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The Sacrality of Space, Time, and Water: The Biggest Assembly of Kumbha Melā 2025, India
The greatest of the religious events, the Kumbha Melā, is a riverside festival held every twelve years, rotating among Prayāgraj (formerly Allahabad), Nasik, Ujjain, and Haridvar. Two traditions determine the origin/location and timing of the festival. The Kumbha Melā is an extended and expanded form of the ancient Māgha Melā, as described in the Atharva Veda, dated ca. 1500 BCE. The Mahā (Great) Kumbha Melā is the largest gathering of humanity on planet Earth. The latest one, held in Prayāgraj (Allahabad) in 2025, set the world record for the largest human gathering, with 663 million bathers and visitors. The Kumbha Melā achieved a significant milestone by being inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. This recognition is a testament to the Kumbha Melā’s profound cultural and spiritual significance, as well as its unparalleled character as a massive and peaceful gathering of devotees.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rana P.B. Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice
This commentary builds on the discussion started in Pulla, Das, and Nikku's 2022 essay "Indigenous or Blended Model for South Asian Social Work?", which questioned the dominance of Western social work paradigms in South Asia. The authors emphasised the limitations of these models in dealing with the region's diverse socio-cultural realities, arguing for a hybrid approach that combines Indigenous epistemologies with global views. Building on this foundation, the current study examines Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice, a seminal contribution to the developing Bharatiyakaran movement—the Indianisation of social work. This emergent paradigm highlights a decolonised, culturally embedded practice model based on Indian philosophical, spiritual, and ethical traditions, such as seva (selfless service), danam (altruism), vasudhaiva kutumbakam (universal family), and concepts from the Bhagavad Gita. The book entitled Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice by Ranjana Sehgal and published by Today & Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, documents efforts to create a uniquely Indian casework technique, providing empirical findings, theoretical critiques, and culturally appropriate frameworks from throughout the subcontinent. The authors in this volume delve into classical Indian notions such as karma, ashramas, purusharthas, syadvada, and Ayurvedic principles, offering them as the foundation for a holistic and context-sensitive approach to casework. This review essay emphasises the urgent need to transcend Western individualistic ideas and interact with the spiritual and community ethos inherent in Indian culture. This paradigm shift not only enhances the cultural relevance and effectiveness of social work practice in India, but it also contributes to larger worldwide efforts to diversify and decolonise professional knowledge systems. By integrating with Indian traditions, this movement encourages practitioners to reframe social work as both a professional discipline and a spiritual practice, grounded in collective well-being and ethical responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Venkat Rao Pulla, Subash Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
“Soft Power” and Ethnic Identity Factors in Türkiye-Kazakhstan Integration
The study explores the role of soft power and ethnic identity in strengthening Türkiye- Kazakhstan- integration, emphasising their shared heritage as a basis for modern cooperation within the Organisation of Turkic States. The study aims to analyse the current stage of integration of the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of international organisations, national institutions and government programmes that unite Turkic-speaking peoples. The study used qualitative methods to analyse historical and cultural ties, documents and cases of international institutions, as well as quantitative methods, including statistical analysis of economic indicators and comparative analysis of integration strategies. The study results showed that the integration of Kazakhstan and Türkiye is actively promoted through international organisations such as TURKSOY and the Organisation of Turkic States, which promote cultural and economic cooperation. An analysis of soft power in the policies of both countries has confirmed its significant role in strengthening mutual understanding and promoting common cultural and historical values. Economic cooperation between the two countries, although progressing, faces geographical and logistical constraints that affect the level of mutual trade. Despite the challenges, cultural and educational initiatives, such as the activities of the Turkish Academy and Ahmet Yasavi University, contribute to strengthening integration processes. The prospective significance of the study lies in the use of the data to improve the strategies of cultural and economic integration of Turkic-speaking countries, contributing to the strengthening of regional cooperation and mutual understanding.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kanat Bazarbayev, Eren Akdeniz, Aidarbek Amirbek, Sultanmurat Abzhalov, Almasbek Anuarbekuly https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Trends in the Study of Gender Issues in Central Asian Countries: A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis Using the Scopus Database
Recently, noteworthy progress has been made in the transition to gender equality, and the actions of several governments worldwide have been described as steps towards finding positive solutions to this issue. Ensuring gender equality is crucial in achieving sustainable development and effective economic growth at both the national and regional levels. Various articles on gender studies in the Central Asian (CA) region were retrieved using Scopus, one of the most popular databases. VOSviewer Version 1.6.20 was employed to analyse different metrics such as co-citation networks, co-occurrences, and author keywords. A total of 132 articles were extracted from the Scopus database and analysed through five bibliometric analysis units: evolution of scientific production, analysis of authors, analysis of sources/journals, analysis of countries and institutions, and analysis of author keywords. The main findings of this study can be summarised in the following three key points: (i) The scientific output of articles addressing gender issues in the societies of CA countries remains insufficient, and the commitment to achieving gender equality does not align with international and regional interests; (ii) Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are recognised as countries that devote considerable attention to scientific research related to gender in the CA region. In contrast, Turkmenistan is identified as a country that does not engage in gender research at the international level, primarily due to a lack of materials in the Scopus database; (iii) Overall, it can be concluded that the implementation of gender equality in the Central Asian region still lacks substantial support from the state, as research related to gender issues in this area has predominantly been conducted and supported by democratic and well-developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stalifa Bektursyn , Sholpan Abdreyeva, Imanaly Akbar, Alexandr Artemyev, Bauyrzhan Pazylkhaiyr , Inkar Kartanova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Resurrecting India’s Struggle for Independence: Pioneering Role of Babu Jagat Singh
Based on a five-year project (2019-2023) that investigated colonial correspondences and records held in various archives, a research document has been prepared to re-investigate the colonial history of the Banaras estate. Pradeep Narayan Singh, the representative of the Royal Family, has patronised this project through a significant grant and infrastructure. Over time, the report has been published as a research monograph, considering the role and activities of ‘Babu’ Jagat Singh, a member of the Royal Family of Banaras, who in the 18th Century led the group of revolutionaries and also led the first exploration of the Buddhist site of Sarnath; however, erroneously he was projected as a destroyer. This research has dispelled the earlier misconceptions about him, as supplemented by authentic archival sources.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rana P.B. Singh, Priyanka Jha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sukha, Santosha, and Sampatti: A Holistic Indian Approach to Flourishing and Resilience
Well-being transcends individualism and constitutes a collective phenomenon, grounded in social interdependence, cultural narratives, and communal values. Flourishing is not merely a personal endeavour but fundamentally rooted in the health and harmony of communities. In times of adversity, optimism, hope, and resilience are not merely personal traits but are cultivated through shared experiences and cultural frameworks, highlighting the importance of relational resources in fostering communal strength. Embracing well-being as a relational construct mandates inclusive approaches that prioritise interconnectedness, reciprocity, and communal emotional experiences—affirming that enhancing personal happiness is inseparable from fostering collective flourishing. This study advances the theory that well-being is shaped through social interactions and communal cohesion. Drawing on the Indian collectivist tradition, where happiness emerges from group cohesion and shared experiences, it contrasts this with individualistic paradigms that emphasise autonomy and personal achievement. We investigate how a collectivist cultural framework, especially within Indian traditions, shapes both individual and communal conceptions of well-being, and examine how self-aware, purposeful individuals contribute to enhancing community harmony, engagement, and collective flourishing. We argue that individual awakening acts as a catalyst for community elevation: self-aware, purposeful individuals foster societal engagement, alignment, and forward-looking vision, thereby propelling collective flourishing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yogi Srinivas Arka, Venkat Rao Pulla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adaptation of State Security to Modern Military Operations and Terrorist Risks in the World
Military conflicts and terrorism are increasingly overlapping, creating complex threats that undermine both global and national security. Hostilities, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and radicalisation on the home front necessitate a rethinking of the functions of state security. The editorial analyses the ability of state security systems to adapt to the challenges of modern warfare and international terrorism. The relevance of the study is due to the aggravation of interstate conflicts— first of all, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and terrorism in the world. The goal is to comparatively assess the strategies of governments for prevention, response and long-term recovery in the face of threats, as well as to develop recommendations for improving institutional resilience. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines the analysis of national security doctrines, counterterrorism legislation, and indicators of institutional capacity in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the conceptualisation of “adaptive security” as a complex state process, and the practical value lies in the proposed recommendations for updating doctrines, crisis management procedures and interagency coordination.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karlis Ketners https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
I met Him I met my Destiny: A Tribute to my Teacher Professor R.Vaidyanadhan
Professor Rajagopala Vaidyanadhan had been a teacher like no other teacher. This tribute presents a panorama of his early and higher education, professional life and academic achievements. The sentiments expressed in this tribute are not feelings of just this author alone but are feelings of almost all his students. He joined the teaching profession not by chance but by choice. He did a commendable job as a teacher. He updated himself with the latest in the field and imparted his knowledge to all his students. As a researcher, he did a good number of seminal works. He kept himself active in his post-retirement time and served the earth science community through his invaluable contributions. At 94 years of age, he is healthy and hale because of his daily disciplined routines.
Copyright (c) 2025 Koppella Narayana Prudhvi Raju https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reinterpreting the Play: Women’s Cultural Performance as a Subversive Site
This study investigates women’s performances, such as Khela-Tamasha (play-act), Nakkal (enactment/imitation), and Kajari folksongs, as potent tools for questioning the gender stereotypes and hegemonic gender ideals which subordinate women. To achieve the objectives of this study, ethnographic data were collected in 2022-2023 across Mirzapur, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Drawing on Judith Butler’s gender performativity theory and Antonio Gramsci’s theory of counter-hegemony, this study argues that rural women’s traditional play-acts and enactments, characterised by cross-dressing, theatricality, and bold speech, challenge their oppression. Through their performative expressions, these women harness the power of cross-dressing, challenge traditional masculine roles, and display their erotic desires. Further, by embracing non-conforming gender roles and expressing their desires during performance, women’s traditional performative acts display the transformative power of folk traditions in challenging dominant societal structures.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reflections on Bharat, Asia and the World: A Mosaic of Perspectives
Here is a signed editorial opinion on India’s transformational first quarter of the year 2025. During that timeframe, I spent the entire month of February observing and listening to what some would describe as a chaotic social and political landscape—a moment in which some serious controversies and significant, yet under-publicised, events emerged in India's tapestry. When I returned to Australia, I sent out a Google form to a group of discerning research professors, consulting firm founders, engineers, social workers, and retired professionals. Their views were characterised by optimism and critical introspection. They presented as nationalists and patriots. Here is a unified narrative that reflects their considered perspectives on Bharat, Asia, and the world. There were eight respondents, and the synthesis incorporates their diverse points of view, reflecting the varied perspectives of each.
Copyright (c) 2025 Venkat Pulla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Decade of Smart Urbanism in India through the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
India is at the forefront of Asia’s urban transformation, with its urban population projected to reach 814 million by 2050. The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, aimed to modernise 100 cities by integrating smart technologies to enhance governance, infrastructure, and quality of life. Initially influenced by Western smart urban models, SCM implementation followed a top-down approach, yet over time, cities have adapted smart initiatives to local needs. At the same time, centralised projects such as Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) shaped early implementations, decentralised, community-driven adaptations have gained prominence. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Indore, and Varanasi have prioritised inclusive urban services, including transportation, sanitation, and cultural heritage conservation. Despite significant achievements, future smart urbanism must prioritise smaller cities, marginalised communities, and ecological sustainability. Emphasising participatory governance, gender-sensitive planning, and nature-based solutions can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient urban future for India.
Copyright (c) 2025 Diganta Das https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Socialisation Problems of Orphanage Children in the Republic of Kazakhstan
The study aims to address the socialisation process of children from orphanages in Kazakhstan to identify effective approaches to their adaptation and integration into society. The study examined various theoretical concepts of socialisation, including aspects of children’s adaptation to a new environment, personality development through social interaction, and the institutional environment's impact on social skills development. The dynamics of children's movement in Kazakhstan's social protection system in 2013-2022 were also addressed. The study's results included identifying key aspects of the socialisation of children from orphanages, namely adaptation to new social conditions, establishing trusting relationships, overcoming stigma and quality education. The study determined that to ensure the effective and equitable development of all the identified aspects, it is necessary to apply several approaches that, in interaction, can ensure the harmonious development of the child’s personality in all spheres of life. For this purpose, psychological, pedagogical and sociological approaches were chosen; their essence and desired effects on the orphans' socialisation process were revealed. The statistical information presented in the study on the movement of children from organisations for orphans and children without parental care in 2013-2022 showed a significant decrease in the number of children entering the protection system but also revealed a disproportionate decrease in the number of children leaving the system due to enrolment in higher education or other educational institutions. To address the problems of socialisation of children in orphanages, recommendations that include modern methods of working with orphans were developed. The results indicate the importance of using innovative programmes for the socialisation of children in orphanages and the need to consider the psychological consequences of depriving children of parental care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ainur Sadyrova, Zhomart Simtikov, Nurlan Apakhayev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing Elderly Care through Health Data Innovation: Developing a Mobile Application for Seniors
In an environment where the number of older individuals is increasing, innovative solutions for their independent living and improved quality of life are essential. This study assessed the health status, care needs, and technological features necessary to develop a mobile health application for the ageing population. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative data from 420 elderly respondents through structured questionnaires that covered demographic information, health conditions, and technology usage. Qualitative data were collected from 40 participants through in-depth interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the health experiences of the elderly and their concerns regarding digital interventions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The majority of respondents were female (71.4%), with an average age of 69 (61.3%), and reported their health as relatively good. Additionally, 56.8% experienced at least one health problem. Most participants expressed a need for memory training and health information, including basic routine healthcare and self-monitoring of their health. Although these elderly participants sought to engage with technologies, they had usability concerns, which were identified as a key aspect to be addressed. The qualitative information revealed that the development of mobile applications should be designed to 1) monitor daily activities, provide health parameters, and notify the users of emergencies, and 2) connect older individuals to their family members, caregivers, health experts, and the community via a user-friendly interface that prioritises user-centred design and data security. This application not only ensures the safety of the elderly but also enhances their mental well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Auschala Chalayonnavin, Mahesh Pandurang Chougule, Sorasich Swangslip https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Intersecting Oppressions: The Lived Realities of Dom Women in Banaras, India
This research presents a theory-driven, qualitative account of how caste and gender work together to shape structural oppression in the lives of Dom women in Banaras (Varanasi), India. Based on fifteen in-depth interviews and approximately eighty hours of participant observation in the cremation settlements adjacent to the Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, the research adopts an intersectional lens rooted in feminist standpoint epistemology. Inductive coding of verbatim transcripts identifies three mutually reinforcing mechanisms—affective discipline (gendered coercion through gratitude and fear), spatial stigma (postal-code proxies for ritual pollution), and metabolic inequality (unequal exposure to toxic ash, bleach, and smoke) — that lock Dom women into hazardous, low-wage niches of the informal economy. Compared with both upper-caste women and Dom men, participants experience significantly higher rates of occupational injury, wage theft and everyday humiliation, confirming that caste-gender oppression is not additive but synergistic. The findings refine intersectionality theory by specifying how “purity” logics operate as a caste-gender gearbox in a South-Asian urban context. By foregrounding the voices of one of India’s most marginalised constituencies, the study demonstrates why adequate social protection must address caste and gender simultaneously, rather than in parallel.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anuradha Singh, Rana Abhyendra Singh, Prateek Gupta, Vishal Singh Bhadauriya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Dynamics of Trade Unionism in the Tea Industry: Perspectives from Bangladesh
Tea garden labourers in Bangladesh constitute a highly marginalised community, characterised by limited access to educational opportunities for their children and heightened vulnerability to severe health risks. This research employs qualitative descriptive analysis to examine the dynamics of unions within the tea sector in Sylhet, with a focus on issues such as health, education, bargaining capabilities, gender representation, and access to social services. The study highlights a multifaceted scenario where internal fragmentation and collaboration challenges often hinder unions from effectively advocating for employees’ interests. Overall, the research underscores the crucial role of labour unions in promoting the rights and well-being of tea workers. By fostering a deeper understanding of these dynamics, stakeholders have the potential to collaborate more effectively to establish a more equitable and supportive environment for tea workers in the Sylhet region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Fakhrus Salam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reimagining Spiritual Horizons: Critical Reflections on Reinventing Sanatana Dharma
This commentary critically examines Mukundan P.R's significant work Reinventing Sanatana Dharma: The Spiritual Movement of Navajyoti Sree Karunakara Guru for a New India and a New World Order, New Delhi, India, Authors Press, 2024, Pages: 212, Rs. 500, Paperback, ISBN: 97-93-5529-976-5. The book critically reinterprets the Indian philosophical concept of Sanatana Dharma through the teachings of Navajyoti Sree Karunakara Guru, a spiritual visionary born in Kerala, India. The book challenges the traditional perceptions of Hindu philosophy, presenting Sanatana Dharma as a universal, non-discriminatory spiritual science. It explores key distinctions between Sanatana Dharma and mainstream Hinduism, addressing themes such as the spiritual evolution of consciousness, the significance of a true guru, and the reinterpretation of certain key Upanishadic concepts. While the book’s non-linear structure challenges narrative flow, its interdisciplinary approach—bridging Indian scriptures and contemporary scientific insights—offers a fresh perspective on spirituality. This review, therefore, highlights the book’s contribution to spiritual discourse and its potential to inspire a re-examination of Indian philosophy. In addition, the commentary also hints at what the author names a ‘syncretic monotheism’, which integrates the most profound principles of various religions into the overarching framework of Sanatana Dharma, contributing to sustainable development, making it an engaging resource for scholars, seekers, and readers interested in the intersection of religion and spirituality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Haritha Pavithran, B. Sivakami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding Sustainable Development Goals and the Challenges of Northeast India: A Review Essay
With its rich cultural diversity, Northeast India presents a unique and complex challenge for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the region has made notable progress in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and health, the concept of diversity—intended to foster unity—has instead become a source of division. Ethnic groups in Northeast India often define their identity in opposition to perceived rivals, fuelling identity politics and deepening social divisions. This construction of “the other” has historical roots in colonial exploitation, and the legacy of ethnic violence has intensified these tensions in recent years. As ethnic identity becomes a powerful political tool, cultural symbols once tied to community pride are now weaponised for elitist power-mongering (Dutta, 2015). This essay largely reviews the book Sustainable Development Goals in Northeast India: Challenges and Achievements, which was co-edited by Subhash Anand, MadhushreeDas, Rituparna Bhattacharyya, and RB Singh and published by Springer Nature in 2023, which can accessed at the link https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6478-7. Additional articles and books on issues linked to Northeast India's development, belonging, identity, difficulties, and responses have been undertaken to strengthen and support the central arguments critically. The several papers included in the current review address the region’s diversity, where challenges seem to surface for implementing inclusive strategies. Evidently, more profound socio-economic inequalities and governance challenges exist. While progress has been made, key SDG indicators—such as infrastructure development, gender equality, and economic equity—remain far below the national average, limiting the region’s ability to achieve sustainable development (Bhattacharyya et al., 2023). The current review essay addresses how the manipulation of ethnic identity in Northeast India has shaped both the region’s development trajectory and its social fabric. The critical research questions are: How has the politicisation of ethnic identity influenced the implementation of SDGs in the region? What role does governance play in overcoming the socio-economic and political divides? Can SDGs be realistically implemented in the context of “troubled diversity” (Dutta, 2015)? This review also highlights the recommendations for more inclusive, community-driven strategies to achieve sustainable development by 2030—that is not too far off.
Land of Seven Sisters (excluding Sikkim)
Copyright (c) 2024 Venkat Rao Pulla, Subhash Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding the Influence of Traffic Congestion on Tourist Consumer Behaviour: The Role of Stoicism and Sad Ripu Control in Maintaining Sustainable Tourism
This research investigates the effects of Stoic principles and Sad Ripu control on tourists’ consumption behaviour regarding the perceived condition of traffic congestion in Bali. Among tourists’ most pervasive problems, traffic congestion affects consumptive behaviour and travel decisions. This study tries to investigate how emotional regulation, governed by Stoicism and a traditional Balinese philosophy known as Sad Ripu, influences the response of tourists to perceived crowding and, subsequently, their behaviour. This study is novel because integrating Stoic principles with Sad Ripu control offers a fresh perspective into emotional regulation in tourism behaviour. A quantitative approach with structured questionnaires was applied to 200 tourists in Bali, testing relationships among the variables by means of SEM. The findings indicate that Stoic principles and Sad Ripu control are significantly associated with more positive tourist behaviour, promoting less stress and more satisfaction, hence more positive consumption decisions. Besides, traffic congestion has been found to play a mediating role in emotional regulation and consumer behaviour. This study underlines the importance of emotional management in tourism and claims that Stoic practices and emotional control strategies can improve the tourist experience and foster loyalty. Further studies are necessary to explore broader contexts and long-term impacts across various tourist destinations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Komang Widhya Sedana Putra P, I Made Suidarma, Wayan Sri Maitri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Violence against Women: An Unending Social Scourge
Violence against women is globally a stark reality. Women are affected in so many ways because of the violence perpetrated primarily by men and also, in many cases, by the women themselves. Violence against women takes place in each section of the population irrespective of their class, religion, ethnicity or any other social identity. Some legislation has been enacted in almost every country to deal with this violence committed against women. Although perpetrators of violence are sometimes punished based on the law of a particular country, it has not decreased substantially. Instead, it has taken multiple forms in different countries. This editorial aims to depict the manifold types of violence frequently occurring in different parts of the world. It investigates the significant reasons that are responsible for committing violence against women and also tries to find out the consequences of this violence at the individual, familial, and societal levels. This editorial piece is based on secondary data extracted from relevant literature like journal articles, books, research reports, periodicals, working papers, etc. Relevant literature has been detected and downloaded using internet search engines such as Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic Search, JSTOR, etc. Some words like violence against women, domestic violence, family violence, and couple conflicts have been used to identify relevant literature. Papers or research reports published between 2000 and 2024 have only been considered for writing this editorial. Findings show that patriarchal norms that still dominate one way or the other in many of the countries across the globe are, to a great extent, responsible for violence against women.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tulshi Kumar Das https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Harmonising Conservation and Livelihood: Sustainable Practices for Non-Timber Forest Produce in the Vidarbha Tiger Landscape, India
In the fringe villages of a Protected Area for wildlife, the livelihood pattern is sometimes an issue of contestation. There is apprehension that Protected Area laws undermined people’s livelihood and traditional access to forests. For a win-win situation to be achieved, wherein both the forest and local people attain ecological and social security, the study has discussed sustainable extraction and value-added practices for commonly collected Non-Timber Forest Produce, such as Madhuca longifolia, Syzygium cumini, and Aegle marmelos. Based on interviews and observation methods in three forest ranges of the Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve, a part of the Vidarbha Tiger landscape in Maharashtra, India, the skills and livelihood assets owned by the local community were assessed. The study suggests more frequent capacity-building training and encourages the plantation of commercially valuable natural resources in village common areas and residential backyards. There is enormous scope to guide the community towards an organised marketing system, indigenous technologies, institutional support in training and skill development, and appropriate extension and communication networks, as well as exploring natural resources-based livelihoods without venturing too far into the forest.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manisha Ashraf, Sukanya Sharma, Anil Kumar Nair https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In recent years, scholars have increasingly examined the critical questions of identity in North East India, revealing the intricate inter-group relationships essential for understanding human interactions. A significant aspect of this discourse is the phenomenon of ‘othering’, which fosters binaries such as ‘us and them’ and underscores the marginalisation that arises from this process. The complexities of these intergroup dynamics pose vital questions regarding belonging. In the context of North East India, this is manifested in two primary ways. Individuals from this region face marginalisation and are subsequently othered by their fellow citizens in mainland India, who ascribe to them a distinct 'Northeast identity’. Conversely, residents from various states within the region often perceive settlers, particularly those from mainland India, as outsiders or non-natives, thereby reinforcing their own status as insiders. This book review commentary will analyse how the anthology, But I Am One of You: Northeast India and the Struggle to Belong, edited by Samrat Choudhury and Preeti Gill, India: Harper Collins, 2024; pp. (ix +275), ISBN 978-93-6213-857-6, Rs . 599 (softcover). The book addresses the complex interplay of the politics of belonging and identity through the lens of belongingness and identity theory. This review commentary aims to initiate a critical inquiry into identity politics and belonging—an emerging area of interest and investigation across multiple disciplines, particularly within the contemporary Indian context.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amanda Bashisha Basaiawmoit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of Traditional Values and Social Dynamics in Modern Society
This research examines the perceptions of traditional values among ethnic minorities of southern Kazakhstan, the changes these values undergo, and the societal challenges and tensions associated with cultural values. It explores stable understandings of cultural values, analysing their influence on social attitudes and institutions. In doing so, the research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional dimensions of traditional values, identifying key issues and mechanisms that influence their development. Additionally, it examines the influence of traditional values on the social dynamics of contemporary society, providing a nuanced understanding of their intricate interrelationships. The study explains how traditional values shape the formation of social institutions by analysing theoretical frameworks and empirical data. A scholarly literature review provides the theoretical basis, while empirical data were gathered through an online survey. The findings reveal a close relationship between traditional values and societal customs. In southern Kazakhstan, traditional values are shown to strengthen social stability, even as the country undergoes transformations influenced by globalisation, technology, and media. While the younger generation embraces innovation, older generations emphasise preserving traditional practices. Although certain emerging traditions are deemed unnecessary, core traditional values are vital for reinforcing national identity. The study concludes that preserving traditional values is essential for maintaining cultural identity and social stability while embracing modern innovations. This balanced approach fosters a resilient and harmonious society that respects its heritage while adapting to the challenges of the contemporary world. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of traditional values in modern society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sergazy Kudaibergenov, Zharkynbek Abikenov, Makhpal Syzdykova, Aigul Abdiramanova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Language, Identity and Conflict: Comprehending Everyday Co-existence in Assam
Assam has long experienced intercommunal tensions stemming from faulty colonial-era administrative policies, which have continued post-independence. Key instances of violence include the Language Movement (1960), the Medium of Instruction Movement (1972), and the Assam Movement (1979-1985). These conflicts, particularly over language, have intensified tensions between Bengali and Assamese-speaking communities. Despite efforts to protect Assam’s ethnic and linguistic diversity, political manipulation and poor crisis management have deepened divisions. As affective relation is built up to fuel community sentiments and empower these movements, one may discern that three principal factors have been responsible for intensifying the conflict: misinformation among the communities, misdirection of the Movements, and involvement of political parties. Further, as political rhetoric has kept fuelling and nourishing communal sentiments till the present day, the same factors seem to be at work in varying degrees. Employing qualitative methods, this study draws from primary and secondary data, including interviews with 150 families from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in violence-affected areas of Western Assam. Through semi-structured interviews, leaders, political figures, victims, and witnesses shared their views on Assam’s socio-political and economic history. This research is structured on three principal arguments corresponding to three sections, and a set of recommendations is presented in the concluding section. The first section argues that although the genesis of language conflict was triggered by transformation brought about by a new socio-economic structure introduced by the East India Company (EIC), the rhetorical conflict has been sustained till the present times through the clerk-conspiracy theory. The second section discusses how the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), as a non-communal association, tried to diffuse communal sentiments during the Language Movement in 1960. The third section looks at the post-1960s era when the conflict intensified due to the failure of the previous governments to tackle the immigration issue, and the concluding section argues that since inter-ethnic relationships worsened in subsequent years, a constitutional safeguard for the Assamese community may transform the socio-economic conditions responsible for the conflict. However, this can be achieved only when solidarity-building measures, mutual respect for all communities, and humility are made the basis of conversation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Debajyoti Biswas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Collective Flourishing and Community Well-being: A Conceptual Paper
We coexist in an interdependent world where all are connected, and every action has both visible and silent ripples. We are in a world of change, and if there is one thing we can say for sure, it is the highly disruptive age with moving goalposts, more so regarding uncertainty. This disruption has caused significant damage to our families, relationships, jobs, communities, and economy, as well as political discourses or intercultural/ international relations, thereby affecting the health of individual people and safety, severely affecting the well-being of individuals besides societies. These are indeed challenging times. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for transformational breakthroughs and the birth of new paradigms that can help us better deal with societal issues. So, how does one become someone who flourishes regardless of what life throws one’s way? How can we foster a culture of care, compassion, and hope in our communities? What does it take to unite our communities and build their resilience despite external threats or opportunities? Well, as scientific evidence suggests, humans can flourish. Thus emerges the fundamental question of what stops us from moving forward. This paper is based on critical reflection, a literature review, and extensive practice experiences of working in the community sector, which has provided the impetus to find an alternative lens to look at the challenges of the current technologically advanced, fast-paced society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abraham Perumbrayil Francis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Features of Ensuring Regional Security in Central Asia: An Analysis of the Geopolitical Situation
With the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war and the seizure of power in Afghanistan by the radical Taliban movement, the issue of ensuring countries’ security has taken a new dimension. These occurrences directly influence the global situation. This research aims to examine the primary security issues in Central Asia and identify regional threats within the evolving geopolitical context. To address the research objectives, various methods of cognition were employed, including historical, structural and functional, institutional, comparative, forecasting, political and legal analysis, classification, analogy, abstraction, analysis, and generalisation. The main results of this study include characterising the specifics of Central Asia and external threats to regional security, analysing the policies of the governments in the region to combat religious extremism and international terrorism, determining the prospects for establishing a collective defence organisation to develop mechanisms for countering these threats, and outlining the main activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in maintaining regional stability and addressing the distribution of water and energy resources. The study also considered such security threats as cybercrime, human trafficking, separatism, interethnic conflicts, illegal migration, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking. This research's findings and materials have theoretical and practical applications. They may be helpful for researchers whose interests include the problems of national and regional security, political processes in post-Soviet Central Asia, and ethno-confessional conflicts in this area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurgul Akkozhina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
International Terrorism as a Threat to the National Security of the Countries of Central Asia
The study is highly relevant due to the conjugation with the phenomenon of globalisation of regional integration processes. Because of the processes of regional integration and loosening of the state structure of many countries in general and countries of Central Asia in particular, there has also been an increased threat of international terrorism undermining global security. This study aims to analyse the prerequisites for forming international terrorism and extremism in the region. For this, the study deployed several methods, such as the theoretical method, the method of logical analysis, the method of deduction, the method of induction, the dogmatic method, and others. The study revealed that Central Asia's states have a rather crucial geopolitical significance due to the availability of energy resources and geographical location, particularly for participation in international integration projects. But at the same time, the development of countries is hindered by terrorist threats stemming from the large number of internal problems that provoke this phenomenon. It was noted that international terrorism is a serious challenge to the functional development of Eurasian integration. The main prerequisites and directions for the development of terrorist activity were identified, and, importantly, an analysis of the identified factors on the regional security of the Central Asian states was carried out. It was also revealed that at the present stage, there is a prospect of increasing the activity of terrorist, extremist, and separatist groups in the region. To counteract the spread of these phenomena, an integrated approach of a global orientation was proposed, which will provide an opportunity to increase the level of national and international security.
Copyright (c) 2025 Murat Tuleyev, Madina Axakalova, Elmira Kagazbaeva, Altyngul Imanbayeva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Pedagogy in the Development and Vicissitude of Buddhism
From the point of historical analysis, this study recognises the role of pedagogy in bringing vicissitude to Buddhism from its origin to now, and revisits Comte’s three-stage theory in the Indian sub-continent. It also demystifies religious philosophy by illustrating its epistemological base of origin, expansion, and reinterpretation. Information was generated from the translated Nikaya texts and other secondary texts, and analysis was carried out using a hermeneutic approach. From its origin in Varanasi in 600 BC to the Tibetan Plateau in the 20th Century, Buddhism accomplished three major turning points and some minor vicissitudes. Buddhism, whose original form is Dharma-Vinaya, a combination of doctrine and practice, emerged from the practice of the middle path, and the doctrine was developed as a byproduct. Around 300 AD, a new school, Mahayana, emerged that ascended an arhat up to the saviour God. Similarly, around 1400 AD, the noble eightfold path was revised to tantric sex and the arhat into the Tulku. While expanding the doctrine, scholars, monks, and sages interpreted and taught it as per the learners’ epistemological base by changing the content. Pedagogy is the primary cause of vicissitude in Buddhism, and new emergences are the product of fulfilling the ‘gap’ in the epistemological paradigm between the teachers and the learners.
Copyright (c) 2024 Shurendra Ghimire https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hegemony, Power Structure and Tribal Resistance: A Subaltern Geopolitics View on Mahasweta Devi’s Chotti Munda and His Arrow (2018)
Subaltern studies address postcolonial notions, binary oppositions, and power structures, enabling us to perceive history from an oppressed perspective. Similarly, subaltern geopolitics challenges the traditional narratives that often present the interest of the dominant community and omit the marginalised history. It provides perspectives of the dominant group with geographical imaginaries. This article aims to trace hegemony and power structures with geographical imaginaries through the theoretical framework of subaltern geopolitics in Mahaswetha Devi’s Chotti Munda and his Arrow (2018), translated by Gayatri Chakravarti Spivak. Munda tribes are connected to the land, and the acquisition of land played a pivotal role in the domination and subjugation of the natives. With the subaltern geopolitics, the process of imperialism against the Tribal community during and after the colonisation is studied. Through the lens of hegemony, the cultural exploitation of tribal communities is analysed. It also focuses on the power structure in terms of political and economic structures and elucidates the resistance of the Munda tribal community. The paper identifies three hegemonic power structures that existed during the colonial period, after the colonial period, and in the contemporary period. The article investigates the power structures imposed on Munda tribes through the ownership of the lands and the tribes’ resistance, irrespective of government. The paper brings out the significance of resistance and the importance of land in the lives of tribal people. It concludes that resistance against the authorities is the only means of their survival.
Copyright (c) 2024 John Vincent, Devi Meenakshi K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Eco-Consciousness and Eco-Semiotics in Amruta Patil’s Kari: An Exploration of Queer Ecology
The field of ecology in literature distorted the notion of humans being the centre of all living ecosystems, striving for an “environment that is neither solipsistically anthropocentric nor blatantly anti-humanitarian” (Lauer, 2018, p.13). This led to the emergence of ecocriticism, which dealt with environmental issues through literature. “To put it succinctly, eco criticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment… [As it] takes an earth-centred approach to literary studies” (Glotfelty & Fromm, 1996, p.18). Meanwhile, disregarding the societal norms constructed on sex, gender, and identity emerged queer theory, suggesting the fluidity of the human body. Despite their inherent differences, environmental criticism and queer theory have the opportunity to combine to produce a new dimension called queer ecology. This analysis aims to establish a connection between eco-criticism and queer theory, shedding light on the concept of queer ecology through the analysis of the literary text Kari. Kari, written by the first female graphic novelist, stands as a pioneering Indian lesbian graphic novel that effectively dismantles prevailing societal norms and challenges perspectives on genderqueer individuals. Further, the analysis narrows itself to an eco-conscious approach from a queer perspective, which claims to be the main argument of the article. In its graphical representation, this analysis also focuses on the meaning nature provides us through symbols defining eco-semiotics. The purpose of the study is to contribute to a greater understanding of environmental exploitation concerning the marginalisation experienced by the queer community. The eco-conscious attitude that is looked upon from a queer perspective serves to prove the mutual interdependence between eco-critical and queer sexual desires that are often negated, ignored, exploited and marginalised amidst the dominant ideological discourses.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jensi Helan J, Rashmi Borah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge and Use of Contraception in Damoh District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, adopted by the United Nations. Women’s improved reproductive health is positively associated with their knowledge and adoption of contraceptives. Contraception is crucial in determining the family size, birth interval, and women's health and falls under SDG3 and SDG5. This study aimed to highlight the knowledge and use of contraceptives in the Damoh district located in Madhya Pradesh, India. We utilised primary data collected through a personal survey using a structured Interview Schedule from eight sampling units in the district. For this, we employed descriptive statistics and regression techniques for the analysis. Results reveal that a substantial share of women had knowledge of at least a single method of contraception. However, female sterilisation and pills were the most commonly known methods for women. Nonetheless, the knowledge of contraception was not found to be reflected in the adoption as nearly one-third of all women were not using any method of contraception. Further, the level of adoption of different contraceptive methods varied across socio-demographic backgrounds. Therefore, emphasis on information, education and communication (IEC) initiatives may lead to an increase in the adoption of modern contraceptives.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3 and SDG5)
Copyright (c) 2024 Rahul Mishra, Hemant Patidar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0