ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS FOOD DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IN TAMIL NADU, INDIA

2025-09-20T09:50:18+00:00

The Right to Food is a universal human right recognized by various human rights organizations and policies, such as Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Indian Constitution also recognizes it and imposes it on the public through various welfare schemes and public assistance. In Tamil Nadu, these schemes, programs, and assistance can be seen through multiple food distribution strategies, including Amma canteens, midday meals, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and NGO-based initiatives. These initiatives and strategies play a vital role in providing safe, sufficient, and nutritious food to the marginalized populations. This paper analyzes these food distribution strategies by evaluating their reach, efficiency, availability, and performance across various districts in Tamil Nadu. This paper studies these strategies using structured questionnaires and field surveys. The study includes the total number of active food distributors, consumer demographics, logistic operations, and the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these strategies. The data is collected from consumers, administrative staff, and non-governmental actors involved in the strategy. Various statistical tools are utilized to evaluate the correlation between strategy type, coverage area, and service satisfaction levels. The findings of this paper can help us improve existing strategies by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses collected from the data within the framework of the Right to Food. This paper aims to contribute to the solidification of food security systems in Tamil Nadu through evidence-based policy reforms.

EVALUATING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF RICE MILLS ON DHAMTARI DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT

2025-09-20T08:41:00+00:00

Rice milling business is one of the key industries of economic and social development of the agrarian regions of India. The present research paper is an economic analysis of the roles of rice mills in developing Dhamtari District in the year 2017-2022. Based on a mixture of the primary data through the use of specific mills and the secondary data through government reports and industry publications and financial records, the study analyzes the important aspects of income generation, employment generation, investment trends and the efficiency of the operations. The results establish that rice mills are important in the determination of the level of income in the countries, increase employment opportunities, and facilitate the stability of the economy of the region. Nevertheless, the issues such as unstable prices of raw materials, inability to access funds, regulatory adherence and technological shortcomings are obstacles to expansion. The paper also points out the possibility of modernization, financial aid and policy encouragement to further boost the economic roles of the rice mills. This study has great implications on policy makers, business people, and other stakeholders interested in facilitating sustainable economic growth in the Dhamtari District and other agrarian states.

RELEVANCE OF GAUDIYA VAISHNAVA PILGRIMAGE IN TODAY'S WORLD

2025-09-20T08:03:04+00:00

In the modern age of growing secularisation, disintegration of community, and psychological breakdown, the old spiritual practices are taking on new therapeutic and transformative applications. The following study focuses specifically on the contemporary context of Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrimage, specifically the contemporary context of the Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama, which draws 50,000 followers every year worldwide. This study has found, through interviews and participant observation of this 16th-century spiritual practice, that there are three components for coping with contemporary challenges. These three components are: philosophical foundations based on the doctrine of Caitanya Mahaprabhu about the Acintya-Bheda-Abheda that transforms one’s geographic travel in the world into transcendental experience in every moment; mechanisms of cultural transformation which bring to life communities of inclusion across social classes and stratified society; and the therapeutic action of realising bodied bhava experiences which most participants express through our study as radical emotional transformation. The study also describes how the Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrimage can develop to address contemporary needs, such as to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, to plleate the modern feelings of isolation, anxiety, and crisis of identity. Thus, one can view Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrimage as a flexible spiritual paradigm addressing the philosophical, cultural, and psychological dilemmas of a secular world.

THE CRUCIAL FUNCTIONS OF ECONOMIC INDICATORS: AN OUTLOOK

2025-09-20T07:12:30+00:00

This paper examines the crucial function of economic indicators as essential tools for understanding market trends and predicting future performance. Economic indicators include a wide range of metrics, such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, consumer spending, and inflation statistics. By thoroughly analyzing these indicators, analysts and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the overall health of the economy, allowing them to spot patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. This paper highlights the importance of economic indicators in shaping strategic decision-making for businesses, investors, and governments. Through empirical research and theoretical models, it shows how these indicators act as gauges of economic stability, facilitating risk assessment, trend detection, and the development of proactive strategies. A solid grasp of economic indicators provides stakeholders with the foresight needed to effectively navigate ever-changing market environments.

AN UNDERSTANDING OF RESOURCE ECONOMICS UNDER THE CONTEXT OF SCARCITY

2025-09-20T07:02:20+00:00

Questioning the long-term sufficiency of natural resources prompts us to reflect on the future of humanity. The answers to all other economic inquiries depend on this fundamental issue. Economists have played a role in shaping and exploring this critical question. While definitive answers are not readily available, one might expect economists to approach their analyses and suggest specific strategies for resource use and development with a degree of humility, considering the broader, long-term implications. However, in discussions of resource and development policy, such humility has often been overlooked, replaced by incomplete, overly optimistic, and frequently dismissive arguments suggesting that long-term resource concerns are not particularly pressing. This paper examines the contradictory role that economists have taken on, as theorists, empiricists, and participants in policy discussions, regarding this vital issue

TRADITION ON TRIAL: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HINDU AND MUSLIM MARRIAGE FRAMEWORKS THROUGH THE LENS OF CONSTITUTIONAL EQUALITY

2025-09-19T05:14:21+00:00

India’s matrimonial jurisprudence stands at the intersection of tradition, religion, and constitutionalism. Hindu and Muslim personal laws—two dominant frameworks governing marriage—differ fundamentally in their conception of the institution: the former venerates it as a sacramental and indissoluble bond, while the latter treats it as a civil contract based on consent and enforceable obligations. Despite statutory reforms, both systems continue to reflect patriarchal structures that constrain women’s autonomy and entrench gendered hierarchies within the marital relationship. This paper undertakes a comparative doctrinal analysis of Hindu and Muslim marriage laws, with a specific focus on the rights and duties of spouses concerning maintenance, divorce, and property. By situating these frameworks within the constitutional mandate of equality (Article 14), non-discrimination (Article 15), and dignity under the right to life (Article 21), the study interrogates the extent to which personal laws align—or fail to align—with India’s evolving constitutional morality. The analysis reveals deep structural tensions between religiously grounded personal law regimes and constitutional guarantees. While Hindu law sacralises marital duties in ways that often subordinate individual autonomy, Muslim law, despite its contractual nature, institutionalizes asymmetry through practices such as polygamy and unilateral divorce. The paper concludes by proposing a normative model of matrimonial rights and obligations that harmonizes cultural and religious diversity with constitutional values of justice, gender equality, and human dignity.

A STATISTICAL MIX-DESIGN APPROACH FOR ECOLOGICAL SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE BASED ON RHEOLOGY AND PARTICLE PACKING

2025-09-18T10:46:11+00:00

The present paper puts forward a simple statistical mix design method for Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) based on particle packing and targeted flow properties. Even for lower strength of concrete, high amount of binders are needed in production of self-compacting concrete (SCC) to satisfy the required rheological properties. Present research is intended to improve rheological properties of SCC by optimizing aggregate packing and thereby reducing binder content particularly for compressive strength 20-35 Mpa. For achieving this, a new simplified gradation based particle packing approach is used. Furthermore, a simplified mix design approach to produce SCC is given using proposed model. Using the proposed mix design approach, SCC mixes are casted with 20 mm and 10 mm maximum size of aggregate (MSA) and 300 kg, 320 kg cementitious material. For various mix proportions, V-funnel, sieve segregation, L box, compressive strength tests were performed. By present approach Fresh properties were improved as compare to existing SCC mix design approach without compromising compressive strength. The precision of the proposed model is at par with the present most efficient particle packing model (PPM). Moreover, modifications in EFNARC guideline are suggested.

COVID 19 AND REMITTANCES: A STUDY ON KERALA ECONOMY

2025-09-19T09:49:36+00:00

Covid 19 had a severe impact on migrant population in the world. India having the largest migrant population in the world was greatly affected during the pandemic. Kerala experienced tremendous flow in return migrants during Covid and it was estimated to be 4 lakh and there was expected to be a loss of Rs 13000 crore annual remittances for the state. There were several issues faced by the return emigrants during Covid; loss of employment was an important concern of the state. Kerala Migration Survey 2021 that was conducted during the Covid period collected data from 1985 return emigrants (REM) covering 1871 households. The survey used CATI (Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviewing) Method which is broadly a non probability sample. The paper uses KMS 2021 data to analyse the return emigration to Kerala during Covid-19 and tries to discuss remittances and causes for return emigration in the light of Covid. The return emigrants are classified into three categories which are normal return emigrants (NREM), disress return emigrants (DREM) and return to re-migrate (RREM). The paper looks at their characteristics, their reasons for return and remittances of return emigrants. The theories associated with return migration are studied in order to understand the nexus between remittances and return migration. The theoretical analysis along with the migration history of the state helps in the conceptual framework of migration and development discipline. As the state is known for migration to the Gulf and the growth of social sectors due to the external remittances from the migrants, the role of state in protecting its emigrants is vital. The state has tried to rehabilitate the return migrants through several programmes. The present paper looks at the return emigrants and their choices of remittances and future plans in the light of Covid. Therefore, the role of return emigrants in the development of the state requires further research and policy level interventions.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020 IN REFERENCE OF UP AND CBSE BOARDS

2025-09-18T09:01:16+00:00

Skill development is a challenge for modern India and even after completing education students are considered ineligible is some fields. Skill development is the essence of the store house of knowledge. To overcome the deficiency in the number of students opting for skill development, the government has given more attention in this direction through Nationa Education Policy 2020 which has the potential to play a vital role and strengthen the student technically. It is vital for attracting the attention of the students towards skill development-related courses at the higher secondary level itself and will be enabling them to use this acquired knowledge in their routine life. Realizing its significance, the nation is gearing to strengthen the modern education system through implementation of skill development related courses in senior secondary level schools of CBSE and Uttar Pradesh board and hence it has been included as a land mark point in NEP 2020.

A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON THE SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMOTIONAL MATURITY OF STUDENTS STUDYING IN NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

2025-09-20T10:23:55+00:00

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of co-curricular activities on the social skills and emotional maturity of Grade 10 students in non-government schools in Durg district, Chhattisgarh. For the study, 295 students (143 male, 152 female) were selected from 10 non-government schools through simple random sampling. Social skills were measured using the Social Skills Rating Scale (SSR) developed by Vishal Sood, Aarti Anand, and Suresh Kumar (2012), and emotional maturity was measured using the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS) developed by Tara Sabapathy (2017). The data were analyzed using t-tests and correlation analysis.
The results revealed significant differences in social skills (t=2.799, p=0.005) and emotional maturity (t=2.501, p=0.013) between male and female students in non-government schools. Female students performed better than male students in both areas. Furthermore, a moderate to high positive correlation (r=0.458, p<0.01) was found between social skills and emotional maturity. The study concludes that the impact of co-curricular activities in non-government schools clearly highlights gender-based developmental disparities. These findings are important for policymakers and education administrators to ensure gender equality in non-government schools.