Volume 14 | Issue 2 |

 Abstract

This paper analyzes the function of shaman (Goor) as the principal guardians of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), specifically within the localized socio-cultural context of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India. There is a lot of research on Himalayan shamanism in anthropology, but not much on how it interacts with the UNESCO ICH domains when looked at only through the eyes of indigenous ritual authorities who run their own communities. This qualitative exploratory study fills in the gaps by focusing on the voices of the Devta institution's functionaries, such as the Goor (shaman), Kardar (administrator), Pujari (priest), and Deulu (ritual assistants). The study utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Reflexive Thematic Analysis with NVivo software, based on in-depth interviews with 28 participants from 12 villages, complemented by extensive participant observation at internal community ritual events. The results are fully mapped onto the five UNESCO ICH domains, showing how embodied knowledge, oral traditions, and traditional craftsmanship make up a living, self-sustaining system for preserving heritage. In addition, four main themes come to light: (1) The Shaman as Living Archive, which shows how somatic and emplaced knowledge keeps local history alive; (2) The Sacred Agrarian Economy, which shows how the community's internal gift logic works; (3) Secrecy as Epistemic Sovereignty, which shows how keeping sacred knowledge secret protects it; and (4) Intergenerational Transmission, which shows how people use internal strategies to deal with secular modernity. The idea of "Ritual Stakeholders" adds to stakeholder theory by saying that these actors are legitimate entirely from divine mandate. Policy implications suggest that Devta (Deity) institutions should be included in local heritage preservation plans so that the community can keep full control over its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Shamanism, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), Devta Institution, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Kullu Valley, Stakeholder Theory, Epistemic Sovereignty, Phenomenology

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Abstract: Semantic Web Technologies represent the future of smart libraries. By integrating machine-understandable metadata and intelligent retrieval systems, libraries can enhance knowledge discovery, collaboration, and academic excellence. Educational institutions must proactively adapt to this transformation to prepare future-ready information professionals The rapid evolution of digital information environments has transformed traditional libraries into intelligent knowledge systems. Semantic Web technologies enable machine-understandable metadata, improving interoperability, information retrieval, and knowledge organization in smart libraries. This study examines the role of Semantic Web standards such as RDF, OWL, SPARQL, and Linked Data in enhancing library services. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 100 users and 20 librarians through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis indicates significant improvement in retrieval accuracy, interoperability, and user satisfaction through semantic implementation. The study concludes that Semantic Web technologies are foundational for future-ready smart libraries and recommends curriculum reforms, professional training, and infrastructure development

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Semantic Web, Smart Libraries, RDF, OWL, Linked Data, Information Retrieval, Ontology

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Project-Based Learning (PBL) has gained renewed relevance in India as schools shift toward competency-based education and experiential pedagogies encouraged by national and board-level policy directions. Yet, despite widespread advocacy, Indian evidence on how and which 21st-century skills are developed through PBL at the secondary level remains scattered across subject areas, school systems, and implementation contexts. This secondary-data review synthesizes policy documents, curriculum guidance, and peer-reviewed empirical and meta-analytic research to examine the link between PBL and 21st-century skills among secondary students in India. Using a structured review approach (identification, screening, eligibility, synthesis), the study maps PBL design features to skill outcomes--critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, self-management, and digital literacy. Findings indicate that PBL is most strongly associated with gains in higher-order thinking, collaborative problem solving, and learner agency when projects are anchored in driving questions, authentic contexts, feedback cycles, and student voice. However, uneven infrastructure, assessment misalignment, teacher preparedness, and superficial "project display" practices often dilute impact. The review proposes a context-sensitive framework--the PBL-to-Skills Pathway Model--for secondary schools in India, along with implementation and evaluation recommendations aligned to policy expectations and board standards.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

project-based learning, 21st-century skills, secondary education, India, experiential learning, competency-based education, review

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The handloom industry holds immense significance in India's rural economy and culture. This study focuses on the economic aspects of Assam's handloom industry, examining its current production status and major challenges based on existing literature. Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, is rich in cottage industries, among which handloom stands out as the largest. The sector plays a crucial role in rural socio-cultural life by preserving traditions, providing livelihoods, generating supplementary income, and promoting women's economic empowerment. Using secondary data, the study analyzes handloom cloth production in Assam. District-wise data show a significant concentration of production in a few districts, particularly Dhubri, Dhemaji, and Barpeta, which together account for nearly two-thirds of the state's total output. While districts in lower and upper Assam serve as major production hubs, hill and remote districts exhibit very limited production, highlighting the need for targeted government policy interventions and capacity-building programmes to ensure balanced regional development. Existing literature identifies economic hardship, skill gaps, market and infrastructure deficiencies, educational and awareness barriers, and technological limitations as key constraints on the handloom sector's growth. Addressing these interconnected challenges is necessary to enhance productivity, support weavers' livelihoods, and preserve the cultural heritage of traditional handloom weaving in Assam. The sustainability of Assam's handloom industry depends on a combination of financial support, skill development, infrastructure improvement, awareness programs, and technological modernization. Properly implemented policy interventions can significantly boost productivity, innovation, and market competitiveness.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Handloom, cottage industry, women's economic empowerment, innovation, market competitiveness

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Background- Oral mucocele is a common benign lesion of minor salivary glands, frequently affecting the lower lip. Conventional management mainly involves surgical excision, which may result in recurrence and cosmetic concerns. Ayurveda correlates this condition with Medoja Oshtha Prakopa. Aim- To evaluate the efficacy of Jalaukavacharana along with Ayurvedic oral and local medications in the management of oral mucocele. Materials and Methods- A 36-year-old male patient presenting with lower lip swelling for three months was treated with Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy), internal Ayurvedic medicines, and local application. Clinical assessment was done based on reduction in swelling, pain, itching, and healing response. Results- Significant reduction in swelling and associated symptoms was observed without surgical intervention. Healing occurred without scar formation or recurrence during follow-up. Conclusion- Jalaukavacharana combined with Ayurvedic management proved to be a safe, minimally invasive, and cosmetically acceptable treatment modality for oral mucocele.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Oral mucocele, Jalaukavacharana, Raktamokshana, Medoja Oshtha Prakopa, Ayurveda

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

School dropout remains a serious social and educational issue among socio-economically disadvantaged children. Life Skills Education is implemented in child-care institutions to strengthen psychosocial competencies. This study assesses its effectiveness among 80 school dropout children using LSAS and SDRI scales. Correlation and ANOVA were applied. Findings revealed a weak and non-significant relationship (r = 0.131, p > 0.05).

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Life Skills Education, School Dropout Risk, Psychosocial Competence, Social Work Intervention.

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

????? ??? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ????????? ??? ?? ?? ????????? ?? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???????????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ?????????? ??? ???? ???????? ????? ??? ?? ??????????? ?????? ?? ???? ??????, ?????? ???????, ??????? ??????, ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?????????? ?????? ?? ???????? ???? ??? ???????? ??? ???? ?? ???????? ?? ????????? ???? ?? ?? ???? ????? ?? ????????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ??????? ??????, ????????? ????, ?????? ???????, ?????? ??????, ????????? ???, ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ?? ??? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ??? ???????? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ? ???? ??????? ?????? ?? ???????? ???, ????? ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ????????? ???????? ?? ???????? ???? ????

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

??????????? ????, ?????? ????, ?????????, ?????? ???????, ??????????, ??????? ????, ??????? ????????, ??????????? ????????, ?????? ????????, ????????????, ?????? ???????, ????????? ????,

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread psychological distress among children, influenced by prolonged social isolation, fear of infection, and disrupted schooling. These factors heightened anxiety and contributed to school phobia among students. Stressors such as domestic violence, limited access to online education, poverty, and poor living conditions intensified emotional vulnerability during the pandemic This situation created an essential need for structured educational interventions to support students' mental well-being. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme on knowledge and attitude regarding school phobia during COVID-19 among school students of selected government and non-government schools in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Methods: A quantitative, pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test research design was used to evaluate the effect of the Structured Teaching Programme. Tools included a structured knowledge questionnaire and a 25-item attitude assessment scale that measured fear of COVID-19, mask-related difficulties, social isolation, transportation anxiety, and other distress responses among students. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Pre-test findings showed inadequate and highly variable knowledge levels, as reflected in standard deviations of 4.56 (government schools) and 6.26 (non-government schools) . Post-test scores demonstrated significant improvement, with SD values increasing to 5.21 and 6.45, indicating enhanced conceptual understanding. The effectiveness of the Structured Teaching Programme was confirmed by significant t-values of 11.24 and 12.10 (p < 0.05) across both groups. Attitude scores also showed substantial improvement, with post-test means decreasing from the pre-test range of 82-84 to 43-48, reflecting reduced school-related fear during COVID-19. Conclusion:The Structured Teaching Programme was effective in improving both knowledge and attitude regarding school phobia during COVID-19 among school students. The findings highlight the importance of structured educational interventions in reducing fear, correcting misconceptions, and supporting students' psychological adaptation during health crises.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

COVID-19, School Phobia, Structured Teaching Programme, Knowledge, Attitude, School Students

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Accurate weather forecasting is essential for effective planning in agriculture, transportation, disaster management, and daily human activities. This research presents an intelligent weather forecasting application that integrates deep learning-based time series prediction with an AI-powered conversational agent to deliver accurate and accessible weather insights. The proposed system utilizes a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network to analyze historical meteorological data collected between 2015 and 2025 and predict key weather parameters, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity. In addition to regression-based forecasting, the model performs weather condition classification such as sunny, rainy, and cloudy states. The framework supports forecasting for ten major Indian cities and provides predictions for up to 30 days ahead. An AI agent powered by Google Gemini enables natural language interaction, allowing users to request forecasts, compare cities, analyze trends, and obtain travel recommendations through conversational queries. The system is deployed using a Flask-based web application with RESTful APIs for real-time access. Experimental results demonstrate an average classification accuracy of 82.62%, with consistent performance across diverse climatic regions. The proposed approach offers a scalable, user-friendly, and intelligent solution for modern weather forecasting and decision support applications.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Weather Forecasting, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Time Series Prediction, LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory), ARIMA, Hybrid Model, Temperature Prediction, Rainfall Forecasting, Humidity Prediction, Multi-task Learning, Data Preprocessing, Machine Learning, RMSE, MAE, Climate Analysis, Predictive Analytics.

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Dark patterns are misleading UI/UX designs that prey on users to make a decision that they did not mean, thus interfering with consumer autonomy and informed choice, which may be unfair trade practices or consumer rights infringements. This research paper discusses the popularity and tactical application of the so -called dark patterns in any of the significant online retailers in India, with a focus on the most frequent dark patterns evident in the Indian market, including false urgency, drip pricing, sneaking baskets, and subscription traps, deceptive techniques used to persuade customers to make purchases. It critically assesses the ethical issues, consumer effects, and regulatory issues of these manipulatives, particularly as more and more enforcement efforts are being made. Empirical observations and scrutiny of the websites show that there are still non -compliance and recurring risks even after regulators focus on them. Besides that, the research includes opinions of customers gathered by use of surveys to evaluate their awareness and experiences of dark patterns in the Indian e -commerce. A large number of those interviewed said they had experienced hidden fees, misleading discount offers, selected terms, and confusing cancellation procedures, and they realized they had been swamped by such pitfalls only after a bad experience. The findings reflect how there is some strong emphasis on regulation mechanisms, explicit design practices, and consumer awareness programs that are more effective in protecting the digital rights of consumers in India.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Dark Patterns, E-commerce, Deceptive UI/UX Design, and Consumer Decision -Making

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition