Space and Culture, India
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A Decade of Smart Urbanism in India through the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
Full text linkIndia 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
Voices from Exile: Exploring Tibetan Nationalism and Identity Among Tibetan Refugees Living in India
Full text linkThis study examines the concept of a nation, the construction of national identity, and individuals\u27 acts of nationalism in the name of a nation, through the lens of the Tibetan refugee population. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to provide context for these questions. The recorded data shows that the Tibetan refugee population’s identification with their geographical and religious features forms the basis of the Tibetan national identity. It is seen that this identification evokes a sense of collective national trait among the Tibetan community, symbolising the preferred personality characteristics of a genuine Tibetan. Further, the community’s shared belief in historical and cultural homogeneity, spiritual faith in leadership, and consciousness of belonging to a refugee group gives them a determined reason to free Tibet from the suffering of foreign occupation. Such factors eventually guide the refugee Tibetans to conceptualise and exercise Tibetan nationalism from exile
Sukha, Santosha, and Sampatti: A Holistic Indian Approach to Flourishing and Resilience
Full text linkWell-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
On Insider-Outsider in North East India
Full text linkIn 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 \u27Northeast 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
Reimagining Spiritual Horizons: Critical Reflections on Reinventing Sanatana Dharma
Full text linkThis commentary critically examines Mukundan P.R\u27s 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
Value Integration amongst Students of Social Work: Challenges and Way Forward
Full text linkValues 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
Resurrecting India’s Struggle for Independence: Pioneering Role of Babu Jagat Singh
Full text linkBased 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
Trends in the Study of Gender Issues in Central Asian Countries: A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis Using the Scopus Database
Full text linkRecently, 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
“Soft Power” and Ethnic Identity Factors in Türkiye-Kazakhstan Integration
Full text linkThe 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
Spatial Diversity and Narratives of a Decaying Culture: Jhāpān Serpent Festival of West Bengal, India
Full text linkFolk 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