Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities

Disability Perspectives: Empowerment and Capacity Utilisation in Kerala

Linchu Elizabeth Samuel, Rony Thomas Rajan, Suresh Mathew George — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:42:36 +0000

The study examines disability in Kerala through the dual lenses of empowerment and capacity utilisation, combining theoretical frameworks from the Social Model of Disability and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach with empirical evidence from the Census of India (2011), the NSS 76th Round (2018), and the Kerala Disability Census (2015). Using a quantitative-descriptive design, the study documents the paradoxical nature of Kerala’s disability profile: higher survival and reporting of disabilities alongside persistently poor economic and educational outcomes for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Key findings show that Kerala records a marginally higher disability prevalence than the national average, a distinctive category mix (notably higher shares of locomotor, mental illness, and multiple disabilities), a high dropout rate (43%) in education, and extremely low employment participation (over 80% non-employment). District-level analysis reveals modest spatial variation but uniformly weak labour-market absorption and concentrated household burdens. Policy review indicates progressive legislation (RPwD Act, 2016; Kerala Rules, 2020) and numerous welfare schemes, yet implementation gaps, an emphasis on palliative transfers, and inadequate workplace accommodations impede the transition from protection to participation. The study argues for a reorientation from welfare-based responses toward rights- and capability-enhancing strategies, inclusive infrastructure, enforceable employment provisions, skill-to-job linkages, and district-tailored interventionsto convert Kerala’s human capital into meaningful social and economic participation.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Writing Pedagogy: Opportunities and Challenges

Mukesh Soni, G.R. Hegde — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:47:09 +0000

The integration of Artificial Intelligence has brought a notified improvement in writing pedagogy, creating both challenges and opportunities for educators and learners. This study examines the key role of AI in writing instruction. This study is based on a thematic analysis of the literature (2020-2026). The present study mentions that the integration of AI with writing instruction cannot be considered an individual cognitive activity. However, it can be viewed as an interactive, collaborative, and computational process. This article focuses on the main benefits of such collaboration, such as continuous feedback, personalized learning, and creative engagement. At the same time It also explores challenges such as over-reliance on technology, data privacy, algorithm bias, academic integrity, and decreasing creative thinking. The present study proposes a novel pedagogical framework for AI collaboration with writing integration to address these issues. It also emphasizes the leading role of educators in implementing AI efficient and ethical implementation of AI. The study concludes that writing instruction can be enhanced effectively if it is integrated with sound pedagogical practices, timely ethical guidelines, and empirical classroom-based research across different educational contexts.

Twin-Fish Symbolism and Transcultural Interpretations: Reassessing the Motif at the Royal Tomb of King Suro, Gimhae

Iruthayapandi Selestin Raja — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the cultural and symbolic meaning of the twin-fish motif depicted on the ceremonial entrance gate of the royal tomb complex of King Suro at Gimhae, South Korea. Researchers frequently connect this motif to Queen Heo Hwang-ok and her proposed South-Asian origins. Although the motif is visually prominent, it has not yet been examined in a systematic comparative and historical framework, leaving an important gap in discussions of early transregional cultural interactions. This study adopts a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach, bringing together archaeological, textual, linguistic, and iconographic evidence to trace the evolution of fish symbolism from the Indus Valley Civilization into later history. The analysis revealed that the fish motif bears significance across multiple domains, including trade, kingship, religion, cosmology, duality, auspiciousness, fertility, and protection. A closer examination suggests that the curved twin fish facing a central pagoda-like structure align more closely with religious and auspicious symbolism than with dynastic emblems. Furthermore, this motif represents a secondary symbolic addition from a later period rather than the original material from the Gaya period. While certain parallels with South Asian traditions can be observed, there is no conclusive evidence of direct transmission. Future research combining systematic iconographic comparison, archaeological investigation, and historical linguistic analysis of fish motifs will be crucial for clarifying these connections and reassessing early cultural interactions between the Korean peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.

Nutritional Transition: A Qualitative Study on the Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Perceptions Associated with Food Practices Among the Angami Naga Tribe, Nagaland, India

Rüguozenuo Suokhrie, Melodynia Marpna — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food habits and food intake are changing on a global scale and pose a triple burden of obesity, malnutrition, and cardiovascular conditions among Indigenous people who experience high morbidity due to socio-economic and cultural circumstances. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the sociocultural dynamics and perceptions associated with food practices among the Angami Naga tribe of Nagaland. The local settings were investigated based on qualitative research, and data were collected from 57 participants across three focus group discussions. The population under research consists of voluntary participants from the Angami Naga tribe living in Kohima district, Nagaland, aged between 20 and 59 years. For this purpose, a semi-structured interview schedule was used, and recruitment continued until thematic saturation occurred. Both verbal and written consent were obtained, and the FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. The data show that although the traditional diet consists of large amounts of rice, meat, and unique indigenous cuisines with very little use of oil, the population is experiencing a dramatic change towards the consumption of highly and ultra-processed foods because of the convenience of meals, growth in the market, availability, and lack of time. At the same time, many community members admit to deliberately changing their dietary habits to overcome certain health conditions, including weight problems. Despite the fading of food taboos and a change in dietary habits between generations, there is still a great emphasis on the cultural meaning of food, its identity function, and its importance for celebrations. The study concluded that the Angami tribe is struggling with the dual burden of malnutrition and emerging diseases related to modern lifestyles in an obesogenic environment. This highlights the necessity of culturally sensitive nutritional interventions that promote traditional healthy food practices and portion control. Future research should evaluate community-based, culturally tailored interventions and longitudinal dietary changes among Indigenous populations.