SOUTH INDIA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Succession and Sovereignty: The Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation and Its Implications for India-China Relations
Get PDFThe forthcoming succession of the 14th Dalai Lama has emerged as a critical juncture in the geopolitics of South Asia. While Tibetan Buddhism treats the Dalai Lama's reincarnation as a spiritual matter, China has asserted political authority over the process, framing it as a question of sovereignty. India, hosting the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Dalai Lama since 1959, faces a delicate strategic challenge: balancing its commitment to Tibetan refugees and spiritual traditions with the imperative of managing its strained relations with China. This article examines the intersection of religion and politics in the Dalai Lama's succession, analyses China's attempts to control Tibetan Buddhism, and assesses how this contestation might influence India-China relations in the coming decades
Colonialism, Capitalism, Catastrophe: A Case Study of the Intersection of Disaster and Colonialism in Darjeeling
Get PDFThis paper explores the intersection of disaster, colonialism, and capitalism in Darjeeling, using the 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake as a critical lens to understand historical processes of urbanisation and vulnerability. Drawing on the framework proposed by Aguilar, Pante, and Tugado (2016), it argues that disasters are not isolated ruptures but deeply embedded in long-term socio-environmental transformations. The essay traces the colonial development of Darjeeling as a hill station, its strategic significance, and the disastrous impact of British resource extraction and urban planning on indigenous Lepcha populations. Through the case of the 1934 earthquake, this paper reveals how disasters become opportunities for state intervention, political manoeuvring, and the propagation of capitalist logics, often exacerbating existing class, caste, and gender inequalities. The study critiques the hegemonic and linear narratives of development, highlighting the persistent environmental and social consequences of commodifying nature in vulnerable regions
Ethnicization of the Matua Community in West Bengal, India
Get PDFThis paper examines the ethnicization of the Matua Community in West Bengal, India through a historical lens focusing on people who influenced the formation of their identity and socio-political consolidation. It first traces Harichand Thakur's religious movement around Kirtan, then the research goes on to present Guruchand Thakur's educational reforms as a turning point to social liberation. Next, the paper looks at the works of Pramatha Ranjan Thakur and Binapani Devi in bringing the low-caste Matua refugees together under a common socio-religious and political fold. Through a literature survey and discourse analysis, this research is a critical account of the changing Matua identity and the resulting caste dynamics and political mobilization in Bengal
WASH Facilities and Menstrual Hygiene Management at Schools of Rural Bihar: A Mixed-Methods Study of Adolescent Girls
Get PDFThis study explores the importance of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities along with menstrual hygiene management (MHM) services for adolescent girls in the schools of Khudabandpur Block of Begusarai District, Bihar. Menstrual hygiene is a crucial factor influencing girls' overall health, school attendance, academic performance and educational outcomes. The research highlights girls' socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural challenges in managing their menstrual hygiene in rural India. A total of 279 adolescent girls from four schools participated in the study, with data collected through interviews with local teachers and community members. The findings reveal that 87 per cent of the girls had no prior knowledge of menstruation before menarche, leading to confusion and fear during their first experience. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation and inadequate facilities for MHM significantly impact the education of girls. The study concludes that improving access to affordable menstrual products, enhancing WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) infrastructure, and implementing comprehensive menstrual education programs are essential for promoting girls' overall well-being in rural areas.
Nurturing the Self: How Yin Yoga Enhances Compassion, Wellbeing, and Mindfulness in Future Instructors
Get PDFExisting literature suggests that qualities such as self-compassion, wellbeing, and mindfulness in yoga instructors contribute positively to trainee outcomes. Although research is limited, prior studies indicate that Yin Yoga, rooted in Taoist and Hatha Yoga, fosters these qualities. Yin Yoga is a slow, mindful practice that encourages self-compassionate awareness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Yin Yoga on self-compassion, wellbeing, and mindfulness among participants in a seven-month Yin Yoga teacher training program in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Using a one-group pre-test–post-test quasi-experimental design, the study revealed significant improvements in participants' self-compassion, wellbeing, and mindfulness levels from pre- to post-assessment. A notable correlation was also found between wellbeing and mindfulness, as well as between self-compassion and mindfulness. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses further supported these quantitative findings, highlighting participants' enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation. Results suggest that consistent Yin Yoga practice may effectively promote these psychological attributes in trainees. Future mixed-method research is recommended to explore additional psychological factors that may enhance Yin Yoga instructors' teaching abilities
Identification and Analysis of Problem Faced in Use of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) System
Get PDFUnified Payment Interface is embedded with innovative technology for payment with different extended features such as instant money transfer, no need of banking details etc. This system modernized the way of doing payment in the digital payment background of India and now it becomes the vital instrument for India to become a cashless economy. However, instead of UPI continuous popularity, there are different barriers or problems which affect its widespread adoption. The present study is related to identify and analyses and then highlight the crucial problems that slow down the UPI system adoption. The Primary data collected through the use of “Structured Questionnaire” in Google form. The research is descriptive and analytical in nature. In present study on the basis of “Exploratory Factor analysis” problems are identified that individual experiences under four category such as Infrastructural Problem, Technical Problem, Security Type and User Experience issues and on the basis of mean ranking it is found that banking server issue(infrastructural),Transaction failure issue (Technical), Public Wi-Fi security risks, Threat of payment on fake merchant websites(Security issue) and Delayed refund of blocked amount(User experience issue) are the key problems under different dimension faced by many consumer. The results of this study will be also substantial for policymakers, technology providers and financial institutions for usage of UPI at wide level and also to promote digital financial inclusion in India which ultimately contribute more to an “Inclusive and Cashless economy”
Beyond Black and White: Thematic Exploration of Factors Influencing Attitude Towards Euthanasia
Get PDFEuthanasia is a sensitive topic that sparks a wide range of feelings and emotions. People have different opinions about it, influenced by their personal experiences, values, cultural backgrounds and various other factors. The present study aims to understand what influences people’s attitudes toward euthanasia by exploring the factors that shape these views. To better understand the perspectives within this context, the present study used qualitative methodology. The study sample consists of 9 participants between the age range 18-29 years, selected through purposive sampling from various departments of University. The thematic analysis was conducted to identify main themes, revealing ten major themes: personal and vicarious experiences, role of emotions, ethical and moral beliefs, cultural and religious beliefs, financial constraints, legal and policy context, media and public perception, role of healthcare professionals, autonomy and personal control, family and loved ones’ influence. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex interaction of factors that shape attitudes toward euthanasia. The insights gained from this research can help healthcare workers, counselors, and policymakers approach the topic with greater understanding and compassion
Intersectionality in Social transactions in India - B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision
Get PDFExcerpts of Chief Guest Speech at Round Table Conference on,” Ambedkar and Intersectionality in IndianSociety’ organized by GRCR&D Centre, BRA Open University, Hyderabad , on 12th April 2025
Influence of Short-Term Rentals and Gig Economy on Tourism in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Get PDFThis study explores the intersection of short-term rentals (STRs) and the gig economy within the context of tourism, focusing on how platforms like Airbnb, Home stays, Bed and Breakfast accommodations influence local economies, tourism demand, and the labor market in the popular tourist destination Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. With the rapid rise of STRs, many individuals have transitioned into the gig economy, offering their properties or services to tourists in exchange for flexible income opportunities. Using semi-structured interviews with hosts, guests, and tourism professionals, this qualitative study investigates the economic, social, and regulatory impacts of STRs. Thematic analysis is employed to identify key themes and patterns from the interview data, which include economic impact, flexibility and work conditions, regulatory concerns, and demand uncertainty. The findings reveal that STRs provide significant economic benefits for hosts but also contribute to housing market inflation in urban areas, leading to tensions with local communities. The study also highlights the flexibility and autonomy that gig workers experience, although these benefits are tempered by risks such as income instability and the lack of formal worker protections. Additionally, concerns regarding regulations and the sustainability of STRs are raised, especially in the face of over-tourism. The paper concludes by suggesting that effective policy development is essential to balance the benefits of STRs with the challenges they pose to housing markets and local communities in Kodaikanal. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how STRs and the gig economy are reshaping tourism demand, work conditions, and urban landscapes
Understanding The Regional Economic Growth and Sectoral Convergence in India: A Base Year Analysis
Get PDFThe This study will analyse a comprehensive overview of the research to investigate regional disparities and convergence in various sectors and sub-sectors of the Indian regions. It aims to determine whether Indian regions experienced absolute and sigma convergence or divergence during this period. It considers six base year series from 1970 to 2020 to understand the structural change. The study utilises a base year analysis approach, employing economic indicators and data from multiple sources such as EPWRF, RBI’s Data Warehouse, CMIE states of India, and reports. The Key economic indicators considered include the Net domestic product (NDP) at a constant price, per capita income, sectoral contributions, investment patterns, and human development indices. Furthermore, the study employs various statistical techniques and econometric models to assess the degree of economic convergence among Indian states and regions. In addition, the Log-Lin Model is used to analyses the CAGR. The study uses the Sample Regression Function to measure absolute convergence or divergence. However, given this framework, the research investigates the historical context of Indian economic growth and development, highlighting major policy reforms and financial initiatives. It explores how it affected regional economies and contributed to either convergence or divergence