Journal Space and Culture, India (e-ISSN 2052-8396) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed international journal in Humanities published quarterly. <a style="color: #007ab2; font-family: &quot; noto sans&quot;,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" title="Index Coppernicus" href="https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/journal/issue?issueId=all&journalId=4595" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <a style="color: #007ab2; font-family: &quot; noto sans&quot;,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" title="SJR" href="https://www.scimagojr.com/journalsearch.php?q=21100814517&tip=sid&exact=no" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <a style="color: #007ab2; font-family: &quot; noto sans&quot;,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" title="ISSN" href="https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2052-8396" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <a style="color: #007ab2; font-family: &quot; noto sans&quot;,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" title="ERIHPlus" href="https://kanalregister.hkdir.no/publiseringskanaler/erihplus/periodical/info?id=504095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
Alliance for Community Capacity Building
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Factors Influencing Rupee-Dollar Exchange Rate in the Post-Reform Period: An ARDL Approach
In the era of growing global economic integration, international transactions such as trade, investment, and financial activities have become inevitable for every country, and central to these activities is the exchange rate. Nowadays, the Indian economy is more open, and hence, the stability of the rupee-dollar exchange rate (₹/$ ER) has become a crucial issue for the economy. Despite the historic 1993 reform in the Indian exchange rate management system, the rupee remained highly volatile, especially against the dollar, raising questions about the factors driving its fluctuations. The present study aims to identify these factors. The study employs the ARDL model, using annual data from reliable sources such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the World Bank for the post-reform period (1993-2023). The analysis reveals a long-run cointegrating relationship among the variables in the reference period. The estimated long-run ARDL model suggests that, among the selected macroeconomic factors, inflation and the interest rate are significant determinants of the ₹/$ ER in the post-reform period, and that, among the selected external factors, foreign portfolio investment (FPI), the current account balance, and oil prices are significant determinants of the ₹/$ ER in the post-reform period. However, the short-run dynamics highlight the role of interest rates and FPI alone, while the error-correction term confirms a moderate adjustment toward equilibrium. Identification of the significant factors affecting the ₹/$ ER would help in implementing policies to control these factors, at least to some extent, which may help to keep the ₹/$ ER more or less stable. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of monetary policy, trade dynamics, and global financial flows in shaping exchange rate behaviour.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tarif Hussain, Dr. Amiya Sarma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Refurbishing the Spirit of Patriotism as a Durable Value among Youth
Characterised by globalisation, with its cohorts in rapid technological advancements, economic uncertainty, Western cultural diffusion and ever-evolving social and political landscapes, contemporary times are fraught with multiple challenges for youth. Diminution and alteration in the spirit of patriotism and civic engagement emerge as dominant and concerting traits of the times. The patriotism of today stems from a narrower and more instrumental view of what is national. Being more symbolic, selective, and issue-based, it lacks the qualities of sustainable, constructive democratic patriotism. As a nation in rapid economic and social transition, India expects its youth to play a proactive role in nation-building. To instil a sense of national pride, loyalty, and service for the nation, there is a need to revive their patriotism in them. This, in turn, entails that school and university education reinvent themselves to move beyond the mere perfunctory celebration of patriotism towards a more lasting and durable flourishing of critical loyalty, collective values, and civic participation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Neera Agnimitra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Elderly Men at Tapgol Park: Psychological Motives, Cultural Influences, and Spatial Exclusion/Segregation in South Korea
Tapgol Park and its nearby downtown area in Seoul, South Korea, have attracted a large number of elderly visitors over the past several decades despite a series of urban redevelopment projects that aimed at relocating them to so-called more elder-friendly recreational spaces. In this article, I analysed the sociocultural phenomena and issues surrounding Tapgol Park and its elderly visitors, which have long attracted national attention and debate. I introduced basic information about Tapgol Park, including its history, geography, and current condition. Then I analysed the psychological motivations of elderly visitors to find out why they visit the park so frequently. In conclusion, it appears that these elders visit the park and its surrounding areas to alleviate the psychological distress common in old age. The sacralisation project, however, has driven many elders away from the park, and this can be seen as spatial discrimination against the elderly seeking psychological well-being in public spaces. Although the urban elderly community centred around the park has some positive aspects, it is also an example of the age-segregation in South Korea reinforced by Confucian values. Referring to one local park in Incheon as an example, I suggest that the problem of age-segregation may also be addressed through the way architectural spaces are structured.
Copyright (c) 2025 Youngjin Kang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
When Emotion Becomes Evidence: How Zubeen Garg’s Case Spiralled into a Narrative War
The sudden death of Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, in Singapore on 19 September 2025, rapidly transformed public emotion into a contested narrative space. What began as collective mourning evolved into a volatile discourse shaped by speculation, digital mobilisation, political opportunism and institutional communication challenges. This article examines how emotionally charged narratives interacted with procedural constraints, reshaping governmental communication during the first week following the incident. Using qualitative content analysis of official statements, media reporting, and publicly accessible social media activity, the commentary identifies a five-stage escalation: shock, suspicion, distrust, mobilisation, and institutional pressure. The Chief Minister’s initial position—emphasising Singapore’s investigative jurisdiction and evidence-based process—was soon confronted by narrative surges that demanded immediate action. Indicators of coordinated online messaging, including synchronised hashtags and repetitive narrative frames, suggest that certain actors sought to leverage public emotion to influence institutional behaviour. The case highlights a contemporary governance challenge: in digitally mediated environments, perception often precedes fact, and narrative pressure can shape state communication even before evidence emerges. Effective crisis governance, therefore, requires anticipatory, transparent communication strategies that prevent information vacuums and limit the scope for narrative capture. Emotion must be acknowledged, but institutional processes must remain anchored in evidence and jurisdictional clarity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jayanta Biswa Sarma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Public Discourse on Press Freedom: Twitter’s Role in the Backlash Against Indonesia's 2024 Broadcasting Law Revision
The revision of Indonesia's Broadcasting Law in 2024 sparked intense debate on Twitter. This study analyses public discourse on Twitter from 10 May to 05 June 2024, focusing on 3,872 tweets, account engagement, popular accounts and hashtags, social networks, word clouds, sentiment, and media usage in opposing the revision of the law. This research is vital for further understanding the discussions surrounding Indonesia's Broadcasting Law, which has faced significant criticism for limiting press freedom and raising concerns about the erosion of democracy. The analysis revealed that peaks in discussion coincided with journalist protests and legislative meetings on the law. Most tweets expressed opposition to the revision, with Change.org emerging as the dominant platform leading the protests, likely used by activists to mobilise support through online petitions. Interestingly, the primary influences in this discourse were not from mass media or journalism but from influential social media personalities, alongside accounts with unclear identities, which also played a significant role in spreading information. The study also highlights the application of agenda-setting theory, in which Twitter, as a digital platform, played a key role in shaping the public agenda by amplifying concerns about press freedom and democracy. This research underscores the importance for policymakers considering input from the press community when crafting laws that balance regulation and the protection of press freedom.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fathul Qorib, Frida Kusumastuti, Saudah, Samia Elviria, Maielayuskha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial Diversity and Narratives of a Decaying Culture: Jhāpān Serpent Festival of West Bengal, India
Folk festivals, embedded within a distinctive geographical space, reflect the socio-cultural uniqueness through their vibrant symbolic elements. West Bengal, a culturally diverse state, hosts numerous folk festivals predominantly associated with the identities of various social groups. Such a critical folk festival is Jhāpān, a long-celebrated tradition of snake charmers in Bengal. The festival never fails to echo local tradition through exhibitions of a wide range of performances, from snake charming to ethnomedicinal practices and ritualistic performances, as well as various acts of entertainment by the snake charmers. Nevertheless, it is of great concern whether the festival is gradually dying out within the ever-changing social and administrative landscape or being remoulded. The purview provided an opportunity to delve into the origins and etymological dimensions of Jhāpān, explore its cultural extent, and delineate its transition. The findings highlight that, despite constant hindrances, the festival is gradually disappearing. It questions the survival of the cultural distinctiveness that the geographical space has carried for centuries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhupal Bhandary, Nayan Roy, Akash Mallick, Rabi Narayan Behera, Sasmita Rout https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Value Integration amongst Students of Social Work: Challenges and Way Forward
Values form an integral component of the social work profession. In fact, values provide the framework within which social work professionals make decisions and create meaningful and inclusive interventions for their client systems. Consequently, facilitating and promoting value integration must comprise the core component of teaching and learning in this profession. In its early stages of progression, a quest for acceptance shifted the primary thrust of professional social work to developing a scientific knowledge base and skills, at the expense of focusing on its values. Over time, factors such as value plurality, limited ‘values’ focus and pedagogical challenges in values training, and the dominance of generic, universal, and Western value sets emerged as significant roadblocks in values-based practice. The authors contend that this has led to an ongoing diminution of values teaching and integration in schools of social work, made more critical in the contemporary neoliberal context of professional practice. Based on a descriptive exploratory research study, the paper focuses on a school of social work in Delhi, India. It assumes a critical view of the value transactions that take place in the classroom and field settings and explores the manner in which values are imbibed and practised by the students; the challenges and ethical dilemmas experienced by them; and the mechanisms deployed by them to resolve such dilemmas. Centred on the perspectives of students and educators, the paper examines the nature and process of value integration. It proposes ways to consolidate the value base of social work education and practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Neera Agnimitra, Seema Sharma, Tejaswin Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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
Animal Cremation Based on Ritual in Banjar Nyelati Kuwum Village, Mengwi Badung
This study aims to describe the implementation of ritual-based animal cremation at Bali Animal Cremation in Banjar Nyelati, Desa Kuwum, Mengwi District, Badung Regency. The research uses a qualitative approach, drawing from both primary and secondary data. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document study. The data were then analysed descriptively, qualitatively, and interpretatively, followed by the presentation of the research findings. The results show that the ideology behind this ritual-based animal cremation practice is based on spiritual respect for animals, belief in the laws of karma and reincarnation, and love and compassion. The cremation process starts with the preparation of offerings and burning equipment, the identification of the animal, the ritual of mapekeling (purification), the ritual of bathing the animal, and, after which, the cremation/burning takes place. Finally, the ashes are collected and placed in a container prepared by the client. We reckon the research findings will provide a deeper understanding of the relationships among tradition, religion, and culture in Balinese society, as well as their contributions to the preservation of local culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 I Made Girinata, I Gede Suwantana, I Putu Agus Aryatnaya Giri, I Ketut Sudarsana 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