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Volume 2 - Issue 1 - March -2025

Self-Help Regards to Persons with Disability

Abstract: Self-help for individuals with disabilities is a crucial concept that emphasizes personal empowerment, independence, and resilience. It involves the adoption of strategies and practices that enable individuals to navigate the challenges associated with their disabilities and foster their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Self-help approaches encourage individuals to take an active role in managing their conditions, building skills, and pursuing personal goals, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

This concept is rooted in theories of self-efficacy, self-determination, and resilience, which highlight the importance of personal agency and adaptive coping mechanisms. Self-help strategies may include goal-setting, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and utilizing assistive technologies. Additionally, participation in peer support groups and community networks provides a platform for shared experiences, emotional support, and resource exchange, further fostering empowerment.

The importance of self-help for individuals with disabilities extends beyond personal growth. It challenges societal perceptions of disability by demonstrating the potential for independence and achievement, thereby contributing to greater inclusivity and reducing stigma. This abstract underscores the transformative power of self-help for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing its role in fostering autonomy, self-confidence, and meaningful participation in society.

Keywords: Self Help Group, Family Supports, Empowering, Disability Rehabilitation And Technology.


Impact of Socio-Economic Status on the Tribal Education in Alipurduar, West Bengal

Abstract: Scheduled Tribes are groups that are economically, socially, and geographically secluded. Sincere and coordinated efforts were made for the economic and educational advancement of Tribes throughout the post-independence era. In spite of these efforts, the tribes’ educational achievement is much worse than that of the Scheduled Castes. According to research on tribal education, policymakers gave culturally connected education minimal consideration. This has had a direct effect on their general educational condition and resulted in dropouts. The paper’s goal is to compare the gender parity index, dropout rates, gross enrolment ratio, and literacy rate in Alipurduar with those in India in order to examine the effects of socioeconomic position on tribal education. One of the most important prerequisites for creating persons and a country is education. It is essential to the growth of human capital. Character, abilities, and information are imparted via education. In order to meet the requirements of the Directive Principles of State Policy, Indian administrations increasingly depended on literacy campaigns that emphasized the 3Rs (reading, writing, and math) after gaining independence. The study critically evaluates the educational condition and statistics of Tribes in Alipurduar and across India in light of the New Education Policy 2020, which is expected to be implemented soon.

Keywords: Tribes, Primary Education, Dropouts Education, Enrolment, Literacy.


A Survey on the Attitude towards Life Skill Education ofSecondary School Teachers in Sikkim

Abstract: The goal of education is to foster growth in both people and communities. Life Skills Education as defined by the UNICEF (2005) is “a behaviour change or behaviour development approach designed to address a balance of areas; knowledge, attitude and skills.” Life Skills education is a programme that promotes positive health choice, making informed decisions, practicing health behaviour, recognizing and avoiding risky situations and behaviour. Life skills education is the dissemination and teaching of relevant knowledge, Attitudes, values and social and psychological skills to an individual to enable him/her develop their full potentials. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how different demographics, such as gender, academic standing, and region, influence teachers’ perspectives towards life skill education. For this purpose, the researcher has taken sample of 60 teachers from 4 secondary schools from Namchi, Sikkim. “Data were collected by self-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 36 items with the response of 1= strongly disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Agree and 4= Strongly agree. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS 20 version software. Descriptive statistics and t test have used for hypothesis testing”. Findings of the study indicate that there is no significant difference in the attitude towards life skill education in respect of gender, category and living place.

Keywords: Living Place, Teaching, Life Skill Education, Secondary School Teachers.


Job Satisfaction of Higher Secondary School Teachers of Gangtok, Sikkim

Abstract: Job satisfaction is defined as the, “pleasurable emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job as achieving or facilitating the achievement of one’s job values.”Perceived satisfaction on the job is reflected by the needs of sense of fulfilment and expectation for the job to be interesting, challenging and personally satisfying. Job satisfaction is also an achievement indicator in career developmental tasks also job satisfaction has visibly evolved through the decades, but most versions share the belief that job satisfaction is a work-related positive affective reaction.

Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Attitude, Perceived Satisfaction.


A Study of Identity in the Selected Poems of Nissim Ezekiel

Abstract: This study explores the complex and multifaceted portrayal of identity in the selected poems of Nissim Ezekiel, a pioneer of Indian English poetry. Born into a minority Jewish community and writing in English within a predominantly Hindu, vernacular-speaking society, Ezekiel’s personal background offers a unique perspective on issues of cultural, religious, and existential identity. Through an in-depth analysis of poems such as Background, Casually, The Professor, Night of the Scorpion, and Enterprise, this study examines how Ezekiel negotiates feelings of alienation, belonging, and self-definition. The research highlights Ezekiel’s innovative use of Indian English, his ironic tone, and his existential questioning as crucial strategies for articulating a hybrid, evolving self. By focusing on everyday experiences, urban realities, and the philosophical tensions between tradition and modernity, Ezekiel’s poetry reflects a continuous search for authenticity and rootedness. This study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of identity formation in postcolonial literature, showing how personal, linguistic, and cultural struggles are intricately woven into the fabric of Ezekiel’s poetic imagination. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how Ezekiel’s work resonates with universal concerns of selfhood while remaining firmly grounded in the Indian context.

Keywords: Identity, alienation, belonging, and self-definition, modernity etc.


Test Anxiety among High School Students: Patterns, Predictors and Remedies

Abstract: Test anxiety is a prevalent issue among high school students, often impairing academic performance and psychological well-being. This study explores the patterns, predictors, and potential remedies for test anxiety in adolescent learners. Drawing from current literature and psychological theory, the research identifies key manifestations of test anxiety—including cognitive disruptions, emotional distress, and physiological symptoms. The study further investigates psychological predictors such as perfectionism, low self-efficacy, and poor coping mechanisms, as well as environmental influences like parental pressure, teacher behavior, and high-stakes testing environments. Socio-demographic factors, particularly gender and socioeconomic status, are also examined to understand their role in anxiety prevalence. The study then reviews a range of effective interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, academic skill building and school-wide programs that foster supportive learning environments. Understanding these elements is critical for developing targeted strategies to help students manage anxiety and succeed academically. This research contributes to educational psychology by offering actionable insights for educators, counselors, and policymakers aiming to promote student well-being and academic resilience.

Keywords: Test Anxiety, High School Students, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Academic Performance.


Yoga Darshan and Therapy in Indian Context

Abstract:

Background: Yoga is a product of past glory of the Indian Society which is originated thousands years ago. Its principles and methods remained neglected for a long time due to varieties of reasons. But now a day’s necessities has been felt to re-recognize the yoga philosophy as an emerging field of psychotherapy having both basic and applied nature of science. Its ultimate aims is to harmonizing human personality and transcending the self and consciousness.

Aims / Objectives: The aim of this chapter is to correlate the modern techniques used in current practices of psychotherapy with yogic practices in the treatment of mental disorders. Uses of yogic techniques in the psychological well-being of mankind has been discussed.

Method: This is a historical survey research based on past knowledge of yoga and its current clinical application in psychotherapy.

Result: Result revealed that many ancient concept of yoga as described in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali has wider application with reference to their clinical implication in the current practices of psychotherapy. Yoga is necessary for every human beings in order to maintain a balance between oneself and our environment and to live a healthy life. Yoga is practiced since a very long times not only in India but also in abroad too.

Keywords: Yoga, psychotherapy, mental health, psychology, Darshan, Philosophy


Teacher Effectiveness of Teachers from the Government Secondary Schools of Sikkim in Relation with Their Techno-Stress

Abstract: Teaching is considered to be the most sacred and distinctive profession. Teaching has always remained a dynamic activity. It imparts knowledge, information, experience and education. As stated in the report of the International Commission on Education (1996) in any event, no reform can succeed without the co-operation and active participation of teachers. Glass (2011) opined that effective teachers have high expectations for all students and help them to learn and to bring positive academic, attitudinal and social outcomes for the betterment of society. In the 21st century, people equipped with technology at the workplace are most especially those experiencing techno-stress. People are sitting and facing computer monitors for a longer time which results in physical strain. In the 21st century work environment, people spend hours a day at work because it is critical to their security and job satisfaction. Consequences of techno-stress include decreased job satisfaction, organizational commitment and productivity. A periodic assessment is necessary to check the level of techno-stress affecting professionals, especially the physical and emotional aspects. The objectives of the study are to find out significant difference if any in the teacher effectiveness and techno stress of teachers in relation to gender, locale and educational qualification. The descriptive method of survey was adopted. The sample of this study consisted of secondary school teachers of Sikkim. The findings of the study were that there was significant difference in teacher effectiveness of teachers in relation to gender and locale and nonsignificant in educational qualification variations. There was significant difference in techno stress of teachers in relation to locale and educational qualification and non-significant in gender variations. In each case the relationship between teacher effectiveness and techno stress was significant.

Keywords: Teacher Effectiveness. Techno Stress, Learning Behaviour, Attitude.


Linguistic Diversity And Multilingualism in Tripura: A Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract: Tripura, located in the north-eastern region of India, is home to a rich variety of languages that reflect its cultural and ethnic diversity. This sociolinguistic study explores the linguistic landscape of Tripura, focusing on the multiple languages spoken across different communities, including Bengali, Kokborok, Chakma, Reang, Halam, and several others. The research highlights the harmonious coexistence of these languages and the multilingual practices of the people in daily life. By analyzing existing literature, census data, and general language patterns, this paper presents an overview of how multilingualism functions as a social asset in Tripura. The research also touches upon the importance of language in education and communication, noting the positive role of local languages in strengthening cultural ties. The methodology of the study is qualitative, relying on secondary sources, policy documents, and ethnographic reports to understand patterns of language use and language shift in the state. This study underlines the value of linguistic diversity as an integral part of Tripura’s heritage. It also suggests that recognizing and supporting multilingual practices can contribute to educational development and community well-being. The paper concludes by encouraging continued appreciation and use of all languages spoken in the state, ensuring that they remain a vibrant part of Tripura’s social fabric.

Keywords: Living Place, Teaching, Life Skill Education, Secondary School Teachers.


Emotional Maturity of Senior Secondary School Students in Gangtok

Abstract: Emotional maturity is a process in which the personality is continuously striving for greater sense of emotional health, both intrapsychically and intra-personality. The characteristics of an emotionally mature are hetero-sexuality, appreciation of attitude and behavior of others, tendency to adopt the attitudes and habits of others and capacity to delay his own responses. Therefore, the emotionally mature is not one who necessarily has resolved all conditions that aroused anxiety and hostility but it is continuously in process of seeing himself in clear perspective, continually involved in a struggle to gain healthy integration of feeling, thinking action. The objective of the study was to study the emotional maturity of higher secondary school students in relation to gender and type of family variation in total and component wise variations. Normative survey method was adopted. A sample of 100 students from 4 schools of Gangtok was selected by simple random sampling procedure. Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS-SB) developed by Singh and Bharagava (2005) was used for data collection. Findings of the study were that most of the students are emotionally immature and there is difference in emotional maturity in terms of type of family variation.

Keywords: Emotional Maturity, Emotional Stability, Emotional Independence.


Influence of Social Media on Mental Health: A Comprehensive Study of Positive and Negative Effects

Abstract: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have revolutionized communication, fostering global connections and shaping modern societies. While social media facilitates communication, entertainment, and education, its impact on mental health has become a growing concern. This comprehensive study explores the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health, shedding light on the complexities of digital interaction and its consequences for individual well-being. The article delves into issues such as social comparison, cyberbullying, loneliness, and anxiety, while also highlighting how social media can serve as a tool for social support, mental health awareness, and personal empowerment. The study underscores the need for balanced social media use and offers insights into how individuals and society can mitigate its harmful effects while harnessing its benefits.

Keywords: Social Media, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Social Comparison, Cyberbullying.


Professional Development as a Tool for Employee Retention: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract: In the face of rising employee turnover, organizations have begun to recognize the importance of professional development (PD) as a strategic tool to not only enhance employee skills but also retain top talent. This article presents a comprehensive conceptual study on how professional development contributes to employee retention. The study investigates the various dimensions of professional development, including training programs, mentorship, career advancement opportunities, and continuous learning, and examines their impact on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee engagement. By synthesizing existing research, case studies, and industry reports, this paper highlights the direct and indirect effects of PD on employee retention and explores best practices for organizations seeking to implement effective PD strategies. The article concludes by offering practical recommendations for organizations to leverage PD initiatives to enhance retention, reduce turnover costs, and build a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Keywords: Professional Development, Employee Retention, Job Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, Career Growth.


India’s Foreign Policy since 2014: Strategic Orientation

Abstract: Since Narendra Modi’s election as Prime Minister in May 2014, India’s foreign policy has seen an active and purposeful reorientation—marked less by doctrinal rupture than by greater operational energy, clearer strategic priorities, and tactical flexibility across bilateral, regional and multilateral arenas. New Delhi emphasised “Neighbourhood First”, recast “Look East” into a more proactive “Act East”, deepened alignments with major democracies (notably the United States and Quad partners) while preserving an enduring partnership with Russia, and expanded economic and energy diplomacy in West Asia and Africa. The 2014–2025 decade also witnessed a more muscular posture on borders (especially after the 2020 Galwan clashes with China), pragmatic hedging between power blocs, rapid expansion of defence diplomacy and defence procurement diversification, and greater use of multilateral platforms (G20, BRICS, SCO) to advance India’s global presence. Simultaneously, India pursued energetic diaspora and commercial diplomacy, and sought greater say in global governance (UNSC reform, global trade architecture). This article maps these strategic vectors, evaluates drivers (domestic politics, economic imperatives, systemic changes such as a more competitive multipolarity), examines key bilateral relationships (U.S., China, Russia, neighbors, West Asia), and assesses prospects and policy trade-offs for the coming decade. The analysis draws on government statements, think-tank assessments and recent academic literature to argue that India’s post-2014 foreign policy is best characterised as calibrated pragmatism underpinned by strategic autonomy and powered by sustained diplomatic activism.

Keywords: India, Foreign Policy, Bilateral, Alignments, Diplomacy.


A Comprehensive Analysis of the Struggle of Identity in Bama’s Sangati

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the struggle of identity in Bama’s Sangati (1994; trans. 2005), a landmark text in Dalit feminist literature. Through its unique structure of anecdotes, oral traditions, and collective storytelling, Sangati amplifies the voices of Dalit women who face the dual oppression of caste and gender. The text critiques entrenched patriarchal and caste hierarchies while simultaneously celebrating resilience, solidarity, and everyday acts of resistance. Central to Bama’s narrative is the role of education as a transformative force, enabling women to move beyond inherited oppression and assert dignity, autonomy, and agency. By foregrounding subaltern women’s lived experiences, the study situates Sangati within the broader frameworks of Dalit studies, feminist criticism, and postcolonial literature. It argues that Bama’s work serves not only as testimony but also as a manifesto for social change, linking literature with identity politics and activism.

Keywords: Dalit Feminism, Identity Struggle, Bama, Sangati, Empowerment.


Effect of Cypermethrin on Fertility in Female Mice

Abstract: The present study had evaluated the effects of sub-lethal doses of Cypermethrin on the ovary and uterus of female mice. Adult mice had been divided into four groups: control, low dose (1. 38 mg/kg), medium dose (2. 76 mg/kg), and high dose (5. 52 mg/kg). The pesticide had been administered orally for 21 consecutive days, and reproductive organs had been processed for histological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The results had revealed a dosedependent disruption in ovarian and uterine structures. Ovarian sections from treated groups had exhibited progressive follicular atresia, granulosa cell degeneration, and a marked reduction in corpora lutea compared with controls. Uterine tissues had shown thinning of the endometrial lining, glandular atrophy, and epithelial disorganization, particularly in the high dose group. Statistical analysis had confirmed significant (p< 0. 05) differences in follicle counts and endometrial thickness across groups. The study had concluded that Cypermethrin, even at sub-lethal doses, had impaired female reproductive health by inducing severe histological alterations in the ovary and uterus. These findings had emphasized the reproductive toxicity of synthetic pyrethroids and the necessity for cautious pesticide application and safer alternatives.

Keywords: Cypermethrin, Ovary, Uterus, Follicular Atresia, Endometrial Degeneration, Histopathology, Reproductive Toxicity.


C4 Photosynthesis Evolution in Poaceae: Lessons from the Past and Present

Abstract: The Poaceae family had been recognized as one of the most ecologically and economically important plant groups, with C4 photosynthesis representing a key evolutionary innovation that enhanced adaptation to high temperatures, water scarcity, and low atmospheric CO₂. This study had examined the evolutionary trends of C4 photosynthesis in Poaceae by integrating fossil, isotopic, and molecular evidence from both global and Indian perspectives. Fossil phytoliths, carbon isotope records, and genomic data had revealed multiple independent origins of C4 pathways during the late Oligocene to Miocene, with rapid expansion in the late Miocene driven by CO₂ decline, aridity, and open-habitat spread. In the Indian subcontinent, the transition from C3- to C4- dominated grasslands had been closely linked to monsoon intensification and the development of semi-arid ecosystems, leading to present-day dominance of C4 species in over 75% of grass cover in arid and semiarid regions. The convergent evolution of C4 photosynthesis had been facilitated by anatomical, biochemical, and regulatory adaptations, offering valuable lessons for climate-resilient agriculture. Understanding these evolutionary patterns had been considered critical for improving crop productivity and sustaining grassland ecosystems under changing climate conditions.

Keywords: Poaceae, C4 Photosynthesis, Fossil Records, Monsoon Intensification, Convergent Evolution, Carbon Isotopes, Grassland Expansion.


Socio-Political Challenges Faced by Women Representatives from Bengal in the Constituent Assembly of India

Abstract: The drafting of the Indian Constitution (1946–1949) is frequently analyzed through a male-centric lens, often obscuring the substantive contributions of the fifteen women who served in the Constituent Assembly. This study focuses specifically on the representatives from Bengal, such as Renuka Ray and Leela Roy, to identify the unique socio-political barriers they navigated and the strategies they employed to secure gender equality. Utilizing content analysis of the Constituent Assembly Debates, archival records, and memoirs, the research reveals that these women faced a “relio-masculine complex” and institutional paternalism, compounded by the regional trauma of the Partition. The findings indicate that Bengali representatives rejected “protective” measures like reservations in favor of a merit-based “equality jurisprudence,” a strategic choice that fundamentally shaped Article 15 of the Indian Constitution. This study fills a critical gap in constitutional history by illustrating how these women transitioned from descriptive representation to substantive policy influence, highlighting the intersection of regional identity and feminist agency in India’s nation-building process.

Keywords: Constituent Assembly of India, Women’s Political Agency, Bengali Representatives, Equality Jurisprudence, Renuka Ray, Socio-Political Barriers.


Impact of Chromium Toxicity on Freshwater Fish: Mechanisms of Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, and Tissue-Level Damage

Abstract: Chromium (Cr) is a widely used industrial metal that has emerged as a significant aquatic pollutant due to its extensive application in tanning, electroplating, dye, textile, and metallurgical industries. In freshwater ecosystems, chromium occurs predominantly in trivalent [Cr(III)] and hexavalent [Cr(VI)] forms, with the latter being highly toxic, mobile, and biologically available. Chronic discharge of chromium-containing effluents into rivers and lakes has raised serious concerns regarding aquatic biodiversity and fish health. Freshwater fish are particularly vulnerable to chromium exposure due to their continuous interaction with contaminated water and sediments, making them valuable bioindicators of metal pollution.

This review synthesizes current knowledge on chromium uptake, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in freshwater fish, with a focus on oxidative stress–mediated biochemical disruptions and histopathological alterations in target organs such as gills, liver, and kidney. The review highlights acute and sub-lethal toxicity thresholds, discusses the role of antioxidant defense systems in chromium-induced stress, and evaluates the usefulness of integrated biomarkers for environmental monitoring. By consolidating mechanistic insights and identifying research gaps, this review aims to support biomarker-based risk assessment frameworks and contribute to the sustainable management of chromium-contaminated freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: Chromium Toxicity; Freshwater Fish; Bioaccumulation; Oxidative Stress; Histopathology; Aquatic Ecotoxicology.


A Study on Challenges in Implementing ICT in the Higher Secondary Schools in Rural West Bengal

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized various aspects of modern society, including education. Its potential to enhance learning experiences, promote interactive engagement, and provide access to a wealth of digital resources has been widely acknowledged. In the context of higher secondary education, where students are preparing for higher education and future careers, integrating ICT into the learning process holds promise for improving both pedagogical practices and student outcomes. This article delves into some of the key challenges, such as inadequate internet connectivity, teacher training, content relevance, and cultural context, that need to be navigated when introducing ICT in rural higher secondary schools. The qualitative research methodology will be employed to comprehensively explore and understand the challenges faced in implementing ICT in learning within higher secondary schools in rural areas of West Bengal. This approach will facilitate an in-depth analysis of the various contextual factors and perspectives that contribute to the challenges. Qualitative research methods emphasize capturing rich data that helps in uncovering the underlying nuances of the problem. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in implementing ICT in rural higher secondary schools in West Bengal. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration among educational authorities, policymakers, teachers, students, parents, and the broader community. Tailored solutions should be developed to suit the local context, considering the specific needs and characteristics of rural education. In essence, the challenges of implementing ICT in learning within rural higher secondary schools necessitate a commitment to equity, adaptability, and creativity.

Keywords: ICT, Learning, Infrastructure, Digital Divide, Digital Resources, Rural.


Perceptions, Attitudes and Aspirations of the Oraon Community towards Education in West Bengal

Abstract: Education has emerged as a crucial instrument for social inclusion and empowerment among historically marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes in India. The Oraon community, one of the major tribal groups in eastern India, has experienced prolonged educational disadvantage shaped by historical displacement, economic marginalization, cultural discontinuities, and structural exclusion from mainstream institutions. In West Bengal, the Oraon community occupies a distinct socio-historical position, marked by colonial-era migration, plantation-based labour systems, and uneven access to educational resources. This paper critically examines the perceptions, attitudes, and aspirations of the Oraon community in West Bengal towards education, situating these within broader social, cultural, and policy contexts. It traces the evolution of educational consciousness among the Oraon, from indigenous modes of knowledge transmission to engagement with formal schooling, and analyses how economic change, generational shifts, gender relations, language, and institutional practices shape educational experiences. The paper argues that while educational aspirations among Oraon families have expanded significantly, persistent barriers continue to limit educational outcomes. Meaningful progress requires culturally responsive pedagogy, community engagement, and context-sensitive policy implementation.

Keywords: Education, Oraon Community, Oral Traditions, Scheduled Tribes, Pedagogy.


Indian Medicine & Life Sciences: Philosophical Foundations, Scientific Practices and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract: Indian Medicine and Life Sciences represent one of the world’s most comprehensive and enduring knowledge traditions devoted to health, longevity, and holistic well-being. Rooted in philosophical principles and empirical observation, systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and traditional biological sciences demonstrate sophisticated understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and ecology. This paper critically examines the epistemological foundations, historical evolution, core concepts, pedagogical methods, and contemporary relevance of Indian Medicine and Life Sciences. Using textual analysis and interdisciplinary scholarship, the study highlights the scientific rationality and integrative approach of these traditions while identifying their relevance to modern healthcare and life science research. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed to promote evidence-based integration.

Keywords: Indian Medicine, Ayurveda, Life Sciences, Traditional Knowledge, Holistic Health.


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