पात्र शारीरिक, मानसिक और सामाजिक कष्टों का सामना करते हुए भी आत्मसम्मान और अस्तित्व के लिए संघर्ष करते हैं। ये रचनाएँ केवल उनकी पीड़ा का चित्रण नहीं करतीं, बल्कि उनके साहस, संघर्षशीलता और मुक्ति की आकांक्षा को भी सामने लाती हैं। हिंदी साहित्य में किन्नर जीवन पर लिखे गए उपन्यास सामाजिक चेतना को विस्तृत करते हुए पाठकों को मानवाधिकार, समानता और सामाजिक न्याय जैसे प्रश्नों पर गंभीरता से विचार करने के लिए प्रेरित करते हैं। Keywords: किन्नर, मानवाधिकार, समानता, अस्तित्व, सामाजिक, पीड़ा, सम्मान, अधिकार।
PRI and SHG Convergence: A Conceptual Analysis of Grassroots Governance and Economic Empowerment in Rural India
The intersection of local self-governance and grassroots economic mobilization forms the cornerstone of sustainable rural development in contemporary India. This paper provides a rigorous conceptual analysis of the institutional convergence between Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). While PRIs represent formal political decentralization mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, SHGs embody informal socio-economic empowerment, primarily driving financial inclusion and gender mainstreaming through initiatives like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). Historically operating in silos, the symbiotic integration of these two pillars has emerged as a powerful mechanism for transforming rural landscapes. This study examines the theoretical frameworks underpinning this convergence, explores successful structural models across various Indian states (such as Kudumbashree in Kerala and the SHG-PRI convergence initiatives in Odisha), and critically analyzes the systemic barriers—including patriarchal resistance, role ambiguity, and institutional friction—that hinder seamless integration. The paper concludes with actionable policy recommendations to foster a more robust, institutionalized partnership, arguing that the PRI-SHG nexus is indispensable for achieving localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of Feminised Grassroots Governance in COVID-19 Mitigation: A Study of Odisha’s SHG–PRI Institutional Convergence
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the urgent necessity of decentralised, community-based, and inclusive governance structures capable of responding to unprecedented humanitarian and public health emergencies. In India, Odisha emerged as one of the most significant examples of grassroots pandemic governance through the convergence of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under Mission Shakti and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This article critically analyses the role of feminised grassroots governance in COVID-19 mitigation by examining the institutional convergence between SHGs and PRIs in Odisha. The study highlights how women’s collectives contributed significantly to mask production, community kitchens, migrant management, social awareness campaigns, doorstep delivery systems, financial inclusion, and rural welfare administration during the pandemic. The paper argues that Odisha’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of gender-responsive local governance in strengthening democratic resilience, social trust, and crisis management. The study also discusses the challenges of unpaid care labour, gendered governance burdens, and institutional sustainability. The article concludes that Odisha’s SHG–PRI convergence provides an innovative governance model for future public health emergencies and decentralised development planning.
School Dropout and Child Labour: A Study of Ragpicking Children in Malisahi, Bhubaneswar
Child labor and school dropout continue to pose significant difficulties to child development and social justice in India, especially for children residing in urban informal settlements. This study investigates the correlation between school dropout rates and child labor among ragpicking children in Malisahi, one of the oldest and most disadvantaged communities in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The research is based on a child rights framework and examines the interplay of poverty, social exclusion, educational deficit, and informal labor in influencing the lives of at-risk children. Despite considerable focus on child labor and educational exclusion in India, there is a paucity of empirical studies about ragpicking children in metropolitan Odisha, especially in populations grappling with severe poverty, migration, informal work, and social stigma. The research utilized a descriptive and exploratory design. Primary data were obtained from 40 child ragpickers via structured interviews, observations, and informal talks. Secondary information was sourced from government records, census publications, UNICEF and ILO reports, academic literature, and policy papers pertaining to child labor, education, and child rights. The analysis included basic statistical methods, including frequency and percentage distributions. The study illustrates that child labor among ragpicking youngsters is not just an economic concern but a reflection of systemic inequality, social isolation, and the infringement of fundamental rights. The study indicates that successful child protection necessitates a comprehensive strategy that integrates economic alleviation, educational assistance, social security, community awareness, family fortification, and child rights education. A transition from rescue-focused interventions to a rights-based and development-oriented paradigm is crucial to guarantee the educational engagement, dignity, and comprehensive development of at-risk urban children.
The Pivotal Role of the Probation Officer in the Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Children in Conflict with Law in India: The Reformative Mandate
Probation represents a fundamental shift in penal philosophy from a purely punitive model toward one centered on reformation and rehabilitation. This paper examines the multifaceted role of probation, particularly within the Indian Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems, as a non-custodial alternative to imprisonment or institutionalization. The core premise of probation is that it offers offenders especially children in conflict with law, first-time offenders, and those who pose a minimal risk to society an opportunity to correct their behavior and reintegrate into the community as productive citizens. The Probation of Offenders Act (1958) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015) are highlighted as key legal instruments that embody this reformative approach. A central theme is the pivotal role of the Probation Officer. The paper details their extensive responsibilities, which extend far beyond mere supervision. Probation Officers are mandated to act as guides, mentors, and facilitators, preparing comprehensive Probation Reports and Social Investigation Reports (SIRs) that inform judicial decisions. These reports assess the offender’s background, circumstances, and potential for change, providing a critical basis for individualized treatment. Their duties include maintaining close contact with offenders and their families, linking them with community services and voluntary organizations, and participating in rehabilitation and pre-release programs. This work is not a "piecemeal" task but a continuous, complex process aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and ensuring the smooth social reintegration of the individual. Probation signifies an important evolution in penal philosophy, shifting from a primarily punitive orientation to one that prioritizes reformation and rehabilitation. This paper explores the diverse functions of probation especially within the Indian Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems as a non custodial alternative to imprisonment or institutional care. The underlying premise is that probation offers offenders particularly children in conflict with the law, first time offenders, and individuals assessed as posing minimal risk an opportunity to modify their behaviour and reintegrate into society as constructive members. The Probation of Offenders Act (1958) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015) serve as key legal frameworks that represent this reform focused approach.A significant emphasis is placed on the role of the Probation Officer. Their duties extend well beyond basic supervision; they serve as mentors, facilitators, and support providers. They prepare detailed Probation Reports and Social Investigation Reports (SIRs) that guide judicial decision making by assessing the individual’s background, circumstances, and potential for positive change. Their work also involves maintaining regular contact with offenders and their families, linking them with community based services and voluntary organizations, and contributing to rehabilitation and pre release efforts. This role is not a set of isolated tasks, but a continuous, nuanced process aimed at fostering independence and supporting smooth reintegration.The paper further highlights existing challenges within the probation system, including shortages of trained personnel, resource constraints, and the limited willingness of some legal actors to fully utilize probation provisions.
Women, Kinship and Power: A Comparative Study of Garo Matrilineal and Zeme Naga Patrilineal Systems in Northeast India
The Garo tribe of Northeast India is among the limited communities in South Asia that practices a matrilineal kinship structure in which descent and assets are passed through women. In many respects this arrangement provides women with a comparatively higher social standing and financial stability than that observed in most patriarchal systems. Nonetheless ethnographic as well as modern research highlights a more intricate reality of matrilineal arrangements. The custom does not automatically result in genuine empowerment of Garo women. The Zeme Naga tribes of Northeast India in contrast exist within a patrilineal kinship structure where lineage and property are transferred through the male line of the household. This paper attempts to analyze the status of women in Garo matrilineal and Zeme Naga patrilineal systems by moving beyond inheritance rules to the lived realities of women. The study also discusses the institutions shaping matriliny and patriliny among the two tribes. It further examines the actual rights of women along with the cultural economic and social limitations that restrict those rights within their respective societies namely the Garos and Zeme Nagas.
Print Culture and the Politics of Marginalisation: Contesting Gentility in Nineteenth-Century Calcutta
This article investigates the contested terrain of print culture in nineteenth‑century Calcutta, situating it within the broader debates on the Bengal Renaissance and colonial modernity. Traditionally, the Renaissance has been celebrated as a moment of intellectual awakening led by elite, English‑educated bhadralok reformers such as Rammohun Roy, William Carey, and their colonial interlocutors. Historiography from Jadunath Sarkar to David Kopf has often valorised this period as a rupture from the past, aligning it with European Renaissance ideals and the civilising mission of empire. Yet more recent scholarship, particularly that of Sumit Sarkar, has challenged this narrative, exposing its elitist biases, selective reforms, and complicity with caste hierarchies. Building on this critical turn, Anindita Ghosh’s Power in Print reorients the discussion by foregrounding plebeian print traditions, especially those emerging from Battala presses, which thrived despite elite attempts at cultural sanitisation. The paper argues that print culture in colonial Bengal was not a unilinear project of elite refinement but a contested field where marginalised voices—petty bhadralok, women, and poor Muslims—resisted erasure and reshaped literary modernity. Battala publications, often dismissed as “vulgar” or “polluting,” produced almanacs, romances, farces, and devotional texts in colloquial registers that reached diverse audiences across class, gender, and community. These works exposed the hypocrisies of bhadralok gentility, satirised elite pretensions, and valorised oral traditions. Women’s writings, expressed through meyeli bhasha and autobiographical accounts, challenged patriarchal silencing and asserted domestic idioms as legitimate literary registers. Muslim Bengali literature revived dobhashi Bangla, blending Perso‑Arabic vocabulary with Bengali and producing romances and puthi narratives that contested the Sanskritised Bengali promoted by elites. Together, these traditions destabilised the monopoly of bhadralok culture and demonstrated the plurality of Bengali literary modernity. Methodologically, the paper combines close reading of primary texts with historiographical analysis, situating Bengali print culture within comparative frameworks of language politics in colonial India, including the Hindi‑Urdu controversy, Tamil devotional movements, and Oriya language agitation. By doing so, it highlights Bengal’s distinctiveness: here, plebeian print traditions directly challenged elite attempts at refinement, creating a dynamic interplay between oral and print cultures. The study contributes to ongoing debates in cultural history, subaltern studies, and the history of the book by repositioning print as a site of negotiation, dissent, and alternative modernities. It underscores that the Bengal Renaissance was not simply an elite‑led awakening but a fractured, contested process shaped by marginalised voices whose contributions remain vital to understanding colonial cultural history. In foregrounding these voices, the paper advances a more inclusive historiography that recognises the politics of marginalisation and the resilience of subaltern creativity in the face of elite and colonial dominance.
The Dialectics of State Sovereignty: Legitimacy, Technological Transformation, and the Limits of Authority
This paper examines the theoretical foundations of state legitimacy and the evolving parameters of governmental power in the digital age. By synthesizing classical social contract theory with contemporary technological shifts, the study explores the tension between state intervention and individual autonomy. It argues that while state power is derived from the consent of the governed, its rightful exercise is strictly bounded by the distinction between self-regarding actions and social obligations. The paper further investigates how e-governance, surveillance, and global interconnectedness redefine the "smart state" and its role as a moral and legal arbiter.
An Integrated Analysis Sleep Quality and Nutritional Habits as Predictors of Body Composition among Young Athletes
Sleep and nutrition are critical components of athlete recovery and development. Emerging evidence suggests that inadequate sleep and suboptimal dietary practices contribute to unfavourable body composition profiles in youth athletes. This study investigated the relationship between sleep quality, nutrition habits, and body composition among competitive young athletes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 athletes (15-21 years). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), nutrition habits through a validated dietary assessment tool, and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed. Forty-two percent of participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Sleep quality was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (r = -0.36, p <0.01) and positively correlated with lean body mass (r =0.29, p <0.05). Nutrition habits significantly predicted body composition (β =0.41, p <.001). The combined model explained 32% of variance in body fat percentage. Sleep quality and nutritional habits are significant predictors of body composition among young athletes. Structured sleep hygiene and sports nutrition interventions are recommended to optimize performance and health outcomes.
Concept of Developed India: With Special Reference to Mahatma Gandhi’s Constructive Programme
The readiness of any work is determined by the determination inherent in an individual and their activities, because this is the factor whose initiatives decide the positive and negative direction of the work outcome. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizes, first and foremost, the objectives inherent in means and ends in order to strengthen the determination of individuals. In this, he not only stresses the workforce for achieving self-employment but also, through the constructive programme, connects one individual with others to form a positively unified group, which not only points out each other’s shortcomings but also improves them and fulfills the self-determined and self-employment-oriented objectives of the programme. In order to ensure that these objectives are fulfilled in the right direction, the initiative of Developed India 2047 is being undertaken even before the completion of one hundred years of the country’s independence. The objective of the present article is to document Gandhi’s constructive programme and to outline the factors through which the concept of Developed India can be useful in the present context. The present research paper is based on a qualitative and descriptive-analytical method. In this study, mainly secondary sources have been used, which include original works of Mahatma Gandhi such as Hind Swaraj, his writings and speeches related to the constructive programme, various books, and research papers. Abstract in Hindi Language: किसी भी कार्य की तत्परता व्यक्ति में निहित संकल्प व उसके क्रियाकलापों के आधार पर तय की जाती है, क्योंकि यही वह कारक है, जिसके उपक्रम पर कार्य-परिणाम की सकारात्मक व नकारात्मक दिशा तय होती है। राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी व्यक्ति के संकल्पों को मजबूती देने के लिए सर्वप्रथम साध्य-साधन में निहित उद्देश्यों पर बल देते है। जिसमें वे न सिर्फ स्वरोजगार की प्राप्ति हेतु कार्यबल पर जोर देते है बल्कि रचनात्मक कार्यक्रम में एक व्यक्ति से अन्य व्यक्ति जुड़कर किसी सकारात्मक एकत्व होने वाली समूह भी बनाते है, जो न सिर्फ एक दूसरे की कमियों को बताये बल्कि उन्हें सुधार करके, कार्यक्रम के स्व संकल्पित व स्वरोजगार परक उद्देश्य को भी पूरा करते है। इन उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति सही दिशा में हो सके, इस हेतु विकसित भारत 2047 की पहल देश की आजादी के सौ वर्ष होने से पूर्व ही की जा रही है। प्रस्तुत लेख का उद्देश्य गांधी के रचनात्मक कार्यक्रम को लेखबद्ध करते हुए, विकसित भारत की संकल्पना वर्तमान में किस प्रकार उपयोगी हो सकता है, उन कारकों को लेखबद्ध करना है। प्रस्तुत शोधपत्र गुणात्मक एवं वर्णनात्मक-विश्लेषणात्मक पद्धति पर आधारित है। इस अध्ययन में मुख्यतः द्वितीयक स्रोतों का उपयोग किया गया है, जिनमें महात्मा गांधी के मूल ग्रंथ जैसे हिंद स्वराज, उनके रचनात्मक कार्यक्रम से संबंधित लेख एवं भाषण, विभिन्न पुस्तकें, शोध पत्र शामिल हैं। Keywords: साध्य-साधन, स्वरोजगार, संकल्प, सकारात्मक, विकसित भारत, रचनात्मक कार्यक्रम
Grassroots Democracy and Minority Voices: Political Representation in West Bengal (2000–2024)
This study investigates grassroots democracy and minority political representation in West Bengal from 2000 to 2024. Decentralised governance through Panchayati Raj institutions has increased democratic participation and given marginalised people local political decision-making power. After the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, democratic decentralization has strengthened local self-government and allowed historically disadvantaged groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities to participate in grassroots politics. In West Bengal, where strong party organizations and participatory rural politics have long shaped local governance structures, the Panchayati Raj system has helped minority communities integrate into democracy. The paper examines the history of state participation politics, grassroots democracy, and minority representation in Panchayati Raj institutions. It investigates political parties’ effects on minority participation and structural barriers to minority voices in local governance. The research shows that decentralized institutions have increased minority representation in grassroots political bodies, but socio-economic inequalities, party dominance, and institutional constraints remain. According to the report, grassroots democracy in West Bengal has created meaningful places for minority involvement, although political empowerment is uneven among communities and areas. Minority voices must be included in grassroots democratic governance by strengthening institutional autonomy, supporting inclusive political practices, and resolving socio-economic inequality.
Enhancing Communication Skills as a Key to 21st Century Skills among Middle Stage Students through Innovative Pedagogies-A Study
The research was conducted with the objectives to study the communication skills of middle-stage students and determining the effectiveness of an intervention based on lesson plans on innovative methods for enhancing students’ communication skills. The research shows that innovative teaching methods are highly effective in enhancing communication skills among middle-stage students in Delhi. The descriptive and inferential analyses revealed consistent improvements across verbal, written, non-verbal, and listening dimensions, with total communication showing a substantial mean gain, thereby confirming the overall success of the intervention.
The Four-year Integrated B. Ed Programme: A theoretical Review of NEP 2020
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 calls for a revolutionary change in teacher education with the Four-Year Integrated B.Ed. Program, which aims to combine disciplinary knowledge, pedagogy, and reflective practice into a cohesive four-year academic trajectory. This theoretical review places the integrated program within both historical and current discussions on teacher preparation by critically analysing its conceptual underpinnings, structural design, curriculum framework, and pedagogical consequences. The study emphasizes how the program aims to close long-standing gaps between theoretical instruction and real-world classroom engagement by drawing on influential viewpoints in educational theory, such as Schön’s reflective practice, Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and recent studies on inclusive and learner-centered pedagogy. It also looks at institutional and structural issues that could affect the program’s success, like equal access, infrastructure limitations, regulatory alignment, and faculty preparedness. The integrated B.Ed. program, in my opinion, is a paradigm change since it develops teachers who are socially responsive, reflective, and flexible and who can successfully navigate a variety of challenging classroom situations. The review emphasizes how this change has the potential to improve teacher quality, professional identity, and students’ overall educational experiences throughout India. This study adds to the current scholarly conversation on teacher education reform by offering a theoretically grounded analysis. It also provides insights for institutional planning, policy improvement, and future empirical research on the effectiveness and effects of integrated teacher preparation programs.