South Asian Journal of Socio-political Studies

VOL.XXV NO.1 July - Dec - 2024

The Impact of Globalization on Regionalism: Whether South Asian Perception Affected or Not?

Dr. Humyun S.I., Assiciate Professor, Center for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, Aditya Narayanan, Center for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Regionalism in South Asia has been impacted by globalization in both positive and negative ways. International businesses have increased economic activity and investment, fostering trade and investment prospects. Cross-cultural understanding has been fostered by digital technology. The greater mobility of people and goods has reduced economic inequality and raised new security issues. For instance, India's technology industry has helped it grow into a regional economic powerhouse, whilst other nations have arguably failed. Nonetheless, South Asia offers prospects for regional integration and collaboration. This article examines regionalism's historical backdrop and how globalization has impacted it. It explores the benefits and difficulties that regionalism has faced due to global enterprises, digital technology, and increasing human and material mobility. To overcome the issues caused by globalization and advance regional integration and collaboration, the essay emphasizes the significance of political will and leadership.

The Geopolitics of South China Sea: An analysis of the Philippines-Vietnam Agreement in the wake of Chinese Assertiveness.

Dr. Santosh Kumar , Assistant Professor at the Department of South and Central Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. , Anilkumar Singadi, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda Lekha, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Tannu Tiwari, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. In January 2024, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam on a state visit, the two countries signed agreements on 'Incident prevention' and 'Maritime cooperation' towards the South China Sea security, marking a significant step towards bilateral cooperation between Philippines and Vietnam to achieve common objectives and counter common challenges in the region. The agreements are intended to improve cooperation among their coastguards through joint military exercises, drills, and training to prevent illegal activities in the disputed waters and advance regional peace, security, and order. Both Southeast Asian states are members of the ‘Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and have competing claims over the territories of the South China Sea (SCS). Philippines-Vietnam joining their hands to boost their collective defense targeted at the disputed South China Sea and advocating for amicable negotiations and engagement to settle the differences will have a long-term impact on the region. Vietnam has committed to provide the Philippines with up to 2 million tonnes of white rice as part of the agreement, which also seeks to strengthen commercial relations between the two nations. This paper examines the agreements' geopolitical ramifications and significance to balance Chinese assertiveness in the disputed region, and its regional implications.

India And Sri Lanka As Distant Neighbours : Strategic Proximity or Tactical Separation.

Dr. Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, Professor, Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, University of Madras Though seemingly near, India and Sri Lanka feel distant. India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour – geographically, separated by a narrow strait called the Palk Strait. This proximity has allowed both the countries to be historically and culturally close. For over two millennia both the nations have witnessed various levels of relationship – from religious propagation, commercial and cultural exchanges to occasional war. Since the mid 20th century, bilateral relations between the two nations have been cordial. However, the relationship strained due to the Sri Lankan civil war (between the ethnic Sinhalese and Tamils) and India's lacklustre intervention and lack of strategic foresight. Later, the strain stretched over fishing issues. Now the controversy over Katchathivu has been stoked again. This article studies the dynamics of the relationship between the two South Asian states.

Impact of Climate-Induced Migration in India: A Closer Look at the Environmental Factors Driving Population Movement in the Sundarbans.

Dr. Saurabh Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of International Politics, Central University of Gujarat., Ankita Rai, Department of International Politics, School of International Studies, Central University of Gujarat. human societies. India, with its vast population and diverse geography, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Climate-induced migration, having a major consequence, is becoming more prevalent. Displaced people face challenges like loss of livelihood, poverty, exploitation, and strain on resources. Coastal areas, like the Sundarbans, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with underdevelopment and over-reliance on climate-dependent substances rendering the ecosystem vulnerable. Climate change has led to a mass movement from the Sundarbans region, disrupting the balance of human-nature interaction. This has resulted in an ecological imbalance, causing pressure on resources, infrastructure, and social dynamics, leading to informal settlements and slums. This migration cycle could become one of the largest movements of climate migrants in Asia and the world. India is more vulnerable to involuntary migration particularly from Sundarbans delta of Bangladesh, which has not just become a security concern for India itself, but it has witnessed an increase in the number of unskilled labourers in the urban areas. The Sundarbans region in India, a natural barrier from natural disasters, has been largely neglected due to inadequate government policies. To address this, the Indian government has implemented various adaptation strategies and government policies play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to affected communities. This paper aims to explore the sensitive nature of migration along with the challenges and limitations in addressing this issue in India, with a specific focus on the Sundarbans region.

Enhancing Capabilities through Microfinance Interventions Among Indigenous People in Narmada District: A Study Using the Human Development Capability Approach Framework.

Dr.Litty Denis, Assistant Professor, Centre for Studies in Social Management, Central University of Gujarat. Marginalisation and deprivation of indigenous people is graded and many layered. The tribal regions have been subject to many a type of coercions. Sometimes development agenda does not respect the achievements of people and therefore plans and policies fail to address the freedom of the indigenous in terms of what Sen would like to put forward. This has further led to manifold deprivations like that of land and property entitlement, political and social freedoms. Ultimately leading to greater levels of poverty and inequality. The microfinance movement helped this phenomenon to a large extent in the South Asian region. The capability approach (CA) (Sen, 1984) is an important lens to review what microfinance has been able to do for the indigenous people in a tiny tribal village of Gujarat, India. The present paper examines socio-economic impact of microfinance (MF) on the indigenous people and initiatives in enhancing capabilities among these indigenous people. Credit creates economic power, which quickly translates into social power. When credit institutions and banks make rules that favour a distinct section of the population, that section increases both its economic and its social status. Banks often reject poor as unworthy of credit and because of this, banks have imposed a financial apartheid and gotten away with it (Yunus, 1999). Therefore, the role of microcredit assumes great significance in creating plausible capabilities. Institutions play a vital role in connecting capabilities and enhancing the freedoms available to a developing society (Drèze and Sen, 2002). In the light of this, it would be pertinent to check whether indigenous residents from a village in a developing country like India have been benefitted and enhanced the dimensions listed in Nussbaum's central list of functional capabilities (2000).

Entrepreneurial Attitude of Students' Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Dr. Arjun Gope, Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Ramthakur College, Agartala, West Tripura. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,' proclaimed by the Prime Minister on May 12, 2020, aims to make the country and its citizens self-reliant. Although the primary objective is to make the country self-sufficient, however, the underlying goal is to promote Indian commodities in global supply chains and boost the country's self-reliance. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan programme appears to give a substantial supply-side push by boosting credit availability on investment and supporting agricultural and the commercial sectors. Nevertheless, country's economic self-reliance is essentially determined by the active engagement of its human resources. The nation's youth must convert the present challenges, such as import dependency and having less skilled workers, into business opportunities to achieve the goal for the interest of individuals and the nation in general. This study focuses on the entrepreneurial attitudes of young students toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India's G20 Presidency and Global Governance.

Dr. Prerana Bhaduli, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar. The economic reforms initiated in India three decades ago have turned the nation into the world’s fastest-growing major economy. India has garnered acknowledgment as a prospective global powerhouse in the 21st century. The G20, comprising 19 nations and the European Union, serves as a crucial global platform for fostering worldwide financial stability and cooperation in the economic sphere. In 2023, India is poised to assume the G20 presidency, marking a significant achievement for the nation. Its objective is to enhance multilateralism and global governance with the aim of creating a world that is peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous for everyone. The foundation of this multilateral collaboration within the G20 is rooted in principles such as inclusivity, adaptability, and a diverse approach. Having been one of the original members of the G20 since its inception, India has utilized the platform to tackle global issues of significance and those that affect the most disadvantaged communities worldwide. India holds a crucial position within the G20 due to its representation of one of the world’s rapidly expanding economies. It possesses the potential to emerge as a significant player in the realm of international trade and investment. As the G20 has evolved into a pivotal forum for global economic management, India’s leadership will play a pivotal role in defining the group’s goals and focus areas in the upcoming two years. This paper aims to examine India’s position within the G20 and its broader role in global governance. It will explore India’s aspirations and the obstacles it faces in this context.

Tackling Digital Divide in Education: Analytical Exposition of Virtual Learning Methods Adopted during Covid-19

Swati Dash, PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science, Utkal University, Bhuvaneswar & Faculty, Christ College, Cuttack, Odisha. In the wake of COVID 19 pandemic, it is important to understand the disruption caused in the society and education is one of the major areas of concern. It is a pathetic state that "more than 157 crore students across 191 countries are affected badly and in India more than 32 crores students are affected dueto the closureof educational institutions due to COVID 19 pandemic", (UNESCO report, 2020). Moreover, students belonging to the unprivileged sections of society are at a greater loss. The challenges posed by the present situation encourages educational institutions to adopt tech- mediated online classes. This study focuses on digital education and digital divide with case studies in India. This study provides a platform in understanding and tackling digital divide existing as a barrier among thosenot privileged to make use of the opportunity. The study concludes that technology is allowing digital based learning to proliferate during the COVID 19 lockdown but still far away from the majority of unprivileged people.

Effects of Changing Destinations on Origin: A Case Study of Nitaqat induced Return Migration in Kerala.

Dr. M. S. Jayakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology & Director, Centre for Diaspora Studies, University of Kerala., Dr. Bijith George Abraham, Senior Assistant Professor, Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Kochi. The state of Kerala has a historical connection with the Persian Gulf. This connection has been beneficial for Kerala's economy in terms of remittances and investments that have flowed in from these migrants. However, there has been an increase in their return who lost jobs due to the nationalisation policies like. Nitaqat, in Saudi Arabia. Saudi encourages local employment by replacing immigrant workers. This study aims at investigating the socio-economic effects of return emigration due to nationalisation policy of Saudi Arabia using quantitative data from Malappuram district. The return emigrants have experienced a decline in their socio-economic status, particularly after the implementation of Nitaqat. Return emigration presents several negative effects on the individuals, households and society in general. Utilisation of their remittance are mostly for non-productive purposes like building houses, marrying off children etc. that has pushed the returned into an unsustainable socio-economic situation. Since the home economy cannot fully absorb the returned, many of them show tendency to re-emigrate, preferably to the countries where more favourable conditions exist. However, age and the level of education have significant effects on their re-migration intention. Since the situation is likely to aggravate in the future, there is a felt need of appropriate policies and programmes to address the issue.

Determinants of Voters' Party Preference in India: A Decadal Study of General Elections (2009-2019)

Tapas Kumar Sarangi, Lecturer in Political Science, Samanta Chandra Sekhar Jr. College, Puri, Odisha, Dr. Smita Nayak, Associate Professor & Head, Post Graduate Department of Political Science, Utkal University, Odisha. How do voters choose political parties in elections has always been a matter of interest. The purpose of this paper is to review various studies on voting behaviour in India since 2009 to find out the factors determining party choice in the Indian Lok Sabha elections. The research paper divided the factors into the following categories: (1) social demographics (caste, class, religion, gender, locality, education, age), (2) ideology, (3) party identification, (4) issues, (5) leadership, (6) economic evaluations, (7) welfare benefits, (8) party organization & campaign strategy, (9) media, and (10) regional & local factors. The impact of factors varies from elections to elections. In the past, voters were swayed away by caste considerations and selective clientelist benefits; in recent years, ideology, leaders, campaign issues, and universal welfare benefits have influenced the voters in India. The consolidation of Hindus, the structural change in Indian society, the rightward shift in ideological middle ground, the aggressive campaign strategy, and, above all, the leadership of Narendra Modi have led to the electoral domination of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the 2014 Lok Sabha election, signalling the emergence of a second dominant party system in India.

Multicultural Citizenship: A New Alternative in the Era of Human Migration.

Dr. Linesh V. V., Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. Within the present citizenship debate, multicultural citizenship is one of the prominent nationalist theories that emerged as a consequence of human migration. Cultural diversity and minority rights have emerged as the rallying point for giving credence to democratic values by enhancing the monolithic version of citizenship and including the vast minorities and cultural groups into the mainstream, which modern citizenship fails to reflect. Multicultural citizenship appeared to be the most promising alternative to accommodate the issues and challenges facing a liberal democratic state due to increasing diversity. Primarily, the study examines how far multicultural citizenship is successful in addressing the immigration crisis in a liberal democratic state. While doing so, it argues that the replacement of universal rights with the rights of a particular group has an adverse consequence in the schematics of multicultural citizenship. The multicultural commitment towards the protection of minority rights has created a huge rift between immigrants and natives in many nations today. The fallout of multiculturalism in this regard has been fully capitalised by the right-wing populist parties in most democratic countries.

Combating COVID-19 in Manipur : Responses by the State Government, Local Governments and Community Based Organisations.

Dr. K Gireesan, Professor and Director, MIT School of Government, Dr. Vishwanath Karad World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune, Karaiba K Ngiimei, Former Project Co-ordinator, Access to Justice, NE & JK, Manipur, Dept. of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Govt. of India, Imphal, Manipur. Manipur is a multi-ethnic state located at the North-Eastern region of India. As per Census 2011, the State has a total population of 28,55,794 and area of 22,327 square kilometres. The State is located between 92°58´E to 94°45´E longitudes and 23°50´N to 25°42´N latitudes of which 90% are hilly regions. The State is landlocked by a long international border of about 352 k.m. in the South-East by Myanmar, Nagaland with an estimated total of 502 k.m. long in the North, with Assam on the West, Mizoram on the South-West, Chin Hills of Myanmar on the South, Surma Tract on the East and upper Chindwin of Myanmar (Burma). It has sub-tropical temperate climate. The State has a pleasant climate almost throughout the year. Topographically, Manipur comprises of two parts, the hills and the valley. The valley is at the centre, surrounded by hills from all sides. The people of Manipur are grouped into three main ethnic communities – Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis. Among them, most of the Meiteis inhabit in the valley whereas most of the Nagas and Kukis stay in the hills. As against the physical features of the area, 58.9% of the population stay in the valley region and 41.1% of the population in the hills.

Use And Non-Use Value of Environment: A Study on Common Resources.

Dr. Gautam Purkayastha, Associate Professor of Economics & Vice Principal , Margherita College, Margherita, Assam, Dr. Madhumita Deb , Assistant Professor of Economics , Margherita College, Margherita, Assam. Forests and other shared resources provide a regular source of income and employment for poor people of all age groups in the village who have no other work options. These resources act as a safety net during tough times like lean seasons, droughts, or floods. They are particularly important for elderly individuals who cannot work for wages. Shared resources offer opportunities for different family members, including children, women, the elderly, and even individuals with disabilities, to supplement family income by collecting non-timber forest products. This paper is based on various published and one unpublished data sources. Some intriguing findings from an unpublished report, funded by the UGC and conducted by the authors, are used in this paper to assess how villagers rely on the environment for their daily needs and comforts. It also examines people's awareness of nature's crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods. Some elderly people in the sample shared their frustration at a group discussion, highlighting how the disappearance of traditional activities like community fishing and hunting (though hunting is not desirable and is illegal) is erasing their cultural identity. Quantifying this loss, the cultural vacuum, is difficult.

Khap Panchayats: A Socio-Legal Analysis.

Dr.Saroj Malik, Professor, Emeritus,Department of Political Science, SRM University (Delhi - NCR), Sonepat, Haryana. Khap panchayat are endogamous and clannish traditional institutions ,primarily engaged in dispute resolution and in regulating the behavior of individuals or groups in rural North India.They have mainly been confined to social issues and maintaining harmony and community feeling. The introductory part explores the genesis ,basis and role of khap panchayats.Khap panchayats attracted the attention of scholars only when Electronic media highlighted some of their decisions related to honour killing. Honour killing in the context of matrimonial alliances has been a quintessential cultural practice. The paper further explores what is honour killing and which acts are considered dishonourable by the community and family. Thousands are killed in the name of honour by family members ,merely because a couple wish to marry or marry someone outside their caste ,faith or gotra.The frequency of honour killing has been higher in Northern India especially in Haryana.It is debatable whether traditional cultural norms and values demeaning individual's autonomy ,choice,dignity and right to life and thus striking at the core of formal laws and liberal values.

Empowerment of Rural Women through Self-help Group (SHG): A Study in Jorhat District of Assam.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, Former Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR (Govt. of India), Hyderabad. The self-help group (SHG) is a powerful instrument to empower women of rural India as the women members of the SHG by earning income and feeling empowered, for which many studies are available across India. The author has conducted from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and North-east to Gujarat studies in this regard and observed that each and everyone felt empowered as each was contributing to the welfare of the family by earning income. This research article has highlighted how members of the SHG in a village in the Jorhat district of Assam, India, developed by earning income. For the study, Lakhimui SHG was contacted which was established in 2018 at Holongapar Gohaingaon, Central Jorhat Block, Jorhat district, Assam in December 2023. All the members were literate – middle school to 12-pass. The research article is purely based on primary data. Also, secondary data have been included here, which have been collected from the Chief Executive Office, Zilla Parishad, Jorhat district, Assam. Through Group Discussion as followed under Participatory Rural Appraisal (popularly known as PRA) propounded by Prof Robert Chambers, the study was carried out so data collected from the women members was based on facts.

Trends of Urbanisation in Erstwhile Andhra Pradesh: 1901-2011.

Dr. D. Pulla Rao, Honorary Professor, Department of Economics, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, A.P. Urbanization is a process where in there is an increase in the urban population to the total population in a given state or country. This process takes place due to increase in population in urban areas and also migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. In 1901, only 10 per cent of the population in Andhra Pradesh lived in urban areas, it was increased to 33.34 per cent by 2011. Out of the 23 districts in Erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is unique with cent per cent urban population. In Andhra Pradesh there are four urban agglomerations (UAs) in 1971 and it increased to 37 by 2011. Among the urban agglomerations Visakhapatnam Urban Agglomeration occupies the top rank with a population of 2,035,922 in the 2011 Census. Among 37 urban agglomerations in the state the smallest urban agglomeration is Bheemunipatnam with a total population of 48,670. The proportion of urban population in Class I cities has increased from 24.38 per cent in 1901 to 75.31 per cent in 2011. The increase in urban population due to industrialization in Andhra Pradesh has resulted into over-crowding and urban poverty.

Custodial violence in Indian perspective: An Analytical Study.

Bipini Chandra Mallik , PhD. Scholor in Political Science, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Prof. Padmalaya Mahapatra, Formerly Head, Dept. of Political Science, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Custodial violence involves rape, torture, or death in police or judiciary custody. Custodial violence is the physical and emotional abuse of the victim that violates human rights. It is considered one of the worst human rights violations. Police and other agencies continue to torture victims by crushing their spines, hitting their soles, delaying medical treatment, scorching with a cigarette, extracting teeth, forcing them to lie nude on ice slabs, and submerging them in water. The Supreme Court of India, National Human Rights Commission, and UN condemn the heinous crime. National police ignore these institutions.

The Role of Ngo's in Providing Child Protection and Peacebuilding in Sikkim.

Pem Uzeyla Bhutia, Research scholar, Sikkim University, Dr. Maheema Rai, Assistant Professor, Dept. of International Relations,Sikkim University, Dr. Salvin Paul V, Associate Professor, Dept. of Law, Governance & Citizenship, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi. Sikkim, the 22nd state of India and tourist hotspot, exhibits a relatively lower prevalence of criminal activity in comparison to other geographical areas. Though instances of armed conflict or warfare resulting in the destruction of lives and property are scarce or non-existent, why Sikkim faces a multitude of social challenges and issues, such as suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence, and violence against children? is less explored in the academia. There exists structural violence that persist both direct and indirect forms of violence that affect all individuals, especially vulnerable children who are susceptible to harm and exploitation. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are among the actors dedicated to promote the welfare of society, with a particular focus on safeguarding the rights of children. Numerous non-governmental organizations have been operating at both the national and state levels with the aim of safeguarding and advancing the rights of children. By applying a qualitative methodology combined with an embedded research design, this research has tried to examine the role of NGOs towards peacebuilding specially in providing child protection and safeguarding child rights in the state of Sikkim. It will outline the various forms of violence that Sikkim's children encounter and may provide a better and broader comprehension of how NGOs work to protect children in the state of Sikkim, given the lack of research conducted within the context of Sikkim's society.

Effects of Climate Change on Paddy Cultivation in Bargarh District, Odisha: A Case Study.

Raj Kishor Pradhan, Senior Statistical Officer, NSSO (FOD), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Govt. of India, Sambalpur, Odisha, Rajesh Kumar Mahapatra, Teacher Assistant, Department of School & Mass Education, Govt. of Odisha, Bargarh. Bargarh is one of the districts of Odisha lies in the western side of the state. Agriculturally it is one of the leading districts. One third of the district is irrigated by the Hirakud Dam. So Bargarh is known as the Rice Bowl or “ Bhata Handi” of Odisha. This paper analyses the effect of climate change and other problems in between a time period. There is no comprehensive study on effect of climate change on agricultural pattern and output of Bargarh district. Besides that current problems related to agriculture like marketing, crop insurance and current agricultural policies has not been touched. So it is an attempt to study all these factors. This paper explores the vulnerability of agriculture to climate shocks in Bargarh, Odisha, India and also shows the loss of agricultural crops and productivity due to extreme climate events like droughts, floods and cyclones. Climate change and climate shocks affect different sectors, and livelihoods of population differently depending on the adaptive capacity. Using secondary data, the study analyses the agricultural vulnerability to the increasing climate shocks and present a historical picture of climate shocks that took place in the district of Bargarh during last few decades.

Improved access to Neurosurgical Care through a Private Medical College helps in ensuring better patient outcomes: An Example from smart city Bareilly, UP

Dr Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, SRMSIMS, Bareilly, UP, Dr Amar Jeet Singh, MD, Ex-Head, Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Bargarh is one of the districts of Odisha lies in the western side of the state. Agriculturally it is one of the leading districts. One third of the district is Neurosurgery has evolved significantly over the years with the development of neurointerventional and diagnostic procedures for ensuring good patient outcomes in nervous system disorders. There is an improvement in access to care with better patient outcomes through increased availability of advanced imaging technologies enabling more precise surgical planning, smaller incisions, minimally invasive procedures, lesser pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. The details of the two cases treated by Dr Praveen Kumar Tripathi at SRMSIMS, Bareilly, UP, as given in this article, illustrate the extent of relief such endeavours are providing to the sufferers by bringing the super specialty care to their doorsteps through private medical colleges. Right parieto-temporal craniotomy with excision of meningioma with duraplasty was successfully done in a 64 yrs, male patient. In another 28 yrs old male road traffic accident patient of traumatic C5 fracture retropulsion with quadriparesis, C5 corpectomy / discectomy was done with Titanium mesh cage fixation.

Alcoholism In Rural Areas : A Sociological Study of Extreme Drinkers of a Nyaya Panchayat of Hatharas District.

Dr. Birpal Sinh Thenua, Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology and Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh Agra. Alcohol is used almost in all societies of the world. It is practiced in one or more forms from ancient to present time in Indian society also. Though the global data released by World Health Organization, western society consumed more alcohol then any developing countries, yet it is observed in recent years, that the consumption of alcohol is increasing in Indian society and it is increasing among rural youth also. The issue of alcoholism and extreme drinking has became one of the serious issues in recent years in our society. Extreme drinkers can be seen everywhere on streets, roadsides, footpaths and other public places. Important human resource in our society is transforming into a parasite on family and society. Criminal activities, violence, domestic violence, poverty, gambling, beggary and physical and mental diseases and even unnatural death are also result of alcoholism or extreme alcoholism. Government policies on liquor and alcohol are pouring fuel on the fire to flame the problem of alcoholism in our society including rural areas.

Dimensions of Spiritual Tourism in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu

Dr.S.Praveenkumar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Tourism and Hotel Management, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Tourism is a fast-growing industry. It has vast and inexhaustible potential to enhance national income, foreign exchange reserves and employment opportunities. The size and economic significance of travel and tourism have attracted the attention of many countries in actively promoting tourism as a way to stimulate their economies. The World Tourism Organization has recognized the potential of tourism sector for poverty alleviation by increased job creation. Consequently, many developing countries are improving their tourism planning and developments approaches. The research objective of the article is to study the satisfaction level of tourist, determinants of spiritual tourism, and problems faced by tourist in Coimbatore district. The number of samples collected for this study is 150 tourists. The type of sampling used is convenient sampling. The Simple percentage analysis, chi-square test and Garret ranking technique have been employed for the the data analysis. The crucial findings regarding the problems tourists face generally include pollution and lack of cleanliness, beggars nuisance, lack of sanitary facility and exploitation by taxi and vehicle operators. This study will be relevant and significant to the present Indian scenario.

Spiritual Tourism in India: Experiences and Expectations

Chinmay Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Hospitality & Tourism, Sangamner Nagarpalika Arts, D. J. Malpani Commerce & B. N. Sarda Science College (Autonomous), Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Dr. Rajesh Ragde, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Administration, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. India is supposed to be the ultimate destination where the quest for the self-realization of self of all spiritual seekers come to an endget fulfilled. There are enormous large number of ashrams/meditation retreats in India which attracts huge number of domestic tourists in a significant number and a considerable amount number of international visitors every year. Purpose: Despite of hugethe immense potential, the spiritual tourism in India is comparatively a less- discussed area subject among the fraternity of tourism researchers. and hHence, the research in the field is very limited. The purpose of the paper is thus to provide an insight intofor development of spiritual tourism in India through anby empirical study of the experiences and satisfaction of spiritual tourists. Design/Methodology: The paper explores the potential of spiritual tourism in India by empirically analysing the experiences and satisfaction of spiritual seekers/tourists visiting meditation retreats in India with the help of a structured questionnaire using snowball sampling. The paper further try to tries identify the role of government in spiritual tourism development in India. Findings: The research provides a detailed analysis of tourist experiences and shows a significant level of tourist satisfaction about with different predefined factors. The study suggests the pivotal role of government in spiritual tourism development in India. Scope/Limitations: Due to the policies of meditation centres and ashrams under study, the comparative analysis is avoidedcould not be done in the paper. The researcher strongly believes that a similar kind of study with a larger size and using different scientific tools will definitely provide wider a broad aspect of the field.

Tourism and Hospitality sector in India:An Analytical Enquiry.

Dimple Arora, PhD Scholar in Tourism, Dept. of Tourism, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP. India is supposed to be the ultimate destination where the quest for the self-realization of self of all spiritual seekers come to an endget fulfilled. “The tourism and hospitality sector holds a pivotal position in driving economic development, particularly in emerging economies such as India. Research into this industry is crucial given its increasing significance globally, encompassing economic growth stimulation, GDP augmentation, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructure development. In India, this sector not only contributes to GDP but also provides various socio-economic benefits to its populace. Consequently, investigating the role of tourism in the economy, particularly within the context of India, is imperative. This study strives to analyze the contributions of the tourism industry by examining most pertinent data, focusing on India's tourism and hospitality sector. It also seeks to assess the visitor traffic, both domestic and international, to sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, alongside evaluating data regarding approved hotels and their occupancy rates, as well as recognized tourism service providers in India which plays a crucial role in current times.”

(Re)Claiming Spaces in Indian Cinema: A Queer Reading of the Gender Dissidence in Contemporary Indian Films.

Shatabdi Chakraborty, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Communication and Media Studies, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya & Assistant Professor, Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Patna, Dr. Ravi Suryavanshi, Assistant. Professor, Department of Communication and Media Studies, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya. The Supreme Court of India has scrapped the archaic Section 377, providing much freedom and space to the marginalized LGBTQIA++ community. The LGBTQIA++ community has been struggling for their rights and identity for ages. They have been mocked upon, looked down upon, and even denied of their mere existence. Most Indian films have portrayed this community in a quite disdainful manner. This paper carefully touches on all the aspects of representation of LGBTQIA++ in Indian Cinema. However, in recent times the Indian cinema has changed its course and many such films have tried to portray such characters in quite a positive light as well. This paper would be an attempt to identify such films which are broadly based on gender disparity, queer culture, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. By using a critical approach to feminist and trans-feminist film theory and with the help of queer film theory, this paper would try to conceptualize and unfold a utopian world. The methodological tools used in this research are mostly part of the multisensorial methodology for queer studies as well as the visual culture at large.