Journal of the Oriental Institute, ISSN:0030-5324 UGC CARE Group 1

EXPLOITING AND DEVELOPING COLLECTIVE MARKS AND CERTIFICATION MARKS FOR KEY PRODUCTS IN THE MEKONG DELTA REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

2025-12-09T11:23:22+00:00

The study analyzes the current situation, opportunities, and solutions for exploiting and developing collective marks and certification marks of key products in the Mekong Delta (MD) in the context of digital transformation. The study shows that although the MD possesses 471 protected collective and certification marks, the level of digital technology application in managing, exploiting, and developing these brands remains very limited. This study emphasizes the role of digital transformation in digitizing intellectual property data, product traceability, e-commerce, and big data analytics to enhance the intellectual property value of key products. On that basis, several policy implications are proposed to promote the exploitation and development of collective and certification marks for key products in the MD in the digital transformation context.

REVIEW ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER IN BHADOHI (U.P.) REGION WITH HEALTH RISK PERSPECTIVE

2025-12-16T10:24:37+00:00

Groundwater in Bhadohi district (also administratively referred to as Sant Ravidas Nagar) is a vital resource for drinking, domestic and irrigation uses. Over the last decade several studies have assessed its physico-chemical quality and hydro geochemistry; common findings include variable pH, elevated electrical conductivity/TDS in pockets, nitrate pollution linked to agricultural/anthropogenic inputs, and sporadic exceedances of trace metals (Fe, Pb, etc.) above drinking-water limits. This review synthesizes published studies, compares findings against Indian (IS 10500:2012) and WHO drinking-water guidelines, highlights hydrogeochemical controls (rock weathering, ion exchange, anthropogenic inputs) and identifies knowledge gaps and management recommendations for stakeholders. Key references and standards used in this review include peer-reviewed studies on Bhadohi groundwater, BIS IS 10500, WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and standard laboratory methods (APHA).

REDEFINING SILENCE AND SELF-REPRESENTATION: A DISQUISITION ON FEMALE RESISTANCE IN COLONIAL INDIA THROUGH A FEMINIST LENS

2025-12-18T09:56:52+00:00

“How are we fallen! fallen by mistaken rules,

And Education’s more than Nature’s fools;

Debarred from all improvements of the mind,

And to be dull, expected and designed;

And if someone would soar above the rest,

With warmer fancy, and ambition pressed,

So strong the opposing faction still appears,

The hopes to thrive can ne’er outweigh the fears.”

(Virginia Woolf, 1929)

The paper endeavours to construct a social and legal discourse through ‘history from below’ and theory of social representations. This work would primarily focus on an autobiography, ‘Amar Jiban’ by Rashsundari Devi and a collection of Indian stories entitled, ‘Love and Life behind the Purdah’ penned by Cornelia Sorabji. The exploits displayed through their works reflects courage, strength and a revolutionary spirit as their struggles were unique in their own way. Amar Jiban is the first autobiography written by a Bengali woman, “and very probably, the first full-scale autobiography in the Bengali language.” Rashsundari Devi’s work belonged to a time when it was considered a ‘sin’ for women to be literate. Rashsundari became a widow at fifty-nine and she finished the first version of her autobiography the next year, in 1868. She added a second part and a new version came out in the year 1897, when she was eighty eight.

The other work that the paper would refer to is of Cornelia Sorabji, the first female graduate from Bombay University; the first woman to study Law at the prestigious Oxford University and she was the first female advocate in India and was also the first woman to practice Law even in Britain. She emerged as a ‘Woman of many accomplishments’ during a time when her being a female acted as an obstruction at achieving her passion and dream, not only in India, but in England as well. Cornelia Sorabji advocated for various social reforms that were mainly centred on women, like education for girls, legal rights for women subject to seclusion (purdahnashins), abolition of child marriage, and voiced strongly for protection and support for widows.

The female voice in women’s writings provides insights and perspectives which are of profound importance as far as issues related to gender are concerned. Their compelling narratives would be a formidable tool to understand and analyse the idea of identity, sexuality, marriage, family, social life and legal status during colonial India. The literary masterpieces would be used in the context of various social and legal reforms of the period that had an impact on women during the period. It would also explore their journey of ‘transgression’ that continues to provide an inspiration to women in contemporary times knowingly (in case of Cornelia Sorabji) or unknowingly (Rashsundari Devi).

BECOMING THROUGH DUTY: REINTERPRETING SWADHARMA IN THE BHAGAVADGĪTĀ AND BEYOND

2025-12-23T07:03:31+00:00

This paper reinterprets the concept of Dharma in the Bhagavadgītā through the lens of Swadharma—one’s personal duty arising from inherent nature (Svabhava). Moving beyond conventional theological and caste-based readings, it argues that the Gītā presents an existential and dynamic ethical model grounded in psychological disposition (Guna) and selfless action (Karma Yoga). The study first traces the evolution of Dharma in Vedic and Upanishadic literature, then analyzes how the Gītā integrates metaphysics, ethics, and social order through Swadharma. Using Arjuna’s moral crisis as a case study, the paper explores tensions between individual duty and universal norms. Drawing on classical commentaries and modern interpretations from thinkers like Gandhi, Aurobindo, Vivekananda and Ambedkar, it critiques hierarchical misreadings and affirms Swadharma as a liberating and context-sensitive moral ideal relevant to both spiritual growth and civic life.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR REALISING 'RAM RAJYA': INTEGRATING GANDHIAN IDEALS WITH SMART CITY AND IOT PARADIGMS FOR A NEW BHARAT

2025-12-24T16:23:56+00:00

This study introduces the concept of Ram Rajya—Mahatma Gandhi's vision of an ideal nation centred on citizen well-being, equal rights, and good governance—and explores its realisation through the Smart Nation framework. Philosophically, Ram Rajya aligns with the core objectives of modern Smart City initiatives: enhancing citizens' quality of life and optimising resource use. I present a conceptual framework that aligns the philosophical elements of Ram Rajya (such as Good Healthcare and Village Industries) with established Smart City paradigms (like Smart Healthcare and Smart Economy). This work specifically highlights the Internet of Things (IoT) as the essential technical backbone, vital for extending smart solutions to both urban and rural areas, thereby promoting an inclusive "smart nation." This article lays the necessary theoretical groundwork and outlines a clear research agenda focused on critical challenges, including advanced data analytics, security, and balancing privacy with monitoring, to guide the future development of a practical Ram Rajya framework for India.

INDUCED MUTAGENESIS AS A TOOL FOR ALTERING QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN HELIANTHUS ANNUS L.

2025-12-27T06:27:32+00:00

Induced mutagenesis is a powerful approach for generating novel genetic variability to enhance crop improvement. This study evaluates the effects of physical (gamma rays) and chemical (ethyl methane sulphonate; EMS) mutagens on both qualitative and quantitative traits in Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower). Seeds of the cultivar ‘Sungold’ were treated with graded doses of gamma radiation (100–500 Gy) and EMS (0.1–0.4%). The M1 and M2 generations were evaluated for plant height, days to flowering, head diameter, seed yield, oil content, and qualitative attributes such as flower colour and leaf morphology. Results demonstrated significant mutagen-induced variability, with several desirable phenotypes showing improved yield and oil content. Genetic parameters revealed enhanced phenotypic and genotypic variance and high heritability for several traits, indicating that induced mutagenesis can be efficiently used in sunflower improvement programs.

SOIL CHEMICAL DEGRADATION DUE TO LONG-TERM IRRIGATION WITH CARPET INDUSTRY WASTEWATER: A CASE STUDY OF BHADOHI DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH

2025-12-30T11:24:25+00:00

Carpet manufacturing in Bhadohi (India’s “Carpet City”) generates significant quantities of wastewater rich in salts, organic matter, synthetic dyes, and heavy metals. In many local agricultural areas, untreated or partially treated effluent is used for irrigation due to water scarcity and economic constraints. This study evaluates the effects of long-term irrigation with carpet industry wastewater on soil chemical properties and assesses the potential consequences for soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Soil samples were collected from irrigated fields at different distances from discharge points and compared with reference (non-irrigated) soils. Results indicate substantial increases in salinity, pH, heavy metal accumulation and nutrient imbalance. The findings call for urgent policy intervention and adoption of safer irrigation practices.

PREPARING TEACHERS FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY CLASSROOMS: PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS IN PRE-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

2026-01-05T08:57:15+00:00

The shift toward multidisciplinary education, as envisioned by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, necessitates a transformative approach in pre-service teacher education to prepare future educators for diverse, integrated classrooms. It emphasizes the importance of developing competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, inclusive classroom management, and the integration of arts, sciences, and vocational education along with digital technologies and blended learning in supporting multidisciplinary teaching. As education shifts toward holistic, interconnected learning experiences reflecting real-world complexity, teacher education programs must adapt to equip future educators with the skills, mindsets, competencies and tools required to navigate and foster multidisciplinary learning. This paper explores the conceptual foundations, pedagogical strategies, and curricular frameworks essential for preparing pre-service teachers for multidisciplinary classrooms. Through document analysis and a review of national and global literature, it examines current approaches to teacher education. The aim is to contribute to reimagining 21st-century teacher education to develop competent educators for diverse learning environments.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA UNDER CADMIUM AND SODIUM STRESS

2026-01-09T09:23:39+00:00

Abiotic stresses such as heavy metal contamination and salinity severely affect the growth, physiology, and metabolic homeostasis of medicinal plants. The present study investigates the physiological and biochemical alterations in Andrographis paniculata under cadmium (Cd) and sodium (NaCl) stress. Uniform seedlings were subjected to varying concentrations of CdCl₂ and NaCl under controlled growth conditions. Physiological parameters including plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, and relative water content were significantly reduced with increasing stress intensity. Both Cd and sodium stress induced excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, as evidenced by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, indicating enhanced lipid peroxidation. In response, antioxidant defence systems were markedly activated, with increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, although prolonged or higher stress levels caused partial enzyme inhibition. Biochemical analysis revealed a decline in total soluble protein and carbohydrate content, while stress-induced modulation of secondary metabolites, particularly andrographolide and total phenolics, was observed. Cadmium stress exerted more pronounced toxic effects compared to sodium stress, while combined responses highlighted the adaptive potential of A. paniculata through metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant regulation. The findings provide valuable insights into stress tolerance mechanisms in A. paniculata and have implications for its cultivation in metal- and salt-affected soils.

A STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION AND AWARENESS OF ECO-FRIENDLY BANKING OPERATIONS IN VELLORE DISTRICT

2026-01-10T08:11:50+00:00

In recent years, the concept of green banking has emerged as a vital strategy for promoting environmental sustainability in the financial sector. This study focuses on examining the implementation and awareness of eco-friendly banking operations among banks and customers in Vellore District. The primary aim is to assess how effectively green banking initiatives such as paperless transactions, online banking, energy-efficient branches, and green loans are being adopted and perceived in the region. Data were collected from bank employees and customers through structured questionnaires and analysed using suitable statistical tools. The findings reveal that while the majority of banks have implemented eco-friendly practices in their operations, the awareness and participation levels among customers remain moderate. Institutional efforts such as digitalization, solar-powered ATMs, and awareness campaigns are contributing positively to environmental outcomes but need stronger promotion and policy support. The study concludes that strengthening green awareness programs, employee training, and customer education will enhance the overall sustainability impact of banking operations in Vellore District.

HARNESSING FINTECH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS : DIGITAL CONSUMER CENTRIC ASSESSMENT

2026-01-14T10:25:45+00:00

Fintech has become a revolutionary factor in India, reshaping financial access and contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analyzes four particular SDGs, SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) to investigate how fintech adoption, behaviors associated with each SDG, satisfaction levels with fintech, and digital financial inclusion influence their achievement. A quantitative research approach based on surveys was employed, focusing on 400 active fintech users in the Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India.The examination concentrated on the user experiences linked to each SDG module individually. Reliability assessment was conducted through Cronbach's Alpha, while group differences were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and subsequent post-hoc tests. A Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between fintech satisfaction and results associated with the SDGs. The results demonstrate robust reliability across all measurement scales and suggest that fintech effectively lowers financial barriers, strengthens income stability, enhances service delivery, and expands digital accessibility.Demographic elements like income, education, and geographic position showed no notable variations in SDG results, highlighting the inclusive characteristics of fintech advantages. A significant positive relationship was identified between fintech satisfaction and SDG4, highlighting the important role of fintech in funding education. In conclusion, fintech supports poverty reduction, enhanced healthcare access, sustained education, and business development. The research emphasizes fintech’s potential to propel inclusive growth in India and underscores the necessity of improving digital literacy, trust, and language assistance to boost advancement towards the SDGs.