Editorial
Ranjana Ray
Sarmistha De Basu
The Editors

The winter issue of the journal of Kolkata Society for Asian Studies contains sixteen articles, which were submitted by authors from various academic backgrounds. These are all plagiarism tested, peer reviewed and edited wherever necessary. This volume begins with the article presented in memory of late Professor Vinoy K. Srivastava by Professor Ranjana Ray, entitled as Beliefs and practices connected with Bhumijas, a tribe in Eastern India. The paper covers the mortuary practices of the tribe Bhumij. The Bhumij has a system of mortuary practice, which shows Hinduised status of the tribe in burning of the dead body, as well as retention of the tribal custom, in megalithic burial of the ash and other remains after cremation. In this process clan of the deceased plays an important role in choosing site for megalithic burial and associated rituals. There are two articles in Bengali. One is entitled as Iswarchandra and Thakurdas: A Chronicle of a Father and his Son (পিতা-পুত্র সম্বIদ: ঠাকুরদাস বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় এবং ঈশ্বরচন্দ্র) by Satrajit Banerjee from the department of Political Science, Bankura University, West Bengal. The paper points out that though much is written about the relationship and the guidance that Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar received from his mother, but the author has shown that Iswarchandra’s father Thakurdas Bandyopadhyay also played an important role during his formative stage in Kolkata. The other Bengali article titled as Prevalence of teenage pregnancy and motherhood in East Indian states (পূর্ব ভারতীয় রাজ্যে কৈশোর গর্ভাবস্থা এবং মাতৃত্বের ব্যাপকতা) is jointly written by Manotosh Gayen (Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata), Md Reza Kaushar Hasmi (Department of Geography, School of Earth Sciences, Central University of Karnataka) and Robi Routh (Department of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland). The authors have dealt with pregnancy of teenage girls in the states of eastern India. They have done field work in the region and had identified factors responsible for this and have suggested measures for protection of the adolescence girls. Except for the two papers mentioned above, the rest of the papers are in English. The paper, A Journey for Understanding Folk Odyssey of Rural Bengal: Critical Evaluation of Pather Panchali (Song of the Road) by Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhyay, pointed out simple rural, folk life through the eye of the author of the story, Pather Panchali. The paper is written by Sushil Sarkar, department of English, Kashipur Michael Madhusudan Mahavidyalaya, Purulia, West Bengal.The author discussed the folk life in the light of the famous novelist Bibhutubhusan Bandyopadhaya. Apotheosis of Motherhood: Nationalist Aspiration, Sarada Devi, and Self-Identity, by Debarati Maity, department of English, Netaji Nagar College for Women, Kolkata, delved in to the life of Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev. She discussed the concept of motherhood that prevailed in India at the time of Sarada Devi and how Ma Sarada had overcome all and had established herself as eternal mother. Pratyashi Saikia Tandon of Sociology department, KamlaArya Kanya P. G. College, Mirzapur, wrote about freedom movement in Assam with focus on the efforts of Kanaklata Baruah in the article, Female Resistance and the Quest for Freedom in Assam with Special Reference to Kanaklata Baruah. In the wake of freedom movement against British in Assam, Kanaklata Baruah not only fought for freedom but even sacrificed her life.

Kabita Chakraborty, of the Department of English, Netaji Nagar College for Women, Kolkata, wrote the article, Capital punishment: An Analytical Appraisal. The paper is a detailed analysis of death penalty in the law of various countries of the world through ancient to modern times. Disability and Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Empowerment in India, written jointly by Vidya Rani and Anchal, department of Political Science, Banaras Hindu University, focused on the use of AI for physically handicapped persons. Disability is considered as a stigma in our society. The authors recommended use of the artificial intelligence for making the life of the disabled people easier. The paper, From Struggle to Liberation: The Journey of Women in Anita Desai’s Fire on the Mountain and Imayam’s Beasts of Burden, is written jointly by V. Sharmila and S. Kalamani, department of English, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. Though both the stories are based on suffering of women, the authors had gone into the details of the authors’ views. The Article, Historical Development of English as a Second Language in Nagaland: A Perspective from a Multilingual Society, is written by Kethokhrienuo Belho of the Nagaland University. English language was introduced by the British missionaries in Nagaland. There is no common indigenous language among the Nagas, who are divided into a number of tribes clubbed together as the Nagas by the British. It is presumed that the English as a second language has enhanced interaction between multilingual people. Sanjoy Ahanthem and Yaiphaba Ningthoujam of the department of History, Dhanamanjuri University, and the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University, respectively, have jointly written the paper, Manipur and the Shan Kingdom of Pong: Political and Cultural Relations. Authors have dealt on the history of the relationship between of Pongs of the Shan kingdom of upper Burma and the Meitei of Manipur during the periods of 7th to 18th Century AD.

The article, Narratives of Nationhood: Corporealizing Memory in Shauna Singh Baldwin’s What the Body Remembers by Sambhu R of the department of English, N.S.S. College, Pandalam (Affiliated to University of Kerala), Kerala, analyzed the novel by Baldwin in the perspective of sexual violence at the time of partition of India. The victims under the patriarchal system either had to commit suicide or were killed or had been stigmatized through rest of their lives. As the title suggests the author, Pritam Rajak, department of Education, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, has done research on educational programmes available for the students after completion of higher secondary in West Bengal. In the paper, Which Course to Pursue after Higher Secondary Education in West Bengal: A Few Suggestions, the author states that there are a wide collection of specialized courses available in fields of Arts and Science for the students to choose for their higher education. Teaching profession involves a lot of stress on the teachers. Joint authors Trupti Subhra Jyoti and Amulya Kumar Acharya from the department of Education, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, had done research on pre service teachers-trainees. This was to find out thecurrent status of psychological wellbeing of trainees-teachers enrolled in four years integrated B.Sc./ B.A. - B.Ed. teacher education programme in Balasore district. The paper titled as Psychological Wellbeing of Pre-service Teacher trainees- An Exploration gives result of the research. Sushanta Kumar Panda and Ansum Sharma, department of Education, University of Jammu wrote the paper titled as Efficacy of Digital Initiatives in Higher Education System. The authors have taken primary data from the postgraduate students of Jammu University and have concluded that the use of digital facilities have improved the learning process in the University and recommended research on the development of digital system in the betterment of pedagogy. Redefining Pedagogy: The Impact of ChatGPT on Education System, written under joint authorship of Sakil Mahaldar, department of Education, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India and Rinki Khatun of Apex Teachers’ Training College, Berachampa, North 24 Parganas. They had done research on the use of the ChatGPT and have found out that the system impacts positively. The work is with secondary data. The author Krishnendu Roy, department of Education, Domkal Girls’ College, Domkal, Murshidabad, has done work on secondary data and had written the paper, Role of Counseling in Managing Anxiety and Stress among College Students. The research findings show that counselling is a great support for college going students, both for male and female.

Rebanta Gupta, Centre for Studies in Legal History, The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, has written the paper, Shared Spaces, Overlapping Cultures: Co-Spatiality, Syncretism, and the Cultural Universe of Zakaria Street. Zakaria Street is located in Central Kolkata. In the short but important street exists people from Hindu Marwari and Muslim communities. The author has given history of development of the street and has shown how in the backdrop of competitive communalism and minority appeasement, harmonious coexistence prevails among the diverse communities living in the street. Volume 11, number 2 of the Journal of Kolkata Society for Asian Studies contains seventeen selected papers and an endowment lecture. The papers covered varied topics, though pedagogy had tilted the balance a little. Editors thank the authors for the papers submitted with important information on their research and outcome of the same. The editors are grateful to the reviewers of the papers submitted for publication in this Journal. Heartfelt thanks are due to the press for printing the present volume.

Beliefs and practices connected with Bhumijas, a tribe in Eastern India

Ranjana Ray

Abstract

Professor Vinay Kumar Srivastava had done research on a number issues related to mankind. He often treaded the paths, so far not charted by any other anthropologists before him. In this memorial lecture, topic as the beliefs and practices of the tribe living in Chotanagpur was selected. The Bhumijs are a tribe, belonging to Munda group and speak in Kolarian. They live in the plateau area of Eastern India since prehistoric times. They follow a specific method of disposal of the dead. Firstly, they cremate the dead body. After cremation the ash and other remnants are buried at specified space and build megalith on them. Clan of the dead person plays an important role in selection of the bone burial ground. There exists a strong belief in soul and spirit in the process. The paper discusses on the practice of the Bhumij and its implication on the belief system of the said tribe.

Keywords

Bhumij, Disposal of the dead, cremation, megalith, belief system

Iswarchandra and Thakurdas: A Chronicle of a Father and his Son

Satrajit Banerjee

Abstract

Iswarchandra’s devotion to his mother, Bhagawati Devi, has been portrayed as a uniqueexample that occupies a venerable position in the minds of the common Bengali populace. Sheis indeed revered as a glorified symbol of motherhood. In the hagiographical renderings ofIswarchandra, narratives of Bhagawati Devi’s adoration of Iswarchandra are extensively visible.One of his biographers, his brother Shambhu Chandra, wrote that the affection shown byBhagawati Devi towards Ishwarchandra was distinctly noticeable compared to that shown toother sons. Eventually, Bhagawati Devi is the major source of inspiration for various reformativeendeavours of Ishwarchandra, such as the introduction of widow remarriage and combatingconservatism and untouchability. In fact, his unflinching love for humanity, generosity, andcompassionate attitude came from his mother. However, Ishwarchandra started living inKolkata with his father, Thakurdas, from childhood till he finished his education and took up ajob. Since he has spent the formative phases of his life with Thakurdas, it cannot be denied thathis father had a significant and lasting impact on the formation of Ishwarchandra’s outlook,attitude, and personality development. Yet, in Bengal, Ishwarchandra’s mother is glorified to agreat extent, while his father is largely overlooked. This article will try to review the existingperception by taking into account the intricacies of his relationship with his father.

Keywords

Iswarchandra, Thakurdas, Bhagawati Devi, English-Sanskrit education, Widow Remarriage

Prevalence of teenage pregnancy and motherhood in East Indian States

Gayen ,Md Reza Kaushar Hasmi and Robi Routh

Abstract

The teenage years, spanning from ten to nineteen, represent a highly sensitive and formativephase in the lives of both boys and girls. However, girls tend to suffer disproportionately duringthis stage due to social practices such as child marriage. Early marriage often leads to unintendedpregnancies, unsafe abortions, and an increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases,which together pose serious risks to their physical and mental well-being.The present study attempts to examine the levels, trends, and patterns of teenage childbearing inthe eastern states of India, while also identifying the key factors and underlying characteristicsthat influence these patterns. For this purpose, data has been utilized from the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 throunds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), providing a comprehensive basis for theanalysis. The findings reveal that although teenage pregnancy is gradually declining across India,including the eastern states, the rates remain alarmingly high. Among the states, West Bengalrecords the highest rate of teenage pregnancy (16.40 percent), followed by Bihar (11 percent)and Jharkhand (9.80 percent). These figures highlight the persistence of deep-rooted socio-cultural and economic challenges in the region.Further analysis points to several determinants of teenage childbearing, including place ofresidence, wealth status, educational attainment, and exposure to social media. These factorscollectively shape the likelihood of early marriage and subsequent pregnancy among adolescentgirls. Given the seriousness of the issue, there is an urgent need for effective interventions fromboth government and non-governmental organizations. Policies and programs must be designedto address socio-economic inequalities, enhance educational opportunities, and raise awareness, with the ultimate aim of ensuring the empowerment, protection, and holistic well-being ofadolescent girls in these states.

Keywords

Teenage pregnancy; Childbearing; Socio-economic factors; India and Eastern Indian states

A Journey for Understanding Folk Odyssey of Rural Bengal: Critical Evaluation of Pather Panchali (Song of the Road) by Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhyay

Sushil Sarkar

Abstract

This paper examines the paradisiacal innocence of rural Bengal and the Bengali way of life, which is free from the dullness and chaos of modern city life. The characters in the novel PatherPanchali (Song of the Road) are poor, yet they consistently observe religious holidays, adhere to customs, and live according to their beliefs. This is because they are satisfied with what little they have and are unaffected by greed. The diverse rural Bengali folk culture encompasses its festivals, rituals, dietary customs, beliefs, and superstitions. The novel is narrated from the perspective of a young boy named Apu, who shares a close bond with Durga, his elder sister. He sees the world through her eyes, learns to engage with nature, and undergoes psychological changes after her death. Eventually, they move from the idyllic village of Nischindipur to Varanasi. The novel depicts a journey and transformation of all the characters from innocence to experience, incorporating folklore and folk cultural elements. The present study aims to highlight the declining values of idyllic rural Bengali life, its lifestyle, and the purity of the folk odyssey of rural Bengal, which lacks the hectic schedules and monotony of modern or postmodern life.

Keywords

Rural Bengali Life, Folk Culture, Folk Odyssey, Cultural Diversities, Idyllic

Apotheosis of Motherhood: Nationalist Aspiration, Sarada Devi, and Self-Identity

Debarati Maity

Abstract

This paper tries to comprehend how Sarada devi made an epoch breaking rise and created a cult of her own by converging the widely disparate and heavily pregnant ideologies of motherhood, femininity, nationalism and spiritualism all into one. It will also try to interrogate and investigate how Sarada Devi, despite submitting herself to the ideologies of the two powerful men in her life, did carve out a separate existence for herself and others. The paper will explore how ‘motherhood’ was reformed and reshaped into a new identity by Sarada devi.

Keywords

Motherhood, femininity, identity, nationalism, Sarada

Female Resistance and the Quest for Freedom in Assam with Special Reference to Kanaklata Baruah

Pratyashi Saikia Tandon

Abstract

In the history of India's movement for independence from the British rule, role of Assam was crucial. During the first half of the nineteenth century, north-eastern region of India witnessed a sudden upsurge in anti-British protests movements. By the Treaty of Yandaboo, the British government brought Assam under their rule in 1826. Since then, the citizens of Assam had their heart set on fighting for freedom from the foreign dominion. Together with men, the women of Assam also threw themselves into the events that unfolded with the aim of ending the suzerainty of the Crown. The coming of Mahatma Gandhi to Assam in the year 1921, captivated Assamese men and women from all backgrounds. During this juncture, the more radicalised revolutionary women acted as one powerful force fighting closely together with their male fellows to cripple the administration of the British Empire. Against this backdrop, this paper discusses the case of female resistance during the freedom movement in Assam which has often been overlooked in the history of India. The paper focuses on the contribution of KanaklataBaruah, a brave rebel of Assam, who sacrificed her life fighting for the cause of her state. The paper explores extant academic literature and other secondary sources relevant to the topic.

Keywords

Women; Quest for Freedom; Indian Independence Movement; Kanaklata Baruah; Assam; British Rule

Capital Punishment: An Analytical Appraisal

Kabita Chakraborty

Abstract

Since long capital punishment is the most controversial issue all over the world. The main object of criminal laws of a country is primarily intended to reform the offenders rather than revenge. However, the state is also accountable for protecting the interests of the society at large and reaffirming the public’s trust in the legal system, and the death penalty may be a tool for this purpose.Throughout the world two extreme approaches regarding the capital punishment have been advocated. One, is for retaining the death sentence for certain offences and other for abolition of it. In India, the death penalty is applied for two reasons, the first is that the wrongdoer must suffer for the actions done and the second is that by punishing the wrongdoers, it will deter future wrongdoing. Under this prevailing situation how far capital punishment will control the crime rate is really a debatable issue. Here the researcher overall review the present status of Capital punishment procedure.

Keywords

Capital Punishment, retribution, reformation, controversial, abolition, death sentence

Disability and Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Empowerment in India

Divya Rani & Anchal

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has become a phenomenon in world. The machine with ability of doing cognitive task and automation have made this technology beneficial for almost every aspect of human life. Even though, there are many challenges and threats are attached to it, AI has been blessings in many areas such as health, education, transportation, hotel, agriculture and defence. Apart from these areas, AI has emerged as a new ray of hope for the Differently abled persons. The machine has been beneficial for all categories of the disability. It is bringing massive changes in the lives of the Differently Abled. People suffering from different types of disabilities are now becoming capable with the use of Artificial Intelligence. People with visual impairment and hearing loss are experiencing normal life with the use of smart phones and audio devices. People with physical disabilities are able to make their lives easier through artificial limbs and robotic devices. AI is playing an important role in giving people with disabilities their place and rights in social participation. Hence, people with various types of disabilities are accepting AI as the best assisting device for themselves. This paper will enumerate the leverages of AI for PwDs and how it is redefining the meaning of empowerment with accessibility and participation. It further describes the policy and applicability of AI in facilitating accessibility and empowering differently abled persons in India.

Keywords

Intelligence, Persons with Disabilty (PwDs), Empowerment, India

From Struggle to Liberation: The Journey of Women in Anita Desai’s Fire on the Mountain and Imayam’s Beasts of Burden

V. Sharmila & S. Kalamani

Abstract

Anita Desai, a renowned Indian diasporas writer through her novel Fire on the Mountain presents a glimpse of the burning issues of female struggle to survive in a male- dominated society. Her novel deals with Nanda Kaul, who is depressed and anxious due to her indifferent and unloving husband. Imayam wrote many novels and short stories dealing with caste discrimination, patriarchy, women’s sufferings, injustice and oppression. The writings crafted by Anita Desai stand as a compelling testament to the changing roles of women, surpassing societal expectations and mirroring the transformative voyage from pre-independence to the present time. Though both, Imayam and Anita Desai, wrote in different periods of time, they spoke about issues related to women who are torn between hope and despair in patriarchal societies. The marginalized women workers, such as washerwomen, in the novel the Beast of Burden, endured sexual violence from the village head of the upper caste.The present paper analyses two different types of women suffering – one type like Arokkyam, rises above the sufferings and faces life indomitably, whereas the other type like Nanda Kaul, unable to face sufferings, breaks down physically and mentally. Concepts related to existentialism with its fear, alienation, absurdity, prejudice, and escapism is used in the analysis of the characters.

Keywords

Dalit, Existence, Marginalization, Oppression, Patriarchy, Rural, Suffering, Struggle, Urban, Violence

Historical Development of English as a Second Language in Nagaland: A Perspective from a Multilingual Society

Kethokhrienuo Belho

Abstract

This paper delves into two key aspects of the English language in Nagaland. Firstly, it provides an overview of the historical development of English, tracing its origins back to the arrival of Christian missionaries during the colonial era. Secondly, it explores the factors that led to the elevation of English as a second language and its eventual establishment as the sole official language of the State. This examination of the journey of English in Nagaland includes insights from a multilingual society and an analysis of its current status. The study draws upon secondary sources such as books, theses, and journals to gain a deeper understanding of the development of English in an indigenous reserved community. Furthermore, the paper considers the impact of Christianity and education in fostering the growth of the English language in Nagaland. Through a review of the literature and an analysis of the complexities within a multilingual society, the study concludes that a multilingual society like Nagaland facilitates the establishment of foreign languages with relative ease. Intriguingly, the study also reveals that languages not associated with the local cultural identity can become the official language, thus reinforcing the notion that complex tribal linguistic communities are sensitive to language dynamics. This sensitivity can lead these communities to prioritise and promote a foreign language over languages indigenous to other tribes.

Keywords

education, Christianity, multilingual, missionaries

Manipur and the Shan Kingdom of Pong: Political and Cultural Relation

Sanjoy Ahanthem & Yaiphaba Ningthoujam

Abstract

The Shan Kingdom of Pong and Manipur had a cordial relation for most parts of their recorded history. The relation between the two, which dates back to the 7th century, lasted until the 18th century after which the Pong kingdom faded away from the power dynamics of the region that was completely dominated by the rising Burmese empire. Nonetheless the relation between the two kingdoms was deep and impactful while it lasted, mutually influencing the culture, economy, polity and even transcending the way of life for both. As recorded in the chronicles of both the kingdoms, the two collaborated in wars against common enemies and frequently helped each other in times of troubles. The kings and queens of the Pong frequently visited the royal court of Manipur thereby indicating deep bond between the two kingdoms. The two kingdoms also had close people-to-people connection, which in turn, influenced the culture and way of life of the masses. The paper attempts to encapsulate the whole gamut of relationship between Manipur and the obscure and mysterious kingdom of Pong from 7th century to 18th century.

Keywords

Manipur, Pong, Burma, relations, culture, war

Narratives of Nationhood: Corporealizing Memory inShauna Singh Baldwin’s What the Body Remembers

Sambhu R

Abstract

What the Body Remembers (1999) is an indictment of Partition violence in which many women were forced to give up their lives in the name of preserving family honour. The novel makes us rethink the patriarchal machinations behind female suicides being valorized as instances of martyrdom and filial piety. The title of the novel points not just to the indelibility of the violence inscribed on the female body by patriarchal discursive structures but also to the embodied nature of memory that retroactively bridges the gap between experience and remembrance. By punning on the word ‘remember’ with its twin connotations of ‘reminiscing’ as well as ‘re-membering’ (re-embodying), Baldwin hints at the shocking murder and subsequent mutilation of Kusum around which the novel revolves and invites us to reflect on how the ‘re-membered’ corpse archives violence from a feminist perspective. Through an analysis of the patriarchal biases inherent to male narratives about Partition violence which in turn lead to the coalescence of communal memory around masculine tropes, the present paper attempts to read Baldwin’s novel as a text that subverts the self-proclaimed authenticity of master narratives. It argues that memory is not just a dormant repository of past events but something deeply embodied. Thus, the communal body and the female body, whose role in the formation of nationhood is vociferously denied everywhere, become extensions of each other through the act of recollection.

Keywords

embodied memory, Partition, trauma, storytelling, communal body

Which Course to Pursue after Higher Secondary Education in West Bengal: A Few Suggestions

Pritam Rajak

Abstract

After the completion School Education, students face dilemmas regarding their upcoming academic endeavors. Those having acquired proper guidance succeed in selecting a specific branch of study without difficulties. Therefore, it is essential for us to be aware of the available opportunities for Higher Studies. This paper is a modest attempt to inspect an overview of the courses offered by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in West Bengal. For fulfilling the same objective, the researcher has accessed a list of courses available at the Centralized Admission Portal (CAP) of the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal. The CAP (an abbreviation for the same) was launched on 19th of June, 2024 which aims to simplify the admission process in the platform of Higher Education across the state. This write-up is built around a systematic study of a detailed elucidation of the availability and opportunities for the pupils who have successfully passed Higher Secondary examination. In recent times the field of Education has been profoundly expanded creating rooms for newer concerns and fresh experiences. This paper deliberates upon a thoroughgoing interpretation of a diverse range of courses, spanning from Traditional to Professional and Vocational streams. This is eagerly anticipated that this research article will illuminate us about the scopes and challenges in Higher Education.

Keywords

Academic Programmes, Higher Education, West Bengal, District-wise programmes

Psychological Wellbeing of Pre-Service Teacher Trainees- An Exploration

Trupti Subhrajyoti & Amulya kumar Acharya

Abstract

Teaching is a demanding and dynamic profession that involves addressing learners' diverse needs and fostering global citizenship with a strong sense of pride. Teachers’ wellbeing is impacted by various stressors, including heavy workload, lack of administrative assistance, lack of parental support, lack of career advancement opportunities, participation in educational reform, lack of autonomy, unstable working conditions, and low self-esteem. Pre-service teacher trainees face constant exposure to various contextual and personal stressors, which is not different from the regular work environment. The emergence indication towards high levels of stress, burnout, and attrition faced by pre-service trainee teachers and hindered psychological wellbeing which is a substantial influencing factor for the teacher’s performance in schools draw the desired attention to explore the current status of Psychological Wellbeing of trainees teachers enrolled in 4 years Integrated B.Sc./B.A.-B.Ed. teacher education programme in Balasore district, analyse the contribution of theory and practicum/internship program of the curriculum in psychological wellbeing of Pre-service teacher trainees, and investigate teacher educators’ opinion about the current scenario of Pre-service teacher trainees’ Psychological Wellbeing. Data were collected from both Pre-service Teacher trainees and Teacher Educators (n1 = 214, n2=10) through simple random sampling techniques. A Psychological Wellbeing Scale was developed and standardized for Pre-Service Teacher trainees, with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability score .859, ensuring its potentiality. The result shows that around 73.68% of pre-service teacher trainees had acceptable psychological wellbeing whereas the status of psychological wellbeing of both male and female trainees were same. Additionally, the internship/practicum portion of curriculum affect more to their psychological wellbeing rather than theoretical/teaching learning environment. Teacher educators of TEIs also gave their significant contribution in drawing a remarkable conclusion related to the present study.

Keywords

Psychological Wellbeing, Pre-service teacher trainees

Efficacy of Digital Initiatives in Higher Education System

S.K.Panda & Anshum Sharma

Abstract

Technology has become an integral part of education system. Now technology becomes a crucial component of teaching-learning process. Digital initiatives are the remarkable step towards achieving the goals related to education system. It helps in meeting the future needs of the teachers, students and administrators (stakeholders). By imparting digital initiative or ICT applications in the education system, India will be able to achieve the goal of modernization of society by modernizing the institutes. Digital changes are the revolutionary step for bringing an auspicious development in higher education institutes. For the present study, objectives are: i) tostudy the digital initiatives used by the students of University of Jammu, ii) to study the efficacy of digital initiatives used by the students of University of Jammu, and iii) to obtain suggestions from students of University of Jammu for improvement of digital components. Data were collected from 200 post graduate students of University of Jammu to identify the various digital initiatives undertaken by them and also study the efficacy of these digital initiatives which is initiated by the Government of India at higher education level. These digital initiatives include SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, National Digital Library of India (NDLI), online education, e-PG Pathshala, e-Shodhganga, National Academic Depository (NAD), ICT Labs etc. This study also focused on the various problems that students faced while using such digital initiatives in their education process.

Keywords

Digital Initiatives, Digitalisation, Higher Education, Efficacy

Redefining Pedagogy: The Impact of ChatGPT on Education System

Sakil Mahaldar & Rinki Khatun

Abstract

This conceptual paper explores the transformative role of ChatGPT, a generative AI developed by OpenAI, in redefining educational pedagogy. The study aims to examine how ChatGPT influences teaching strategies, student engagement, and educational assessment. A qualitative review of secondary sources was conducted to evaluate both the promises and pitfalls of integrating ChatGPT into learning environments. The findings reveal that while ChatGPT enhances student autonomy, fosters critical thinking, and supports educators in instructional planning, it also raises concerns regarding accuracy, ethical use, and over-reliance. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for responsible AI integration in education.

Keywords

ChatGPT, Education, AI Tools, Pedagogy, Teaching Strategies, Critical Thinking, Ethics

Role of Counselling in Managing Anxiety and Stress among College Students

Krishnendu Roy

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the role of counselling in managing anxiety and stress among college students. It specifically explores the effectiveness of interventions, accessibility barriers, gender-based variations in counselling uptake, and the growing impact of digital counselling platforms using both qualitative and recent quantitative data.

Method

The research employs qualitative data from secondary sources including peer-reviewed journals, surveys, and institutional reports, with an emphasis on data published within the last five years. A thematic analysis identified major themes such as the effectiveness of counselling interventions, existing barriers, gender-specific responses, and technological integration in counselling.

Result

The study finds counselling to be significantly effective in reducing anxiety and stress, with interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and group therapy showing marked improvements. Quantitative data from 2022-2024 reveal that 76% of CBT users reported reduced anxiety. Barriers like stigma, cost, and time remain critical. Digital platforms enhance access, with 78% of users reporting improved emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Counselling is a vital support system for college students. Removing access barriers, leveraging digital tools, and adopting gender-sensitive practices will enhance counselling's reach and impact, ultimately supporting better academic and mental health outcomes.

Keywords

Counselling, Anxiety, Stress, College Students, Digital Platforms, Mental Health, Gender Differences, Accessibility Barriers

Shared Spaces, Overlapping Cultures: Co-Spatiality, Syncretism, and the Cultural Universe of Zakaria Street

Rebanta Gupta

Abstract

This article engages in a critical discussion of multiple facets of Zakaria Street, Kolkata, and its surrounding locality, ranging from the historical development of the street to the complex cultural and spatial identity that defines it. It traces the historical genesis of the street and the dialectical and dialogic relationship between the Hindu and the Muslim communities that defined the locality’s syncretic culture, by underscoring a history of conflict and reconciliation. The article explores the intricate interactions between Hindu and Islamic cultural influences, emphasizing the concurrent arrangements of various religious, commercial, and cultural structures along the street. It also provides a critical examination of the renowned culinary culture of the area, discussing the interdependent relationship expressed through food between the Hindu and Muslim communities during Ramadan. In conclusion, the article underscores the recent efforts made to promote communal harmony in the highlighted street, amidst a politically charged environment marked by the rise of Hindu nationalism and increasing communal tensions.

Keywords

Co-spatiality, Communal Harmony, Kolkata, Secularism, Space, Syncretism