Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (SH&SS)

Contributors

2025-05-10T06:28:00+0530

Terrorism, Militancy, and Question of Universal Human Values

2025-05-08T11:38:22+0530

Every individual has the right to live with dignity and respect. Everyone wants to live in a society that ensures fairness, equality, security, peace, and where there is no discrimination. The Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its geo-strategic importance and as a piece of heaven on earth, located in the Himalayan Mountains. Since its inception, due to the conflict with Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir has becomethe hub for terrorists and militants over the past several decades. This paper attempts to understand the nature and development of terrorism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir - how it impacted Universal Human Values where everyone in the region hoped for peace, human dignity, and a harmonious environment. The study analyzes the militancy, terrorism, and human rights situations before and after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

'Sublime Life of Wonder' and 'Universal Human Values' :

2025-05-08T11:57:07+0530

This paper reimagines Bhai Vir Singh’s life and poetic contributions through the concept of ‘SLOW’—‘sublime life of wonder’—a framework that emphasizes deliberate, profound engagement with life’s moral and philosophical dimensions. Bhai Vir Singh’s (hereafter, BVS) exploration of universal human values (hereafter UHV) emerges not merely as societal niceties but as deep existential insights that guide the individual’s conscious interaction with the world. In today’s fast-paced, ethically fragmented society, his works offer a meditative space to reconsider these values as timeless and essential. By slowing down to contemplate these values, BVS’s poetry invokes a wonder at the interconnectedness of ‘right understanding’, feeling, and human existence. This approach invites a reflective pause, where his ethical vision transcends temporal and cultural confines, presenting literature as more than a mirror to society—it becomes a transformative force that reshapes ethical consciousness. His works reflect the moral crises of his time and serve as a guidepost for navigating modern disorientation. In this way, his philosophy aligns with the ‘SLOW’ paradigm, where wonder and ethical deliberation foster a moral self capable of deep, sustained reflection. This paper critiques how BVS’s philosophy, in its engagement with universal virtues, functions as a living framework for personal and collective renewal. His alignment of spiritual insight with moral action creates a philosophical system that reshapes how we view literature’s capacity to promote ethical and societal elevation. His contributions, under the lens of ‘SLOW’, remind us that the contemplative life,immersed in wonder, holds the key to ethical progress and personal transformation.

Philosophy of Universal Human Values through Tibetan Buddhist Iconography in Sikkim

2025-05-08T12:15:07+0530

While earlier Buddhist art utilized minimalist symbols like footprints and the Bodhi tree, contemporary Tibetan Buddhist iconography features intricate details, such as the 32 Mahapurusha Lakshana, reflecting a rich philosophical tradition. This paper focuses on how these often-overlooked iconographic details embody the Buddhist concept of happiness, intrinsically linked to the Triratna (Three Jewels): Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Specifically, the study analyzes the role of these sculptures in conveying moral values and preserving folk beliefs related to karma and the interconnectedness of all beings within Sikkim’s cultural context. This research examines the preservation of cultural concepts and universal human values within Tibetan Buddhist sculptures in Sikkim, India. It explores how specific iconographic elements, such as representations of the Dharmachakra and the lotus flower, symbolize compassion, wisdom, and the Noble Eightfold Path. By examining these visual narratives, the research aims to enhance understanding of how Tibetan Buddhist iconography acts as a vital medium for communicating ethical principles and preserving cultural heritage, ultimately contributing to the promotion of universal human values in the region.

How Utopic are the Green Spaces in Dattani

2025-05-08T12:35:39+0530

The plays of Mahesh Dattani revolve around the destabilization and subversion of conventional historical modules of Indian urban hopes – hope, the quintessential universal human value. They make visible lived lives of the middleclass city dwellers whose visions of ideal life, society and domesticity remain under-noticed and unquestioned: Conjoined twins, cancer patients, a male dancer, women dreamers in Dattani’s texts display various modes of hoping. Theoretical frameworks on the relationship between hope and utopia have posited three modes of hoping: non-utopian, anti-utopian, and utopian. Since hope is both a source and a product of a thriving society, it is necessary to trace hope in an otherwise dystopic Indian urban context, especially when it is attached to muffled voices, marginalized subject positions, fragmented identities and contested dreams. If Dattani wishes to map hope against hope, he needs to do so metaphorically, and the most convenient language for couching hope is the language of the botanical metaphor. Literature in general and theatre in particular has used botanical references to express hope. Even the most problematic play on hope like Waiting for Godot offers sprouting leaves. Dattani is no exception albeit his botanical metaphors are (perhaps) the most complex metaphors for hope. While most of his plays are meant to be staged within the four walls of a house or hotel building sans botanical references, Where There’s Will, Dance Like a Man and Bravely Fought the Queen offer almost dead-ending greenscape(s). These green spaces -- rare, illusive, fleeting, and insufficient – are powerful tools to comprehend the routinized monotonous lackluster hopes of the modern fractured identities of Indian urban families. These unaccustomed hopes must be identified and critiqued with a concern to revive and foster transformative hope to combat the everyday dystopias of urban social violence, coercion, distortion, marginalization, and oppression. The present study, therefore, takes up Dattani’s Where There’s Will, Dance Like a Man and Bravely Fought the Queen to read and analyze the represented greenscape(s) as metaphor(s) of hope. In so doing, it problematizes the very nature of marginalized middle-class urban hoping frameworks.

Examining the Role of Indigenous Governance Systems in Upholding Universal Human Values in Mising Society with Special Reference to Dolung Kébang

2025-05-08T12:55:39+0530

The Mising community of Assam, an indigenous tribe of Mongoloid origin, exemplifies universal human values such as cultural integrity, social justice, equality, and communal harmony through their rich traditions, socio-political systems, and governance structures. Rooted in an agrarian lifestyle centered around Assam’s major rivers, the Misings maintain a deep connection to the environment, reflected in their traditional farming practices and animistic belief system that reveres natural elements like the Sun and Moon. Their vibrant festivals, such as Ali Aye Ligang and Po:rag, and musical heritage, including Nitom songs, further highlight their spiritual and cultural identity. At the heart of Mising society is the Dolung Kébang, a local governing body present in every village, which addresses social, cultural, political, and economic challenges. By fostering democratic deliberation, impartial justice, and reconciliation, the Dolung Kébang ensures social harmony and equality. Alongside this, the Murong, a cultural hub, and the Mímbír Ya:me, a youth organization promoting cooperative labor and mutual support, collectively reinforce the community’s principles of inclusivity, egalitarianism, and interdependence. Despite challenges like annual floods, land erosion, and socio-economic decline, the Misings have demonstrated remarkable resilience through adaptive practices and the establishment of the Mising Autonomous Council. Their traditional systems not only preserve their cultural heritage but also serve as a model for fostering justice and equity. By studying the Dolung Kébang and other socio-political institutions, this research underscores how indigenous governance systems embody universal values, offering lessons in sustainable and inclusive social organization. The Misings’ example stands as a testament to the enduring strength and relevance of indigenous communities in promoting collective harmony and justice.

Exploring Universal Human Values through the Ethnic Culture of the Phom Tribal Nagas

2025-05-08T13:14:16+0530

The objective of the paper is to discuss the unique culture of the Phom Nagas which includes their origin, their way of life in relation to the Morung (Bang) as an educational institution which has imparted knowledge and shaped the thoughts and values of life since time immemorial. The Morung is nearly extinct among the more developed tribes of the Nagas. However, it is still a thriving institution and is getting revived in the eastern part of Nagaland. The paper explores the role of the Morung in promoting harmony of human conduct and in the light of the reflection of universal human values. The paper also touches on the aspects of the traditional dresses, crafts and ornaments which are skillfully handmade, with their own unique interpretations. Moreover, the ethnic expressions, motifs and values of the festivals, the languages and the arts are highlighted. They intertwine in harmony with nature, uniting the
Phom populace.

From State Control to Digital Surveillance:

2025-05-08T11:33:24+0530

This study conducts a comparative literary analysis of George Orwell’s 1984 and Dave Eggers’ The Circle to examine the systematic erosion of fundamental human values through institutional and technological power structures. With a methodological framework incorporating value systems theory, literary-digital analysis, and theoretical perspectives of post-truth, the analysis, in particular, inspects the change of three fundamental human values such as authenticity, privacy, and natural interpersonal relations. The research demonstrates a significant paradigm shift from state-mandated authoritarian oppression to corporate-digital exploitation, where individuals voluntarily relinquish essential values through technological mediation. Through comparative narrative techniques and close textual analysis, the exploration unveils how these literary works, regardless of their temporal separation, shed light on similar apparatuses of value degradation functioning via diverse control structures. The findings indicate that contemporary digital surveillance and social media platforms mirror and amplify the dystopian warnings presented in both literary works, albeit through more subtle and participatory means. In addition, the study reveals how technological structures methodically restructure moral hierarchies, leading to a standardized approval of the invasion of privacy and the commercialization of human knowledge. This research contributes to the growing discourse on digital ethics and human values by providing a literary-theoretical framework for understanding value erosion in modern digital society. The analysis surmises that these texts work as vital cautionary tales, providing perspectives on the intricate interface connecting technological progress and the system of human values while highlighting the critical need for upholding primary human values in a progressively digitized milieu. The implications extend beyond literary analysis thus inform contemporary debates about digital privacy, authenticity, and human agency in the age of omnipresent technology.

Gandhian Thoughts in Hijam Anganghal’s novel Jahera

2025-05-08T12:10:18+0530

Hijam Anganghal’s novel Jahera (published in the 1930s), captures a fissured and discriminatory society in Manipur during the early decades of the twentieth century. Mangba-shengba, which implies impure-pure or unclean-clean in everyday practice, was akin to untouchability. The novel focuses on the male protagonist Kunjabihari or Kunjo’s ill-fated love story with the eponymous female protagonist, both of whom question the deep-rooted socio- religious division and injustices. The paper explores Kunjo’s queries and attempts to redress thedivisiveness causedby mangba-shengba, its legimisation under the ruling King’s organisation Brahma Sabha, and their stringent hold on the people. The novel depicts the tension between the Meitei Hindus and Meitei Pangals (Muslims), and exposes the bigoted structure within which the two lovers are caught. The paper analyses the way Anganghal critiques this structure through Gandhian views which are founded upon equality, dialogue, non-violence, social-reform, renunciation, vegetarianism, and unity.

Integrating ‘Modern’ Values:

2025-05-08T12:28:05+0530

This study examines the significant social and cultural changes experienced by the Ao Nagas during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a period marked by the establishment of colonial rule and the arrival of the American Baptist Mission. Beginning in 1872, the Ao Nagas were the first Naga tribe to be consistently evangelized by the American Baptists, leading to a period of cultural transition for the local communities. Focusing on the role of education as a means of adaptation, this study explores the concerns of the emerging literate class, educated primarily in mission schools, as they engaged with modernity. Through an analysis of Ao Milen, the first newspaper in the Ao vernacular, the study traces the issues prioritized by this new literate class, examining the values they debated and negotiated in print. By exploring the content of the newspaper, the study sheds light on how the Ao Nagas navigated this transformative period, revealing insights into their evolving identity and engagement with the changing world around them. In this context, I show how ‘modern’ values were successfully integrated into local practices.

Indic sustainability ethics:

2025-05-08T13:11:28+0530

Sustainability has long been an essential concept in various global philosophies, emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence with nature and equitable resource distribution. in the indian context, this idea is deeply embedded in ancient texts, cultural practices, and political thought, where sustainable living was considered not only an ecological responsibility but also a moral and ethical one.This paper explores the long-standing concept of sustainability in india, rooted in its ancient philosophical, cultural, and political frameworks. indian philosophy, particularly through the concepts of dharma, ahimsa, and ecological balance found in the vedic and upanishadic traditions, has long advocated for a harmonious relationship with nature and equitable resource distribution. The bhakti movement further emphasized social equality and environmental reverence, while leaders such as shivaji maharaj and shahu maharaj institutionalized these values through policies promoting sustainable agriculture, resource management, and social welfare. by tracing this evolution, the paper argues that sustainability has always been integral to indian thought, offering valuable insights for addressing contemporary global challenges.

Island and Refugees

2025-05-08T13:30:27+0530

Gun Island by amitav ghosh investigates problems of race, migration and ecology. using a postcolonial ecocritical perspective, one might examine how the author challenges the western anthropocentric notion of human subjectivity that has been created by modernism and historical processes by presenting nonhuman actors. This study examines how ghosh uses environmental themes to discover subversive agreements in the book and narrative content of the
postcolonial nonhuman subject matter. This research paper examines how the context of postcolonialism has disrupted the way borders are constructed. it does this by projecting an otherworldly possibility through an immaterial myth that suggests there exists an interconnectedness between living and nonliving things. The work of amitav ghosh also provides a thorough examination through the myth of manasa devi through the invisible borders. This article centres on the social economic, political and climate factors that contribute to the outcomes of the unauthorised movement of the impoverished individuals depicted in the text taken for research.

Universal Human Values

2025-05-08T13:47:46+0530

The universal human values found in Patrick modiano’s novel La Place de l’Étoile could open the eyes of the world to a wonderful realization of the signs of our times. modiano’s story explores ideaslike identity, historical pain, and moral confusion, giving deep insights into the struggles of belonging, remembering, and making ethical choices during tough times. by comparing the lasting effects of the Holocaust in the novel with the ongoing trauma of the israeli Hamas conflict, the article emphasizes the need for empathy, shared memories, and respect for human dignity and universal human values when dealing with divisions. literature also demonstrates its potential to foster understanding, facilitate dialogue, and promote peace in highly polarized contexts. modiano’s detailed view of human nature provides important lessons for overcoming differences and finding new ways to achieve peace and coexistence during conflicts especially in the current israel-Hamas conflict.

Narrative of Defiance:

2025-05-09T11:31:06+0530

Androcentrism and male-centric worldviews still prevail across societies in one form or another. It has been constructed and naturalised into the psyche of people, both male and female. It exists in every field of society, including the media. Popular media has a significant effect on the mindset of society. Today, even though women are increasingly engaged in outdoor remunerative work, they still have the household chores as their prime or in most cases, their sole responsibility. Even though women have so many professional achievements to their credit, they are deemed not equal to their
male counterparts, both in matters of pay as well as in decisionmaking. Though the presence of women in higher educational spaces is increasingly growing, a majority of them are falling back to their homecare tasks after marriage and their participation in the workforce not only remains low, but also shows a trend of decline. With rising education and higher communication skills among women, awareness of gender equality is still an increasing concern, with many bumpy roads ahead, as the patriarchy still rules the roost in our most orthodox societies. This paper engages in analysing the
portrayal of working women in a popular Hindi film, Shakuntala Devi on Amazon Prime. The paper attempts to decode the indomitable will of the woman protagonist in the film, who bears the challenges of her times and weaves a narrative of success through heruncompromising grit and endurance. The paper critically examines the discourse in the film in the light of feminist stylistic perspectives.

Human Values, Moral Lessons and Timeless Wisdom in Selected Short Stories of Munshi Premchand Translated into English

2025-05-09T11:50:56+0530

Universal human values are the basic building blocks of every ethical society. These values include honesty, integrity, justice, empathy, kindness, generosity etc. which transcend social, geographical and cultural boundariesand deeply resonate with people across generations. These are the values that guide individuals toward moral choices. In literature, such values are often explored through narratives that reflect social and individual conflicts and offer readers a deeper understanding of ethical behaviour and societal norms. Short stories, being concise in its form, are quite effective in portraying human values. Munshi Premchand (1880-1936), a prominent name in Hindi and Urdu literature, is widely known for the realistic portrayal of Indian society. He used his fictional world to describe the ethical challenges of his time and provide a profound insight into the human condition.His works, particularly, short stories, bring to life characters from various backgrounds who navigate moral dilemmas, display resilience, kindness and face adverse circumstances bravely. The present paper explores and analysestwelve short stories written by Premchand, translated into English, to examine how his narratives depict universal human values and convey moral lessons.Each story selected in this paper showcases a distinct aspect of human values. This paper underscores the enduring legacy of Premchand’s stories as a vital contribution to the understanding of human values and moral consciousness in literature.

Infusing Human Values in Postgraduate Curriculum through Courses in Bi-/multilingualism

2025-05-08T12:10:10+0530

University education plays a pivotal role in fostering human values in individuals and in creating communities of ethical practitioners. This paper presents how the postgraduate curriculum of English language Teaching (ELT) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad infuses humanistic and ethical values in its learners through its programme objectives and courses in language education. It will discuss one course in particular titled Bilingualism and Bilingual Education that claims to align with the programme outcome of embracing and practicing constitutional, humanistic and ethical values in one’s life. This course aims to equip students to strive for equity and social justice through ethical practices in English Language Education. The course content, class assignments, students feedback and learning trajectories will be considered to argue that this course instils ethical values in students and prepares them to create communities of practice that uphold human values of linguistic and cultural diversity and create solutions for multilingual communities to learn English without having a detrimental effect on their other language identities.

Moral Basis of Linguistic Standard in Patañjali’s Mahabhasya

2025-05-08T12:27:05+0530

This paper explores the moral foundations of linguistic standards as elucidated in Patañjali’s Mahabhasya, examining how ethical considerations intertwine with grammatical correctness. Patañjali’s conception of sista (the cultured or learned speaker) serves as a normative model, reinforcing the idea that linguistic propriety is deeply connected to moral and social discipline. The study critically evaluates whether the values embedded in the Mahabhasya are universal and eternal, questioning the assumption that all residents of 'Aryavarta exemplified the highest virtues associated with sista speakers. By contextualizing Patañjali’s linguistic philosophy within broader ethical frameworks, the paper highlights the interplay between grammar, morality, and cultural hierarchy. Furthermore, it reassesses the applicability of these linguistic values in a contemporary setting, probing whether they can be reinterpreted beyond their ancient sociocultural context. The analysis also considers the implications of Manu’s legal thought in shaping moral-linguistic norms, albeit with a critical perspective on its historical reception. Through a detailed study of Sanskrit textual sources with precise translations, this paper offers an enriched understanding of how Patañjali’s grammatical discourse is not merely technical but also a reflection of ethical and societal ideals.

Universal Human Values at the Core of Ancient Governance Traditions

2025-05-08T12:51:32+0530

Universal human values have been central to the governance traditions of ancient civilizations, serving as the moral compass for leadership and administration. In ancient Indian philosophy, Dharma represents the moral and ethical framework that sustains order, harmony, and justice in society. It is not merely a religious or spiritual concept but a guiding principle for governance and societal well-being. In the context of good governance, Dharma emphasizes
the ruler’s duty to uphold justice, protect the weak, and ensure the welfare of all. It serves as a reminder that governance is not about power but about responsibility and service to the people. A dharmic approach to governance aligns with universal human values such as fairness, compassion, and truthfulness. It demands that leaders act with integrity, protect the rights of individuals, and work toward creating a society where every person can flourish. Dharma also calls for collective responsibility, urging citizens to contribute to societal harmony and hold their leaders accountable. By rooting governance in Dharma, the focus shifts to ensuring equality, promoting ethical conduct, and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This principle remains timeless, offering a framework for leaders and societies to achieve peace, prosperity, and justice in alignment with universal human values. This article explores how ethical principles such as justice, compassion, equality, and righteousness were woven into the political frameworks of ancient societies. In India, texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata highlighted the importance of Dharma (righteousness) in governance, advocating for justice and welfare for all. Dharma, as described in texts like the Manusm_rti1 encompasses universal values such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Sauca (purity), and Indriyanigraha (control over the senses). These principles formed the moral backbone of ancient governance. By examining governance models from diverse cultural contexts, the article will illustrate how ancient civilizations prioritized universal human values to create stable and fair societies. This paper will primarily draw examples from three ancient texts— the Arthasastra and the epics R"am"aya]na and Mahabharata. These texts will be analysed in three separate sections to support the arguments presented in the paper. One paragraph will be added before conclusion comparing the universal value system in ancient Indian governance systems with the universal value system of ancient Chinese governance systems.

Subversion and Survival

2025-05-08T13:12:18+0530

Humour is deemed as a universal value transcending social, cultural, economic and linguistic cultural human standards of behaviour. Its presence is highly notable and significant in African American Folklore despite the presence of tales depicting bondage, suppression, discrimination and violence. This article analyses such tales collected from oral traditions to establish the role of humour as a tool of subversion, and a mechanism to cope with the atrocities the Coloured Americans were subjected to. It investigates the tales with the assistance of the three classical theories of humour: the superiority theory, the incongruity theory and the relief theory of humour. The theories help in textual analysis of the tales by extracting the element that produces humour and highlighting the psychological condition of the characters. This study outlines how humour is an integral human value and can assist the oppressed to not only survive amidst a brutal social setting but also combat it through wit, laughter and comedy. Establishing the African American character as a humourist, the research suggests that humour is not something the community merely chanced upon, but a trope they used to surpass and withstand the subjugation. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of humour as a commentary on the social condition, a strengthening of communal bonds, and a celebration of the cultural heritage, thus demonstrating its role as a means of subversion and survival. Ultimately, this paper serves to depict humour as a pivotal human value in African American folklore, and a significant vehicle of turning the tragic into the comic for survival.

Role of Education in the Development of Values

2025-05-08T13:29:28+0530

“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes”. This quote by Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the power of thoughts and their impact on people’s actions and lives. It suggests that people can remake their lives and transform their circumstances by working on their thoughts and life attitudes. The proposed paper examines and argues that education plays a significant role in shaping individual’s values and morality, and offer critical reflections on pursuit of self-discovery through the exploration of the psychological and philosophical evolution of the protagonists in the two seminal Indian novels: R.K. Narayan’s The Guide (1958) and Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger (2008). Written fifty years apart, both works depict characters embarking on journeys that transform their worldviews and self-perception resulting from their self- knowledge and individual philosophy of life, revealing deeper insights into India’s complex socio-political realities in contemporary India. The Guide is a narrative about Raju’s transformation from a simple tour guide to a revered spiritual figure which highlights the fluidity of identity and the role of fate in human existence. Therefore, Narayan’s novel is a study of human adaptability and redemption, examining existential themes such as self-deception, morality, and the search for meaning. The White Tiger is about Balram Halwai’s rise from impoverished servant to successful entrepreneur that embodies a psychological shift from submission to rebellion, reflecting the inner turmoil and moral compromises required to navigate India’s stark class divisions. Adiga’s novel critiques the darker side of capitalism and moral decay in the pursuit of success, offering a philosophical examination of freedom, exploitation, corruption, and individualism.

Reflecting Humanity

2025-05-08T13:44:10+0530

The universal moral values of compassion, justice, equality, and resilience form the ethical framework for various societal and cultural narratives. The current paper attempts to analyse the reflection of these values in Indian English literature by studying Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable, Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, and Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide. This is a qualitative work, purely based on textual analysis wherein methods of cultural criticism and ethical theory have been applied to showcase how writings mirror universality in norms against the socio-political realities of caste oppression, gender discrimination, and ecological destruction. It will evoke folk storytelling traditions and philosophical legacies of India in making these values relevant for confronting contemporary global challenges. Findings highlight that Indian English literature is not a mirror of global principles but an expression that confronts those morals as a motivation for personal change and social development. By integrating universal values in stories that question established hierarchies, this literature clarifies the transformative power of literature as an avenue for ethical exploration and social transformation. While continuing existing dialogues within the realms of ethics, cultural studies, and literary criticism, this paper reaffirms the ability of Indian English writings to foster common awareness around humanity’s collective moral principles.

Rethinking the Notion of ‘Secularism’ through the Idea of the Indian Philosophy of Ved'anta

2025-05-09T06:34:29+0530

The generally accepted notion of secularism in India is that the State should respect and treat all religions equally. With regard to the historical context, secularism has emerged as a separate idea in the language of Western ‘modernity’, which envisions that the affairs of the state, and religion should be strictly kept apart. In India, religion has helped in the administration of the state since antiquity. After Independence, India followed Nehru’s understanding of secularism which was shaped by both Western as well as the narrow appeal of the liberal or Marxist ideas of secularism. It was post-1980s when the debate on the concept of secularism arose. Ashis Nandy wrote a radical critique of ideological secularism, titled ‘An Anti-Secularist Manifesto’ (1985) where he stressed the notion of religious tolerance, which was supported by the thoughts of T.N. Madan. This article tries to revisit the notion of secularism through the Indian Philosophy of Ved"anta, particularly Advaita Ved"anta which discusses the concept of oneness.

The Role of Resilience in Promoting Universal Human Values among Pre- Service Teachers:

2025-05-09T06:47:33+0530

This study aimed to investigate the role of resilience in promoting universal human values among final-year pre-service teachers pursuing Bachelors of Education (B.Ed.) from Akal University in the Bathinda District of Punjab region. Utilizing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the sample from 30 pre-service teachers through purposive sampling. The findings revealed that classroom adaptability is essential for linking resilience
to universal values, highlighting the importance of flexibility in addressing challenges. Participants also emphasized kindness as a crucial factor in fostering emotional safety and identified positive role modeling as vital for instilling respect for human dignity. Furthermore, the study revealed that mentorship and collaborative problem-solving are fundamental in navigating challenges and promoting honesty and integrity. Thematic analysis underscored the significance of a values-based curriculum and sustainable practices in enhancing resilience. Overall, these findings illuminate how resilience can empower pre-service teachers to embody and promote universal human values, contributing to the development of more inclusive and ethical educational environments. This study has implications for teacher training programs, emphasizing the need to integrate resilience-building strategies that align with values education.

Silent Stories in Art

2025-05-09T07:00:00+0530

Silent stories exist in every culture as examples of lives that have been lived and experiences that have been shared. They are a collection of voices that go on to describe the community and the self, even while operating from the periphery. These are tales of the everyday, as well as events of various magnitudes which go on to define not just the artist, but those around them as well. This paper delves into oral history, with a focus on fabric art, as a repository of the silent experiences of people. It looks at the lived realities of women, who not only subvert the notion of what art can be, but also consistently create and give meaning to it. We go on to look at orality as a medium that is all inclusive and allows for complete self-expression without any restraint. Silent histories of generations are often transmitted through the oral medium and kept alive within the household and beyond. The two examples of fabric art have been chosen here to analyse the role of authority and memory in the reconstruction of personal narratives. The conversation-like consumption and interpretation of art allows the viewer to enter into an intimate dialogue with the artist. In the end, silent histories are untold stories that will continue to exist. They are subversive voices that offer us a perspective that is both extremely niche and personal, yet communal in the way that they also hold a mirror to the society and environment from which they emerge. By extending silent histories to include oral histories, we enlarge the scope with which silence can be studied outside of the ornate. We recognise the ‘little voices’ and their ability to tell a story in a compelling tone, thus legitimising their chosen platform of expression.

The Ethics of Cancel Culture and Public Accountability

2025-05-09T07:13:30+0530

The digital age has empowered collective social media users to practice public accountability through a phenomenon called cancel culture. The social practice of cancel culture serves to elevate the voices of marginalized groups & to pursue local justice; however, it posits several perplexing moral dilemmas. The ethical issues surrounding cancel culture raise concerns about public justice standards, forgiveness practices, proportional reactions, and questions about personal growth and redemption. This article looks at cancel culture’s ethical implications to determine if it provides growth and change opportunities or only promotes absolute punishment. The mechanisms of social media cancel culture are evaluated to determine their effects on both individual targets and general social principles. This article investigates the psychological factors behind public shaming and the social media platform’s duties to control this behavior. The proposed framework addresses responsible public accountability by developing a balance between justice and compassion while enabling both the identification of accountability and transformative potential in social and personal development. The framework serves to direct public communication in online spaces and help users maintain productive dialogue.

Universal Values in Fairy Tales

2025-05-09T07:29:47+0530

The enduring appeal of fairy tales lies in their ability to convey universal values and act as a cross-cultural medium through oral storytelling traditions. This study assesses how Indian and Western fairy tales like The Panchatantra,Jataka Tales, Beauty and the Beast and Grimm’s Fairy Talespreserve and transmit timeless values that transcend cultural boundaries. These stories share foundational moral themes despite their cultural specificity, as they are built on universal human values. The analysis of these stories demonstrates thatthey provide moral education, strengthen social bonds and support shared identities throughgenerations. Thestudy also considers modern versions like those by Michael Cunningham and Disney, which keep these values meaningful and relevant for contemporary audience. By examining both traditional and modern fairy tales, the study evaluates the role of fairy tales as cultural connectors that uphold ethical principles and contribute to moral learning across diverse societies.

Human Values in the Sufi and Rishi Traditions of Kashmir

2025-05-09T07:41:18+0530

Documented anecdotes of the Sufis and Rishis in Kashmir reveal an intricate connection between history and ethics. The actions and teachings of the saints reflect core human values defining medieval Kashmiri society. This study examines Tarikh, Tazkira, and poetic texts to uncover how anecdotes and narratives served as conduits for the transcendent moral framework espoused by the Sufi and Rishi saints of the region. It is argued that these texts go beyond mere
historical records; they act as a powerful moral guide intended to inspire and shape society by encouraging the emulation of values including compassion, justice, harmony, empathy, respect, and integrity. Methodologically, this is a qualitative study focusing on primary and secondary sources. Literary theories and historical methods are employed to interpret the sources and draw convincingconclusions. The moral framework articulated by saints encompasses universal human values that transcend the boundaries of religion, region, and historical context, offering relevant and applicable principles across diverse societies and eras. The study underscores the contemporary relevance of human values and highlights the significance of promoting these values in society today, especially across various levels of the educational system.

Editorial

2025-05-08T11:03:22+0530