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Temporal Dynamics of Groundwater Quality in the Industrial Belt of Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Get PDFGroundwater is the primary source of drinking and irrigation water for nearly 85% of India’s population, making its quality vital for public health and agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the seasonal variation of groundwater quality in villages situated within the industrial belt of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, with a particular focus on fluoride contamination. Groundwater samples were collected from deep aquifers at seven sites in Korpana Subdistrict and analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and fluoride. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.80 to 2.50 mg/L, with several summer samples exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit of 1.5 mg/L. Elevated fluoride levels were associated with health risks, including dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and bone deformities in both children and adults. Seasonal assessment revealed that monsoonal recharge diluted fluoride concentrations, reducing contamination levels. The findings underscore the urgent need for continuous groundwater monitoring supported by sustainable management measures. These include cost-effective defluoridation technologies, promotion of alternative water sources, and community-based awareness initiatives. Together, such efforts are essential to reduce fluoride-related health risks and ensure safe drinking water security in Chandrapur district.
Keywords: Groundwater quality, Fluoride contamination, Seasonal variation, Chandrapur, Public healt
Elusive Difference in Taylor’s Conception of Authentic Identity
Get PDFBased on the tradition of Western intellectual history, Charles Taylor draws authenticity as a life good of self-fulfilment linked with the constitution of self-identity. According to Taylor, Authenticity has explicit roots in the moral sources of modernity that he sketches in Sources of the Self. The defence of authenticity as a valid moral ideal that Taylor proposes in The Ethics of Authenticity is based on the commonality of moral sources in Taylor’s description of modernity. Taylor opens a rethinking of authenticity such that it is not self-enclosed and evasive of public articulation to be subjected to critical evaluation. This paper critically engages with Taylor’s account of authenticity and its historical sources in his works. The paper argues that Taylor’s authenticity is entangled in the notion of identity and its quest for fundamental ontology, which restricts his conception of authenticity both in its own right and in the political experience of deliverance from the modern predicament. The paper contends that any notion of authenticity must be sympathetic to Taylor’s criticism of self-determining freedom. However, authenticity must also be compassionate to ‘difference’ to accommodate uniqueness and plurality adequately.
Keywords: authenticity, moral sources, Charles Taylor, identity, differenc
Ancient Remedies for Aging Minds: Ayurveda in the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Get PDFAyurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, views mental health as a balance between body, mind, and spirit. It attributes mental disorders (Manasika Roga) to imbalances in the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—along with disruptions in the gunas: sattva (clarity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). Age-related neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are seen not merely as biological decline but as consequences of aggravated Vata dosha and depletion of Ojas (vital essence). Therapeutic strategies in Ayurveda aim to restore equilibrium through diet (Ahara), lifestyle practices (Dinacharya), herbal remedies (e.g., Ashwagandha, Brahmi), detoxification (Panchakarma), and mind-body techniques such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and meditation. These interventions are believed to support cognitive health, slow neural degeneration, and enhance resilience. Modern research supports many of these practices, showing that Ayurvedic herbs possess neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While contemporary treatments often use a reductionist model, Ayurveda’s systems-based approach may offer a valuable complementary framework for managing neurodegenerative diseases by addressing interconnected physiological and psychological processes
Therapeutic Interventions for Grief and Bereavement: Efficacy, Stages, and Clinical Approaches
No full textKeywords: Grief, Bereavement, Counseling, Psychotherapy, Mourning
Grief and bereavement have a significant impact on mental, emotional, and social well-being, especially in collectivistic cultures such as India, where strong familial connections amplify the distress associated with loss. This manuscript examines the effectiveness of various grief counseling interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy (GT), Art Therapy (AT), and Play Therapy (PT). The investigation utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating randomized controlled trials alongside qualitative phenomenological studies. The research is conducted among a diverse range of Indian populations, including youth, the elderly, and individuals from both rural and urban settings. Standardized measures, such as the Grief Experience Inventory, and thematic analysis are employed to assess symptom alleviation and cultural factors. The findings indicate that peer-led counseling is effective in reducing grief symptoms, while non-traditional therapies cater to the needs of various groups. However, limitations are noted, including a lack of empirical depth, insufficient training for counselors (with only 33% feeling adequately prepared), and a deficiency in neurobiological understanding. The manuscript recommends the pursuit of longitudinal studies, the establishment of standardized training programs, the exploration of digital interventions, and the development of culturally sensitive strategies to address emerging forms of grief (such as ecological and collective grief) and the challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 bereavement, thereby improving accessibility and effectiveness in grief counseling practices in India
Owning the Land: Significance of Tenancy Laws in Jharkhand
Get PDFLand and forests have been the mainstay of the Adivasi lives. More than valuing nature for their economic use value, the adivasis have lived in harmony with nature and practiced subsistence living. Land for them has never been a piece of property to be owned privately, but the communities have owned it collectively and therefore land become such an important part of the Adivasi lifeworld. Some of the well-known Adivasi movements in India emerged in today’s Jharkhand fighting for their rights over jal (water), jangal (forest) and jameen (land). The present paper examines the significance of the tenancy laws namely the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, for the tribal population of Jharkhand. After independence, the Bihar Land Reforms Act 1950 abolished all intermediary tenure holdings, but the tenancy laws in the tribal areas of present Jharkhand were exempted. In the name of development, the state governments have tried to amend the Acts a few times but have met with strong resistance from the people. These colonial acts which were used by the British colonisers to appease the tribals functions as a weapon to protect the tribals against the imperialistic tendencies of the present state. The paper briefly reviews the tenancy laws in Jharkhand and argues that these laws have been crucial for the tribal population. The arguments are based on the study conducted by the author during her doctoral study
Photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of carbonaceous materials coupled NiO nanocomposites
No full textThe photocatalytic and antibacterial characteristics of pure NiO (NO), GO, and rGO integrated NiO (GNO and rNO) nanoparticles have been compared in this work. Through the process of chemical precipitation, NO and GNO NPs were created. Through the use of Centella asiatica leaf extract to reduce graphene oxide to rGO, rNO NC was produced utilizing one-pot green synthesis technique. The cubic crystal structure of all the samples shows a clear preferential growth along the (2 0 0) direction. Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide blending have a detrimental effect on the crystalline quality of NO. Reduced band gaps for the GNO and rNO samples were observed resulting from charge delocalization from electronic interaction between NiOand GO/rGO. The degradation efficiencies of NO, GNO and rNO catalysts were 78, 83 and and 92 %,respectively against rhodamine B after 100 min of light irradiation. The antibacterial properties of NO, GNO, and rNO NPs are differentiated by their size and ability to generate reactive oxygen species. Due to decreased crystallite size more ROS are generated for rNO and hence enhanced antibacterial potency has been realized
South African municipal performance through the lens of Batho Pele Principles: A public perspective
No full textThis study analyses the performance of municipalities in South Africa from the public's viewpoint, using the lens of the Batho Pele principles. Batho Pele, meaning "People First" in Setswana, emphasises the importance of citizen-centred service delivery, characterised by accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and quality services in the public sector. This paper applied a quantitative research method, using data from the South African Social Attitude Survey (SASAS). The study used SPSS version 27 for statistical analysis in four stages. These included univariate analysis, constructing the Batho Pele Index, comparing means across provinces, and conducting multivariate analysis through multiple and logistic regressions. The Batho Pele Index (BPI) findings indicate a prolonged period of public discontent (2007-2020) regarding how municipalities engage with communities regarding basic services. There is a perception that municipalities are slow to address citizens' complaints regarding service delivery issues and to rectify reported problems. The mean BPI score supports these observations, showing a consistent trend of dissatisfaction (2007-2020), with a 40% decrease in satisfaction likelihood. This study proposes significant strategies that could enhance municipal performance excellence and provide valuable insights for policymakers
Exploring Exclusion: Understanding Marginalisation in the Third Gender Community of Haryana
No full textTo understand the marginalisation of the Third Gender community, examining the ongoing exclusion despite getting legal recognition and constitutional rights in India in 2014 is essential. They are still confronted with deep-seated expressions of stigma and discrimination. This paper aimed to investigate these challenges experienced by the Third Gender community of Haryana. A Mixed-method approach was employed in the study, combining focus group discussions with 20 respondents and a survey of 105 respondents. The analyses revealed the depth of exclusion, which was shaped by interpersonal rejection and institutional barriers. Findings supported the implementation of awareness programmes for mainstream people alongside welfare schemes or interventions for the Third Gender community to reduce misconceptions and biases towards them. This paper advocates for social acceptance of the Third Gender community, which is crucial for inclusion; without it, these interventions will not achieve their intended goals
From a sacred place to a religious tourist destination: contribution of Bengali community of Varanasi in shaping the destination image
No full textSituated on the banks of River Ganga, Varanasi is an example of different communities migrated from different places settled here from ancient period. Bengali community, migrated from the erstwhile undivided Bengal, contributed in shaping the cultural identity of Varanasi. Employing qualitative research methods, this study is structured on a sociological perspective. The study used observations and in-depth interviews to gather the required data. Using purposive sampling, respondents were selected on the basis of their knowledge on the context of the study. Conclusions were drawn from the synthesis of observations by researchers and the content analysis of the interview transcripts. The findings present the interplay of historical events and its consequences on the socio-temporal-spatial dynamics which result in continuity of unique traditions amidst the social changes. Further, it presents the contributions of different generations of Bengali community of Varanasi in building up a pluralistic but religious identity which inspired devotees and tourists from the Eastern India to visit the city. The study helps in understanding the role of Bengali Community in enriching the cultural ethos and religious heritage of the city as a popular tourist destination
Tourist Motivation and Heritage Site Visitation: A Case Study of ASI Monuments of Himachal Pradesh, India
No full textThis study empirically investigates the factors influencing tourists’ motivations to visit heritage monuments in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. With a focus on cultural and psychological dimensions of heritage tourism, the research aims to identify core motivational drivers shaping tourist behaviour. Three hundred fifty responses were collected through structured questionnaires administered at 11 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected heritage sites within the district. Using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in SPSS, four dominant motivational dimensions were extracted: TMF1 (Holistic Enrichment through Experiential Tourism), TMF2 (Rejuvenation and Social Fulfilment), TMF3 (Personal Autonomy and Social Identity), and TMF4 (Self-Discovery and Inner Well-Being). The findings suggest that tourists are primarily driven by the desire to engage with the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. At the same time, the surrounding natural beauty serves as a complementary attraction. Demographic variables such as age, education, occupation, and travel companion significantly influenced these motivational factors. These insights provide a basis for targeted marketing strategies and customised tourism experiences. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for establishing a regional heritage tourism circuit, which could enhance visitor flow, generate economic benefits, and promote sustainable tourism development. The findings offer practical implications for tourism planners, heritage managers, and policymakers to optimise heritage site management and improve visitor engagement in emerging cultural destinations