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Indian Women in Doctoral Education: Some Encouraging Signs, the Path Ahead, and Lessons for Inclusivity
Full text linkFor the total doctorate awarded in India in 2013, the male-to-female ratio was 63:37. This ratio improved to 57:43 in favour of women in 2021. In absolute terms, the number of women awarded doctorates almost doubled in 2021 compared with 2013. In this study, we examine the progress made by Indian women in doctoral education based on annual reports from the All India Survey on Higher Education. The improved ratios and numbers reflect the adoption of an action-oriented approach in dealing with the concepts of equality and inclusion. The reasons for the progress and ways to improve were investigated based on secondary data and interviews with 15 expert senior female research supervisors. The interviews reveal that apart from the mandatory requirement of a PhD qualification for academic progression, other initiatives have been taken by the Government that have encouraged more women to opt for doctoral education. However, more needs to be done to make research easy for women in India, and such areas, as pointed out by the panel of experts, have been discussed. These findings can be used by other nations that want to bring more inclusivity to doctoral education
A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge and Use of Contraception in Damoh District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Full text linkEnsuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, adopted by the United Nations. Women’s improved reproductive health is positively associated with their knowledge and adoption of contraceptives. Contraception is crucial in determining the family size, birth interval, and women\u27s health and falls under SDG3 and SDG5. This study aimed to highlight the knowledge and use of contraceptives in the Damoh district located in Madhya Pradesh, India. We utilised primary data collected through a personal survey using a structured Interview Schedule from eight sampling units in the district. For this, we employed descriptive statistics and regression techniques for the analysis. Results reveal that a substantial share of women had knowledge of at least a single method of contraception. However, female sterilisation and pills were the most commonly known methods for women. Nonetheless, the knowledge of contraception was not found to be reflected in the adoption as nearly one-third of all women were not using any method of contraception. Further, the level of adoption of different contraceptive methods varied across socio-demographic backgrounds. Therefore, emphasis on information, education and communication (IEC) initiatives may lead to an increase in the adoption of modern contraceptives
Understanding Sustainable Development Goals and the Challenges of Northeast India: A Review Essay
Full text linkWith 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\u27s 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
Understanding the Suicidality of Working Women in Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa’s Brink
Full text linkSuicide among working women is a growing concern and a subject of research that is frequently ignored. The objective of this research is to highlight the challenges faced by employed women that drive them to contemplate suicide, as shown through the protagonist, Amrita, in Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa’s novel Brink (2020). Characters function as a conduit connecting the observer to the narrative. This allows the audience to experience empathy for the characters. The process of creating a character is a form of artistic expression. This study aims to analyse the portrayal of Amrita’s character in the novel Brink (2020). The main character, Amrita, is a single mother with a difficult past who fights to live a self-sufficient life with her sons. This study uses Meike Bal\u27s Construction of Image to analyse Amrita’s characterisation and transformation throughout the novel. It underlines the importance of connection and hope in moulding her into a happy, driven woman instead of a depressed and hopeless woman. The research concludes by underscoring the importance of literature delving into sensitive topics to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue
Modus Ethical Categories as a Condition for the Emergence of Phraseological Semantics, their Application in Political Discourse
Full text linkThis article presents the results of a study of the formation processes of phraseological meanings considering cognitive-discursive conditions. Traditional and new (cognitive) approaches to the formation of phraseological semantics are analysed, and a method for the formation of phraseological meaning is proposed, namely the use of cognitive-discursive categories of state-mode. Modal categories contribute to a new moral and evaluative aspect of meaning. The research focuses on the representation of phraseological meanings in the formats of knowledge, concepts and ethical categories. The study aims to examine a new way of forming phraseological meanings based on the study of modus categories as a cognitive-discursive condition, as well as evaluative categorisation and the presentation of phraseological ethical knowledge in cognitive knowledge formats. An integrative methodological paradigm and a cognitive-semantic approach were applied in the study. Cognitive semantics offers new principles for analysing phraseological units: equality of cognitive and communicative functions of language, interdisciplinarity, multifactoriality, anthropocentricity and multilevelness. When using them, phraseological units can be studied integratively, involving knowledge and methods from various sciences. Methods of modelling, contextual inference, evaluative categorisation, interpretation, cognitive-discursive analysis and associative experiment were also used. The study analyses various points of view on the nature of phraseological semantics, the cognitive-discursive and anthropological essence of phraseological meaning, and the possibility of phraseological units acting as knowledge formats. The novelty of the work lies in the application of an integrative methodological paradigm based on cognitive-semantic and cognitive-discursive approaches, with an emphasis on the role of modus categories and evaluative categorisation in the formation of phraseological evaluative meaning in identifying the formats of phraseological knowledge, in applying a modus approach to the analysis of phraseological meanings
Internationalisation For All: Rethinking University Internationalisation
Full text linkConcerns about commercialisation, high costs of study, elitism, massification, and the challenge of quantity over quality are some of the common themes across the globe in the discussions on international higher education.
Viewed through the lens of a small public university in the UK, this paper presents the results from a study examining the meaning of internationalisation, its practice, and what it means in the context of an inclusive international higher education strategy.
It argues that in a world where 97% of the world’s student population engaged in higher education is not globally mobile for a variety of reasons, internationalisation to be inclusive must adopt a holistic approach and be woven into the fabric of the institution’s life. Implemented as a Whole Institution Initiative (WII), this must be accompanied by clear Intent, Investment, and Infrastructure (3 I’s), connecting strategy, policy, and day-to-day practices at all levels and functions of the institution.
The framework that has been developed as a result of this study provides insight and practical guidance to Higher Education institutions on how to approach internationalisation holistically. At a strategic level, it will be useful to institutional leaders and national policymakers to understand the issues entailed in formulating international strategies, processes, and programmes in developing an inclusive internationalisation strategy and not merely focusing on international student recruitment and inward mobility. At a course/programme level, it provides valuable practical insight and guidance to academics and programme administrators involved in developing and delivering inclusive internationalisation
\u27Buen Vivir\u27: The Good Life Theme for Social Work Practice
No full textWorld Social Work Day (WSWD), observed on the third Tuesday of March, honours social workers. It is an occasion to reaffirm dedication to well-being programs, universal access and equity, and a fair go for all who receive services from the profession. The concept of harmonious coexistence between communities and nature, as well as the collaboration of social workers and local citizens to create peaceful communities, is critical for a sustainable future. This editorial is a self-congratulatory piece on the identification of the correct theme for future social work, but it also provides a brief explanation of what the \u27Buen Vivir\u27: The Good Life theme entails for modern social work practice
India\u27s General Election: Verdict 2024-A Reflection of Public Political Decisions
No full text2024 has been a year of elections around the world, including the developed nations—the USA, the UK, the European Union and the Russian Federation alongside countries like India, Mexico, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran (the Islamic Republic of), South Africa, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Algeria, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Ghana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Venezuela, (the Bolivarian Republic of), Democratic People\u27s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Taiwan, Syrian Arab Republic, Mali, Sri Lanka, Romania, Chad, Senegal, Cambodia, Rwanda, Tunisia, Belgium, Dominic Republic, Jordan, South Sudan, Czechia (Czech Republic), Azerbaijan, Portugal, Belarus, Togo, Austria, El Salvador, Slovakia, Finland, Mauritania, Panama, Croatia, Georgia, Mongolia, Uruguay, Republic of Moldova, Lithuania Botswana, Namibia, Guinea Bissau and North Macedonia. This editorial is devoted to the verdict of India’s General Election 2024.
The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have trickled in by defying most of the expectations of the exit polls. The graph of the results projected a different picture, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) grabbing 293 seats in the 543-member Parliament. At the same time, the coalition of opposition parties, collectively known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), accomplished 234, which is 38 less than the required majority. As a twist in the election results, the regional parties made significant gains in many states. Congress bagged a strong revival, which was hugely attributed to the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Nyay Yatra under the architect of Mr Rahul Gandhi. Nevertheless, with its allies, BJP-led NDA is on board as Modi 3.0 leads the largest democracy
Health Conditions of Inter-State Migrants in Marine Fisheries: A Study of Kerala
Full text linkThe marine fisheries are one of the vital occupations in the southern parts of India. This industry is considered to be the foundation of revenue generation for these states. Kerala, being located at the southernmost part of India, is promoting this industry with support from inter-state migrant labourers. The inter-state migrants working in Kerala’s maritime industry are from northern and southern India. As a result of higher salaries and improved working conditions in this unskilled sector, people from the North and Eastern parts of the country have started to migrate to Kerala. Indeed, the continual cash flow in this sector makes it lucrative and invites a large influx of migrant labour to this region. These inter-state migrant labourers work for more than eight hours and spend 10 to 15 days at sea while fishing. They have to stay with heavy pieces of equipment at sea away from shore. This heart-wrenching situation deteriorates their health. They come across various kinds of professional injuries while fishing. Some of these fishermen and fisherwomen encounter long-term effects from those injuries.
On the other hand, catering to their health needs seems challenging due to the lack of adequate medical facilities for migrant labourers. Following the increase in migratory flow, Kerala’s health system has faced several institutional impediments. The lack of identification of migrant labourers cripples the entire process of providing access to a better healthcare system to them. As a result, inter-state migrant labourers in the marine industry are facing various health-related challenges due to the nature of this profession and the apathy of state machinery.
Therefore, this study seeks to explore the health issues affecting the inter-state migrant labourers in Kerala’s marine sector through a mixed-method research design
Higher Education Landscape in India: Government Expenditure and Its Implications on Growth and Access
Full text linkIndia’s higher education system grapples with myriad challenges perpetuated by scarcity of resources. This study seeks to analyse the quantitative growth of India’s higher education since independence, particularly focusing on the post-reform period. The research employs regression models, including the semi-log, Gompertz and multiple linear models, to determine growth rates and forecast variables up to 2035. The study reveals a significant expansion of higher education during the examined period, though it falls short of meeting the increasing demands. To achieve the goal of a 50 per cent Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2035, the Government of India must take steps to boost its expenditure on higher education. The analysis powerfully underscores that despite the extensive proliferation of higher education in India, its efficacy might be limited without concurrent implementation of robust policies directed towards amplifying government expenditure within the sector