EPH-International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Southern Cross Academic Press ISSN: 2208-2174(Online) EPH-International Journal of Humanities & Social Science (IJHSS) The EPH-International Journal of Humanities & Social Science (IJHSS) is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal providing scholarly publication of articles across the humanities and social sciences. Published by Southern Cross Academic Press, the journal supports research in fields such as anthropology, business studies, economics, and development studies. Journal Profile Established Year 2016 Frequency Quarterly Review Process Double-blind peer review Access Model Open Access Publisher Southern Cross Academic Press
SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF BIDI ROLLERS: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF DISTRICT MURSHIDABAD, WEST-BENGAL
The use of social media has become widespread across all segments of society, and bidi workers are no longer isolated from this trend. Existing studies suggest that social media usage can have a significant impact on workers’ productivity. Based on this premise, a quantitative study was conducted among bidi rollers in Suti-I Block of rural Murshidabad, a region well known for its extensive engagement in the bidi industry. Over the past decade, the growing popularity of social media has led many bidi rollers particularly younger and adolescent workers to engage with social media platforms while working. This shift in behaviour and interaction patterns has elicited strong reactions from older workers. In this context, an empirical inquiry was undertaken to assess the actual impact of social media use on the productivity of bidi rollers. The study employed an interview schedule as the primary tool for data collection. Findings reveal a mixed response: while the 57.7 of respondents reported that social media use hampers their productivity ‘sometimes’, a smaller proportion 5.3 percent accepted that social media use cause missing their targets while bidi rolling. A small number of respondents (2.7 per cent) indicated that it enhances productivity by alleviating work-related stress and making the work process more engaging.
Copyright (c) 2026 Md Sanaullah, Asif https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
SOCIAL MEDIA USE PATTERNS AND CULTURAL TENSIONS AMONG GEN Z TELUGU MOTHERS IN VISAKHAPATNAM
While young moms in metropolitan India now have more ways than ever to express themselves, connect with others, and learn about parenthood, they are also facing new kinds of societal pressure and identity crises as a result of the rise of social media. Among the Telugu moms of Generation Z (Gen Z) living in urban Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this study seeks to understand their social media habits and the cultural tensions that exist among them. Using a descriptive sociological methodology, this study uses a structured questionnaire to examine how 75 Gen Z women, aged 18-27, who are mothers of children aged 0-3 years and live in urban Visakhapatnam, use digital platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to construct their maternal identity and how it interacts with the normative expectations of the Telugu joint family. According to the results, Instagram is the most popular place for mothers to show themselves as they aspire to be, while WhatsApp is the most popular medium for mothers to develop communities with one another. There was cultural friction between the demands of their family and community networks and the digitally circulated ideals of motherhood, according to many respondents, especially those living in joint family households. Within the context of the patriarchal bargain proposed by Kandiyoti (1988) and the subaltern counterpublics proposed by Fraser (1990), the study presents the idea of digital-cultural dissonance to characterize this identity strain that is structurally formed. Policy and community-based support for mothers experiencing mental health issues in metropolitan Andhra Pradesh can benefit from these results.
Copyright (c) 2026 G. Divya Malika, M.A https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
REVISITING GENDER, TRADITION AND FEMALE SUBJECTIVITY IN KYNPHAM SING NONGKYNRIH’S MANIK: A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND FEMINIST READING OF WOMEN IN THE KHASI SOCIETY
Khynpham Sing Nongkynrih’s Manik: A Play in Five Acts offers a significant literary intervention in the understanding of Khasi society by revisiting the legendary narrative of Manik Raitong and Queen Lieng Makaw through the lens of gender and social structures. While Khasi society is often identified with matriliny, the text exposes the contradictions between inheritance-based female status and actual social authority. This paper examines the representation of women in the play through feminist literary criticism, gender performativity, and socio-cultural theories of power. Special attention is given to the character of Queen Lieng makaw, whose position reflects emotional isolation, restricted agency, and the burden of social expectations. The article argues that Nongkynrih reconstructs inherited folklore not merely as cultural memory but as a critique of patriarchal elements embedded within Khasi social institutions. The study contributes to literary discussions on gender in Khasi literature by demonstrating how modern Khasi texts engage with indigenous traditions while interrogating issues of power, identity, and women’s lived realities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Precious Star Tmung https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
HISTORIOGRAPHY OF RESISTANCE: REVISITING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ADIVASI FREEDOM FIGHTERS
This article undertakes a critical reassessment of how Adivasi freedom fighters have been represented in Indian historiography from the colonial period to the present. It argues that their absence from mainstream accounts is not accidental but structurally produced. The article traces the construction of indigenous resistance as criminal disturbance in colonial records, its selective symbolic incorporation by nationalist historiography, and its partial recovery in subaltern studies scholarship. Two extended case studies are examined: the Santhal Hul of 1855-56 and the Munda Ulgulan of 1899-1900. These case studies demonstrate that major Adivasi uprisings embodied sophisticated political theories of sovereignty, land rights, and ecological governance. The article also addresses the historiographical problem of Northeast India's frontier movements and the postcolonial continuity of resistance under development regimes. It concludes with a call for a fundamental methodological shift. Adivasi actors must be recognised not as peripheral heroes but as foundational architects of India's anti-colonial political imagination.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Kuntala Soy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
DIPLOMACY, DISPLACEMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT: INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS FROM PARTITION TO THE PRESENT
This article takes a close look at the long and complex journey of India-Pakistan relations - from the deep trauma of Partition in 1947 to the many challenges that still define the relationship today. It draws on official government documents, peer-reviewed academic journals, policy reports from think tanks, and archival records to explore five key themes: Indira Gandhi’s 1968 appeals for bilateral peace; the origins and lasting importance of the 1974 Joint Protocol on Religious Pilgrimage; the institutional history of the India–Pakistan Joint Commission; the refugee settlement and evacuee property policies introduced under the Ayub Khan regime (1958–1969) in Pakistani Punjab and their consequences; and the insightful analytical framework offered by E. Sridharan’s influential Stimson Center study on how economic cooperation could help improve security. The central argument is that India-Pakistan relations work like a troubled, repeating cycle. Every once in a while, practical needs - such as economic benefits or humanitarian concerns - create brief windows of hope, but these moments are almost always undermined by deeper, more powerful forces: territorial disputes, state-supported cross-border violence, entrenched institutional habits, and the unresolved pain and grievances left behind by Partition. The study also argues that the massive chaos surrounding refugees and evacuee properties in the decades following Partition became a root cause of institutional corruption and political instability in Pakistan - problems that continue to cast a long and troubling shadow over relations between the two countries even today.
Copyright (c) 2026 Smti. Monika Doley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
VICTIM PARTICIPATION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE OPPORTUNITIES UNDER REFORMED CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Justice cannot be truly achieved if the voices of victims remain unheard within the criminal process. Historically, criminal justice systems, including that of India, were primarily offender-centric, where the State assumed control over prosecution and victims were reduced to the role of mere witnesses. Although early legal frameworks such as the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provided limited recognition through provisions like compensation, the evolution of victimology and global human rights movements has significantly influenced the shift toward a more victim-inclusive approach. In the present context, reforms such as the introduction of victim compensation schemes, the right to appeal, and participatory rights in trial proceedings reflect a growing acknowledgment of victims’ interests. However, despite these developments, challenges such as lack of awareness, procedural limitations, and inadequate institutional support continue to restrict effective victim participation. This paper examines the changing role of victims within criminal procedure and explores the potential of restorative justice as a complementary framework that emphasizes healing, accountability, and dialogue. It hypothesizes that strengthening victim participation alongside institutionalizing restorative practices can lead to a more balanced and humane justice system. The study aims to analyze the evolution of victim rights, identify implementation challenges, and suggest reforms to enhance meaningful victim engagement in the criminal justice process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marripalli Vishwanath Vasudevudu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
CASTE IN THE CLASSROOM: SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION, ACADEMIC CHALLENGES, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG DALIT AND ADIVASI STUDENTS AT ANDHRA UNIVERSITY, VISAKHAPATNAM
Higher education is commonly viewed as an important pathway for equality and social mobility in India. However, students from Dalit and Adivasi communities continue to experience several forms of social, academic, and psychological challenges within universities. This study examines caste-related experiences among Dalit and Adivasi students at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. The research focuses on social interaction, academic performance, classroom participation, emotional well-being, and institutional support. The study adopted a descriptive sociological approach using questionnaires and interviews among 120 students from different academic departments. The findings show that indirect discrimination, social isolation, financial insecurity, language barriers, and emotional stress continue to affect students from marginalised communities. Many students reported hesitation in classroom participation due to fear of judgement and feelings of inferiority. The study also found that institutional support systems such as scholarships and hostel facilities play an important role in educational continuity, but counselling and mentorship services remain limited. The article argues that educational equality requires both policy support and inclusive social environments. The study concludes that universities should strengthen counselling services, awareness programmes, and inclusive teaching practices to ensure dignity, confidence, and equal participation for all students
Copyright (c) 2026 Devarakonda Ramesh Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
“PADDA PURAN” AND THE RITUAL CONSTRUCTION OF BANGAL IDENTITY IN TRIPURA: A CULTURAL MEMORY STUDY
Padda Puran or Manasa Mangal holds a pivotal role in the ritual, mnemonic and cultural world of the Bangal people of Tripura. This paper studies the role that the ritual enactment of Padda Puran plays in the creation and maintenance of the Bangal identity in Tripura. Based on theories on Cultural Memory by Jan Assmann and Maurice Halbwachs, Ritual Theory by Victor Turner and Catherine Bell, and Folklore Theory by Alan Dundes and Postmemory Theory by Marianne Hirsch, the study proposes that the Padda Puran is not just a religious text or ritual act but a mnemonic archive through which displaced communities reconstruct memory, negotiate belonging and preserve cultural continuity. The paper also reveals that the ritualization of memory as it occurs in Manasa worship is a way of making folklore ‘alive,’ as a living cultural practice helping migrant Bangal communities maintain collective identity. Oral storytelling, ritual singing, folk performance, seasonal worship, and intergenerational transmission reveals Padda Puran as a powerful place of memory and cultural resilience in the post-partition scenario in Tripura. The study also examines the possibilities of the transmission of Padda Puran in the twenty first century through the mediation of digital media, social media circulation, performances on the platform YouTube and the reinterpretations of Padda Puran by folk in the present times.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mr. Sayan Saha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
NO CONTRACT, NO COVER: PRECARIOUS LABOUR, FRACTURED IDENTITY, AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY DEFICIT AMONG PLATFORM GIG WORKERS IN VISAKHAPATNAM CITY
Background: India's platform economy has grown faster than the labour policy framework designed to govern it. In Visakhapatnam, a city classified as the tenth largest economy in India as of 2025, tens of thousands of workers deliver food, transport passengers, and perform domestic services through aggregator platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, and Uber. They earn without employment contracts, contribute to no provident fund, and fall outside the coverage of every labour protection built for organised sector workers. This study examines who these workers are, what kind of life the gig economy actually produces for them, and how far recent national and state-level policy reforms have gone toward addressing their situation. Methods: A qualitative-dominant mixed methods study was conducted in Visakhapatnam between January 2025 and March 2026. Structured interviews were administered to 90 platform gig workers across food delivery, ride-hailing, and domestic services sectors, 25 platform supervisors and aggregator representatives, and 15 labour officials and union representatives, totalling 130 respondents. Purposive and snowball sampling was used. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data; frequency distributions were used for closed-question responses. Results: Sixty-seven per cent of respondents worked across two or more platforms simultaneously to achieve minimum subsistence income. Seventy-eight per cent had no accident insurance at the time of interview, and 84% had no access to any provident fund or pension contribution. Income instability was described by 73% of respondents as their primary source of stress, ahead of road safety and health costs. Self-identified occupational identity was absent among a majority of respondents, with most describing their work in negative terms relative to prior or imagined stable employment. Awareness of the Union Budget 2025 announcement on e-Shram registration for gig workers was low at 21%. Conclusions: Gig work in Visakhapatnam produces a population that is economically active but socially invisible to the state's welfare architecture. The platform economy's growth has not been accompanied by commensurate expansion of social protection. Guy Standing's precariat framework applies with particular force to this setting: workers lack occupational identity, labour rights, and any stable narrative they can give their working lives. National policy reforms announced in 2025 represent a beginning, not a resolution.
SCHEME ON PAPER, BARRIERS ON THE GROUND: NTR VAIDYASEVA UTILIZATION AMONG TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN VISAKHAPATNAM DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
Background: Government health insurance schemes in India have progressively expanded coverage on paper, yet their reach into tribal populations remains uneven and poorly documented. The NTR Vaidyaseva Scheme in Andhra Pradesh, reformed in September 2025 under a hybrid model with AB-PMJAY to provide coverage up to Rs. 25 lakh per family, operates across 72 empanelled hospitals in Visakhapatnam district – none of which are located in the tribal Agency area. This study examines the gap between stated entitlements and actual access for tribal beneficiaries. Methods: A qualitative-dominant mixed methods study was conducted in Visakhapatnam district from 2024 to 2026. Structured interviews were carried out with 150 tribal beneficiaries (75 from Agency mandals and 75 from urban hospital settings), 80 hospital staff across government and private empanelled hospitals, and 40 scheme officials and Vaidya Mitras. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive frequency counts. Triangulation across three respondent groups was used to validate findings. Results: Only 34% of tribal respondents from Agency mandals held an active and linked NTR Vaidyaseva health card. Language barriers, incomplete Aadhaar linkage, and the absence of empanelled hospitals within 50 kilometres of tribal habitations were the primary access constraints. Of those who reached urban hospitals, 61% reported partial or full out-of-pocket expenditure despite holding a valid health card. Hospital staff at private empanelled hospitals reported tribal patients as constituting fewer than 10% of their scheme caseload. Conclusions: The NTR Vaidyaseva Scheme does not translate into meaningful health security for tribal communities in Visakhapatnam despite significant expansion of coverage in 2025. Structural barriers – geographic isolation, documentation requirements, language exclusion, and weak institutional response to tribal patients – persist independently of scheme reforms. Tribal-specific adaptations at the enrollment, referral, and hospital levels are needed.
Copyright (c) 2016 Devarakonda Ramesh Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
FROM BONDAGE TO WELFARE CAPITALISM: LIFE, LABOUR AND LANDLESSNESS OF ADIVASIS IN THE DISTRICT OF WAYANAD, KERALA, INDIA
This article examines the historical formation, socio-cultural differentiation, labour regimes, and welfare politics of Adivasi communities in Wayanad, situating the district as the central site of Scheduled Tribe governance and historical dispossession in the state of Kerala. Drawing upon government reports, policy documents, planning board records, KIRTADS evaluations, census data, and institutional studies, the article argues that the condition of Wayanad’s Adivasi communities cannot be understood through homogenising narratives of “tribal backwardness.” Instead, the district contains historically differentiated social formations shaped by agrarian hierarchy, bonded labour, forest dependence, settler colonial migration, and uneven incorporation into modern developmental structures. Particular attention is given to communities such as the Paniyan, Adiyan, Kurichiyan, Kurumar/Mullakurumar, and Kattunayakan, whose contrasting relationships to land, labour, and political representation reveal the internal stratification of Adivasi society in Wayanad. The study further demonstrates that slavery and bonded labour were not peripheral historical anomalies but foundational institutions of Wayanad’s agrarian economy. Through systems such as kundalpani, communities like the Paniyan and Adiyan were historically tied to janmi landlords through coercive labour relations that survived juridical abolition in transformed economic forms. Contemporary precarity—manifest in landlessness, seasonal labour dependence, nutritional insecurity, migration, and welfare dependency—is analysed as the afterlife of these older structures of bondage. Simultaneously, the article critically evaluates Kerala’s Tribal Sub-Plan architecture, rehabilitation schemes, food-security programmes, microplans, land redistribution initiatives, and welfare convergence strategies. While Kerala possesses one of India’s most elaborate tribal welfare systems, the article argues that state intervention often remains compensatory rather than transformative because structural inequalities rooted in dispossession and labour unfreedom persist. Ultimately, the article conceptualises Wayanad as a crucial site where the historical memory of agrarian slavery intersects with contemporary welfare capitalism, revealing the unresolved contradictions of development, justice, and tribal citizenship in modern India.
Copyright (c) 2026 C. S. Biju https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
MATRILINY AND GENDER NEGOTIATION IN KHASI SOCIETY: RE-READING WOMEN’S POSITION THROUGH SOCIO-CULTURAL STRUCTURES
The Khasi society of Meghalaya is widely recognised for its matrilineal structure, where descent, inheritance, and clan identity are traced through the female line. Such a system has frequently led to the assumption that Khasi women enjoy complete social empowerment and gender equality. However, a closer examination of Khasi social institutions reveals a more nuanced reality. This paper examines the socio-cultural framework of Khasi society with particular attention to kinship, inheritance, political institutions, and religious practices in order to analyse the actual position of women within the matrilineal order. The study argues that although women occupy a central role in lineage preservation and property inheritance, authority in political, ritual, and decision-making spaces has historically remained male dominated. The paper therefore attempts to understand the tension between matriliny and gender equality and its implications for literary representation and social understanding.
Copyright (c) 2026 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY 2014 TO 2024
Between 2014 and 2024, India's foreign policy experienced a dramatic change driven by a rapidly shifting global order, changing national goals, and new geopolitical realities. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direction, a more assertive, strategically independent, and interest-driven diplomatic framework was solidified over this decade. The change from "Look East" to "Act East," the revitalization of relations with the United States, the expansion of involvement in the Indo-Pacific, the fortification of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and a renewed focus on the Global South were among the major trends. Through programs like "Neighbourhood First," India's neighbourhood diplomacy aimed to increase economic integration, security cooperation, and regional connectivity. However, it also had to deal with issues like border tensions, Pakistan-centric security concerns, and China's strategic rise. Key foreign policy instruments include energy security, digital collaborations, diaspora participation, economic diplomacy, and climate negotiations. But India also faced a number of difficulties, such as managing reputational perceptions in relation to domestic political events, navigating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, opposing China's Belt and Road Initiative, responding to global supply-chain disruptions, and striking a balance with rival global powers. However, these difficulties also brought about new opportunities, including strategic technology cooperation, leadership in multilateral forums like the G20, the growth of defence alliances, a renewed emphasis on the Indian Ocean Region, and India's ascent as a responsible voice of emerging countries. All things considered, India's foreign policy from 2014 to 2024 shows a complex interaction between resiliency, ambition, and pragmatism, establishing the nation as a rising global force influencing a multipolar international order.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS ON MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, AND DIGITAL IDENTITY AMONG GENERATION Z
Social media has undergone a dramatic transformation in how it is being used by generation Z; how they communicate, and their psychological experience as users. In digital settings, users are more and more encountering some content via social media algorithms, with which they interact and from which they experience emotional impact. This research aimed to examine how social media algorithm affects the mental health, social behaviours and digital identity development of Generation Z. The collected data were pre-processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and evaluation techniques based on regression analysis to analyze the relationship between algorithm-driven social media usage and psychosocial outcomes in Generation Z. The results showed that excessive use of personalized social media content was statistically significantly correlated with anxiety, emotional exhaustion, depression, fear of missing out (FOMO), and online validation dependency of the users belonging to Generation Z. Algorithmic recommendation systems also shaped social interactions, use of online platforms and the building of digital identities via engagement, or content exposure. The research additionally showed that the heavy users experienced emotional burnout, cyberbullying victimization, problems with privacy, and decreased face to face social interaction due to excessive social media use. In the meantime, social media also enabled younger people to share their knowledge of social issues, participate in culture and communication, and utilize digital media. The study concluded that algorithm-based digital environments can greatly influence users' psychological well-being and their social relationships in the Generation Z. The results highlight the need for digital literacy, ethical design of algorithms, mental health awareness and policy interventions for creating healthier online spaces in modern-day digital society.
TRIBAL NATURE OF LAW AND JUSTICE : HE KEBANG AS A LEGAL SYSTEM OF THE ADI TRIBE IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Society cannot progress until and unless there is a system for the adjudication of Justice among them. Without it, anarchy would prevail and there would be absolute chaos in the society. In the context of Arunachal Pradesh, the Adi tribe had their own system of dispensing justice among themselves since time immemorial. Even before the coming of modern courts, the administration of justice was carried out by the village councils known as Kebang according to their Customary Law for generations. Therefore, the paper attempts to highlight the function of Kebang as a Legal System of the Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. The paper is descriptive and analytical in nature. It is based on both primary and secondary sources.
EDUCATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADITIONAL VS. GAME-BASED LEARNING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
The recent rapid development of educational technology has dramatically changed the pedagogical methods and practices that teachers and researchers have been critically analyzing in terms of the relative effectiveness of both traditional lecture-based instruction and game-based learning (GBL) in promoting the student achievement and engagement. With the growing role of digital tools in academic settings, the comparative effects of these tools on the educational outcomes have become an urgent concern in education research. This increasing discussion warrants stringent empirical research to inform instructional choices in a variety of learning situations. Current literature shows that there is substantive amount of research on the cognitive, affective and motivational aspect of both pedagogical methods; studies confirm that game-based learning has a greater engagement, motivation and skill to think on higher levels as compared to traditional methods which are still demonstrating their efficacy in structured delivery of knowledge as well as the performance in standardized assessment. The main aims of the study are to: (1) compare academic achievement of students in traditional teaching and learning in games; (2) to examine engagement, motivation and satisfaction in both teaching and learning; and (3) to find out which demographic and subject related variables will moderate the effectiveness of instruction. The research design of this study is a survey-based research design which will use structured questionnaires to 360 respondents. The results of data analysis showed that GBL students had significantly higher mean scores on all three constructs, that is, Academic Performance (M = 3.91 vs. 2.93), Engagement and Motivation (M = 3.67 vs. 3.11), and Contextual Moderators (M = 3.96 vs. 2.90). The d effect sizes of Cohen were very large (0.745 to 1.280). These results refute the original hypothesis that traditional instruction is still superior in terms of knowledge retention, and indicate that an integrated pedagogical model can provide the most educational outcomes across different learner profiles.
CROPPING PATTERN VARIABILITY AND AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION IN SIKKIM HIMALAYA
Agriculture in Sikkim is characterized by diverse cropping patterns shaped by variations in altitude, topography, and climatic conditions. This study examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of cropping systems in Sikkim, highlighting the role of agro-climatic diversity in determining crop combinations and agricultural practices. The findings reveal that cropping patterns vary significantly across altitudinal zones, with mono-cropping dominating higher elevations and multiple cropping systems prevalent in lower and mid-hill regions. Major cropping systems include rice-based, maize-based, potato-based, ginger-based, and millet-based patterns, each associated with specific ecological conditions and seasonal cycles. The study also identifies a transition from traditional subsistence agriculture to market-oriented cultivation, marked by the increasing importance of cash crops such as ginger, potato, and horticultural produce. Intercropping, relay cropping, and mixed farming systems are widely practiced to maximize productivity under limited land availability and steep terrain. However, the state continues to face challenges such as low productivity, dependence on external food supply, and environmental constraints. The paper concludes that sustainable agricultural development in Sikkim requires the promotion of climate-resilient cropping systems, improved resource management, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices to enhance food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND GENDER INEQUALITY IN GLOBAL LABOUR MARKETS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FROM 2014 TO 2024
Youth unemployment and gender inequality remain major concerns in global labour markets because they directly affect economic participation, social inclusion, and long-term development. This study examines unemployment patterns across countries, sex categories, age groups, and years from 2014 to 2024. A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted to analyse global unemployment trends, youth-adult differences, gender-based disparities, combined age-gender patterns, and country-wise unemployment variations. The study used publicly available unemployment data covering 189 countries and annual unemployment rates disaggregated by sex and age category. The findings show that overall unemployment declined from 12.80% in 2014 to 11.25% in 2024, although a sharp increase occurred in 2020. Youth unemployment remained substantially higher than adult unemployment throughout the period, confirming young people’s greater vulnerability in labour markets. Female unemployment was also consistently higher than male unemployment, showing a persistent gender gap. The combined analysis revealed that female youth experienced the highest unemployment burden across all demographic groups. Country-wise results further showed that unemployment pressure was concentrated in selected countries, with especially high female youth unemployment in 2024. The study concludes that youth unemployment and gender inequality continue to limit inclusive social development. Targeted employment policies, gender-responsive labour-market strategies, and stronger youth transition support are required to reduce these disparities.
THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE TRENDS: EVIDENCE FROM AUTOMATION RISK, JOB MARKET PROJECTIONS, REMOTE WORK, AND GENDER DIVERSITY
This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and workforce trends using evidence from automation risk, job market projections, remote work, and gender diversity. The study uses a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory research design based on the AI Job Trends Dataset, which includes occupation-level and industry-level information related to AI impact, automation risk, current job openings, projected openings, remote work ratio, education requirements, location, job status, and gender diversity. The analysis applies descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, cross-tabulation, correlation analysis, and visual presentation to identify patterns across major workforce indicators. The findings show that AI is associated with employment transformation, but its effects are not uniform across jobs, industries, education levels, and locations. Jobs with high AI impact are not necessarily linked with employment decline; rather, they show stronger projected employment growth than low AI impact jobs. Automation risk is present across the dataset, but it does not strongly explain projected employment change. Remote work and gender diversity remain relatively stable across most categories, suggesting a limited direct association with AI impact level. The study concludes that AI should be understood as a force of workforce transformation rather than simple job replacement. The findings highlight the need for reskilling, adaptive education, responsible AI adoption, and inclusive workforce planning.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG STUDENTS
The rapid growth of social media has significantly influenced students’ daily lives, raising concerns about its impact on mental health and academic performance. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between social media usage, psychological well-being, and academic outcomes among students using a dataset-driven approach. A publicly available dataset on student social media addiction was utilized to examine patterns of usage, addiction levels, sleep behavior, and their association with mental health scores and academic performance. The findings revealed that excessive social media usage is strongly associated with lower mental health scores, reduced sleep duration, and negative academic outcomes. Students with higher daily usage and addiction levels were more likely to report decreased academic performance and increased psychological distress. The study also highlighted the role of behavioral and lifestyle factors, such as sleep disruption and social conflicts, in mediating these relationships. While social media offers potential benefits for communication and learning, its uncontrolled use poses significant risks to student well-being and academic success. The results emphasize the need for balanced and responsible usage, along with targeted interventions to promote digital well-being. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between social media behavior, mental health, and academic performance, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and students.
GLOBAL HAPPINESS DYNAMICS: A COMPARATIVE SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF WELL-BEING, GOVERNANCE, AND SOCIAL TRUST
The determinants of global happiness by a comparative socioeconomic model, which looks at the contributions of economic prosperity, social support, and the quality of governance. The research uses cross-national data of the world happiness data set to adopt a quantitative approach to examine cross-country variations in subjective well-being. The results suggest that the combination of economic and non-economic has a role in determining happiness, and GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, and freedom to make life choices turned out to be important predictors. Of these, social support proves to have a particularly strong effect, which is why interpersonal relationships and social cohesion prove to have a stronger influence on determining well-being. Governance, which is proxied by corruption perceptions, also demonstrates a significant contribution, implying that institutional trust and transparency have a crucial role in improving life satisfaction. Conversely, the role of generosity in happiness appears to have a rather weak impact. The paper highlights the multidimensionality of well-being and reiterates that sustainable increases in happiness must be achieved through a multi-faceted approach beyond economic growth. The research becomes part of the larger discussion on global well-being and it provides the policy developers with insights on developing inclusive and sustainable development.
DIGITAL LIFESTYLES AND SOCIAL OUTCOMES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE PATTERNS
The study examines the relationship between digital lifestyles and social outcomes, focusing on how social media usage patterns influence psychological well-being and social behavior. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design and secondary data from a Kaggle dataset (N = 705), the study analyzes key variables including daily usage duration, sleep patterns, mental health, social conflicts, and addiction levels. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models were employed to assess associations and predictive relationships. The findings reveal that higher social media usage is significantly associated with increased addiction (β = 0.066, p < 0.01), greater interpersonal conflicts (β = 0.487, p < 0.001), and negative academic impact (β = 0.596, p < 0.001), while showing strong negative relationships with sleep duration (β = -0.174, p < 0.001) and mental health (β = -0.585, p < 0.001). A secondary model confirms that excessive usage and conflict significantly reduce mental health, whereas adequate sleep improves it. The study contributes to digital sociology by providing an integrated framework linking usage patterns with multidimensional social outcomes. The results highlight the importance of balanced digital engagement and inform policy and educational strategies aimed at promoting digital well-being.
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: ASSESSING THE ROLE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
This article examines the relationship between democratic governance, citizen participation, public institutions, and social development. It argues that democratic governance becomes socially meaningful only when citizens are able to participate in public decision-making and when public institutions are capable of responding to citizen needs. The study adopts a qualitative thematic research design based on secondary data. It draws on selected institutional reports and scholarly literature related to governance, civic engagement, open government, participatory development, accountability, and public service delivery. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns concerning institutional accountability, levels of participation, inclusion, public trust, digital engagement, service responsiveness, and barriers to meaningful participation. The findings show that citizen participation can strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, enhance public trust, and support inclusive social development. However, the impact of participation depends on institutional transparency, administrative capacity, civic awareness, and the extent to which citizen input influences actual decisions. The analysis also shows that participation may become symbolic when public institutions lack responsiveness or when marginalized groups face social, political, economic, or digital barriers. The article concludes that public institutions play a decisive mediating role between democratic participation and social development outcomes. Strengthening participatory governance therefore requires accountable institutions, inclusive engagement mechanisms, effective grievance redressal, accessible information, civic education, and digital participation systems that do not reproduce existing inequalities.
ANALYSING VISITOR BEHAVIOUR IN TOURISM DESTINATIONS: EVIDENCE FROM USER RATINGS AND PREFERENCES
The growing application of the digital platforms has changed the manner in which visitor behaviour in the tourism destinations is analysed with the user-generated ratings and preferences being some of the crucial indicators of the visitor’s response. This research explored visitor behaviour in a quantitative research methodology that was based on secondary data. The problem was analysed in terms of the effects of destination attributes on the ratings of visitors that were considered as proxies of behavioural responses. The descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were used to establish the patterns and relationships in the data. The analysis noted that visitor rating was largely skewed towards positive ratings, which suggest that there are positive perceptions of tourism destinations. The destination characteristics that were identified to have a significant impact on visitor reaction were: category, popularity, and accessibility. Also, there were several behavioural patterns identified between tourists, and this indicated that there was a difference in the evaluation styles and preferences. This discovery of the various visitor segments further highlighted the heterogeneity of tourist behaviour and the need to consider such differences in the study of tourist behaviour. These results are shown to indicate that user created rating data can be a useful source of information concerning visitor behaviour in tourism situations. The research has a contribution to the research on behavioural tourism by offering a data-grounded view of the perception of destination by tourists and the development of tastes and preferences. It also provides practical implication to tourism stakeholders in enhancing the management of the destination, and the experience of the visitor.
Exploring The Trends Of Economic Downturns On Suicide Rates Over The Course Of History
This paper explores the trends of the suicide rates due to economic downturns over the course of history. The paper aims to explore the causes of suicide, how it affects the victims’ families, the change in suicide rates with every passing year and in different geographical areas and how society gets affected by it. This paper also aims to raise awareness on this lesser-acknowledged factor in society to prevent such happenings and their consequences. The crucial drivers of suicide and self-harm are the lack of economical and psychosocial support, along with the challenges faced by individuals to secure available jobs, like prejudice in society. This paper discusses the causes and cross-sectoral mitigation efforts to address these gaps, with the goal of building a healthy community and bringing global awareness.
REIMAGINING LUXURY HOSPITALITY IN SOUTH ASIA: A TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN MAJOR INDIAN HOTEL CHAINS
The Indian luxury hospitality sector currently functions as a highly dynamic economic engine within South Asia, valued at an estimated USD 8.5 billion. Driven by rising domestic incomes, robust tourist inflows, and strategic government initiatives such as the Incredible India 2.0 campaign, the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. However, the traditional operational model of luxury hospitality remains highly resource-intensive, resulting in a severe environmental toll characterized by excessive energy consumption, water depletion, and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In an era defined by climate change and resource scarcity, the conventional paradigm of conspicuous consumption is increasingly unsustainable. This paper conducts a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) analysis to evaluate the sustainability practices of major Indian hotel chains. By examining the intersection of economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, the study investigates how the industry is reimagining luxury.
PROTECTION GAPS AND LEGAL REMEDIES: ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR CONFLICT INDUCED INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN IN CHHATTISGARH
Internal displacement is one of the worst human rights and humanitarian crises that the world faces today which disproportionately affects children. The major contributors to this phenomenon are conflicts, disasters, climate change, development etc. The present study examines the case of a tripartite violence between Naxalites, Salwa Judum-the state supported vigilante group and state forces, which shook the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh in the 2000s and forced the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people within and outside the state. This paper explores the manifold vices of conflict induced internal displacement on children including their recruitment as child soldiers, loss of education, trafficking, labour exploitation, separation from family, psychological trauma etc. These are intensified by India’s lack of a uniform policy for conflict induced IDPs despite India’s obligation under various international conventions. The paper further highlights various aspects like lack of reliable data, institutional co-ordination and sustainable rehabilitation frameworks and argues that in order to ensure access to justice to displaced children, there should be collective efforts from state as well as non-state entities. The paper concludes by suggesting incorporation of GPIDs into Indian law,designation of dedicated monitoring agencies and reintegration of displaced children for effective realization of their constitutional and human rights.
FEMININE IDENTITY AND VOICE IN SUJATA BHATT'S POETRY
The study presents a narrative review of the idea of feminine identity and poetic voice in the poems of Sujata Bhatt and the ways of how these two elements are constructed and conveyed through the lens of feminism, postcolonialism, and linguistics. The review recaps the literature available, to explore how the work of Bhatt reflects the subtleties of the diasporic experience where identity is gained in the process of cultural displacement, memory and hybridity. It indicates that feminine identity in her poems is not necessary but moves, it is negotiated in different spaces and cultural and linguistic. The paper also examines the poetic voice as a vehicle of agency and resistance that enables one to speak out against the marginalized experiences and reidentify oneself beyond the patriarchal framework. The role of language as a marker of identity and conflict zone is described as a special one and can be exploited to explain the significance of linguistic choices on belonging and cultural tenacity. This review provides a complete image about the overlapping of identity and voice in the poetry of Bhatt by integrating the views of the theory and thematic analysis. The results play out in a wider field of literature in terms of gender studies, cultural discourse and diasporic literature, where the importance of literary expression to current issues of identity, representation and inclusion can be discussed.
LABOUR CODE REFORMS AND YOUTH WORKFORCE INTEGRATION IN INDIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS IN THE MSME SECTOR
This study examines the transformation of India’s labour regulatory framework through the consolidation of 29 labour laws into four comprehensive codes: the Wage Code (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Social Security Code (2020), and the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (2020). This restructuring represents a significant shift toward simplifying labour compliance while aligning with global standards and contemporary workforce needs. The new framework aims to enhance employee welfare, improve workplace safety, and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. A key focus of this research is the impact of these reforms on youth employment within small and informal enterprises, which continue to dominate India’s labour market. Traditionally characterized by unstructured hiring practices and limited adherence to formal regulations, this sector plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities for young workers. The study critically compares the pre- and post-reform labour regimes to assess changes in employment patterns, workplace conditions, and social protection mechanisms. Using recent academic literature, policy reports, and government data from the past three years, the research evaluates implementation outcomes and identifies both achievements and challenges. Findings suggest that revised standards have improved workplace safety and expanded access to social security benefits for young employees. Additionally, enhanced coordination between industries has contributed to better workplace dynamics. However, disparities in enforcement across states and persistent informal practices continue to limit the full effectiveness of these reforms. Overall, the study highlights both the progress made and the gaps that must be addressed to ensure inclusive and equitable labour outcomes.
WHEN WORK NEVER ENDS: UNDERSTANDING WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG WOMEN IN GURUGRAM’S IT SECTOR
The expansion of the Information Technology (IT) sector in urban centres such as Gurugram has significantly enhanced women’s participation in the workforce, positioning the industry as a space of economic mobility and professional advancement. However, alongside these opportunities, the nature of IT work has introduced new challenges that complicate the balance between professional and personal responsibilities. This paper explores the dynamics of work–family conflict among women employed in the IT sector, focusing on how organisational structures intersect with gendered expectations within the household. The study aims to examine the extent to which factors such as extended working hours, global time-zone coordination, performance pressures, and expectations of constant availability contribute to role conflict. It is based on primary data collected from 168 women professionals in Gurugram using a structured questionnaire, supported by qualitative insights. The findings indicate that work–family conflict is largely shaped by structural and cultural features of the workplace rather than individual limitations. Long working hours, unpredictable schedules, and constant connectivity blur boundaries between work and home. These pressures, combined with persistent caregiving expectations, intensify strain among women. The paper highlights the need for organisational reforms that promote realistic workloads, boundary protection, and more inclusive definitions of professional commitment.
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