In a thought-provoking paper titled “Justice A Distant Dream for Acid Attack Survivors,” published in 360 Info, Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, delves deep into the persistent challenges faced by acid attack survivors.

Despite the existence of legal provisions aimed at addressing gender-based violence, the harrowing reality is that acid attacks continue to be a stark and under-addressed form of violence. Dr Chatterjee’s paper sheds light on this critical issue, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and legal reform to provide justice and support for survivors.

Through her research, she underscores the importance of recognising and prioritising the plight of acid attack survivors, urging for collective action to create meaningful change. As advocates for social justice, it is imperative that we amplify their voices and work towards a future where justice is not a distant dream but a tangible reality for all survivors.

Abstract

Acid attacks can occur in private or public. These attacks are often rooted in ‘jilted lover’ syndrome or as a manifestation of continued domestic violence. Few cases offer a different narrative: one woman was attacked to teach her father a lesson about property disputes. Ultimately, the acid attack is yet another demonstration of patriarchy’s brutishness.
My (unpublished) research in 2021 with acid attack survivors (including Rima), lawyers, police and other stakeholders in West Bengal — as part of a collaboration between National Human Rights Commission and National Law School of India University, Bangalore — found that despite these various legal advances, acid attack as a form of violence is not prioritised as an issue needing immediate attention, unlike rape and child trafficking.

DOI: 10.54377/e719-077c

Link

Future Research Plan

To explore how a state cultural heritage status makes us explore the social life of an instrument- it’s secular and sacred manifestations, questions of labour, gender and the sustainability model pertinent to its musical and material interpretations.

Topic of research

Soulful beats: Ecology, Labour and Aesthetics of Ghumott

In the grand spectacle of democracy, every ballot cast represents a pivotal moment in shaping the collective destiny of a nation. However, what happens when the destiny of 1.4 billion people lacks a solid foundation of values and ethics?

Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor at the Department of Liberal Arts, in his research paper titled “Ethical Society: A Premise On Which Successful Democracy Rests”, delves into these complexities of democratic regression that threaten to shake the foundations of our political system.

ABSTRACT:

Samuel Phillips Huntington’s thesis on the ‘Third Wave’ of democratisation, as presented in his seminal work “The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century”, posited democracy as the preeminent and widely accepted form of governance. While democracy may prevail quantitatively in contemporary times, it grapples with numerous challenges in terms of its qualitative aspects. This research article identifies the absence or dearth of ethical values as a significant factor contributing to the erosion of democracies worldwide. Moreover, this erosion has the potential to incite a ‘new wave against democracy’. Consequently, this article aims to explore the potential remedy for this issue by anchoring democracy in an ethically conscious society. We contend that an ethically grounded society serves as a fundamental prerequisite for nurturing a high-quality and prosperous democracy, ultimately acting as a formidable barrier against the imminent and looming threats to democratic systems.

The link to the article

We are pleased to announce the publication of an insightful article titled “From Incumbency to Dominance: BJP’s Electoral Prowess in Madhya Pradesh,” in the prestigious ABDC-B journal, Economic and Political Weekly (EPW). This article, authored by Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor in the Easwari School of Liberal Arts provides a comprehensive analysis of the BJP’s journey from being an incumbent party to establishing dominance in the state’s political landscape.

Dr Thomas examines the factors that have contributed to the BJP’s electoral success in Madhya Pradesh, including the party’s organisational strength, leadership, and strategic alliances. The article also delves into the impact of various government policies and initiatives on the BJP’s electoral performance in the state.

Dr Thomas’s expertise in political analysis and his meticulous approach to the subject matter make this article a significant contribution to the scholarly discourse on Indian politics, particularly within the context of Madhya Pradesh. This research also enriches our understanding of contemporary political landscapes and aligns with our commitment to academic excellence.

Congratulations to Dr Vineeth Thomas for this impactful contribution to political scholarship!

Abstract

In the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious with a landslide majority. This electoral triumph, characterised by a significant mandate for the BJP, has undoubtedly reshaped the political dynamics of Madhya Pradesh. The landslide victory underscores the party’s stronghold in the region and signals a decisive mandate for the BJP to govern the state for the designated term. In this context, this article analyses various strategic factors that cleared the BJP’s path from incumbency to dominance in Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms

In the dynamic landscape of Indian politics, Madhya Pradesh stands as a crucible of electoral battles, where the ebb and flow of political tides have shaped the destiny of the state. At the heart of this electoral competition lies the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), an entity that has not only weathered the storm of time but has also evolved from being a political contender to establishing unwavering dominance in Madhya Pradesh.

The 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election results revealed a clear mandate in favour of the BJP, securing an impressive 164 out of the total 230 seats. The overwhelming success is underscored by its triumph across different regions of the state. This comprehensive victory is particularly pronounced in the Malwa-Nimar region, which holds significant tribal populations. In this crucial area with 66 seats, the BJP secured a dominant 45 seats, leaving the Congress trailing with 20 seats, while the Bahujan Adhikar Party (BAP) clinched a lone seat. The BJP’s prowess is further evident in the Bundelkhand region, where it nearly swept the electoral landscape, securing 21 out of 26 seats, while the Congress was left with just five. Similarly, in the Vindhya region, the BJP emerged victorious in 25 out of 30 seats, leaving the Congress with a mere five. This regional dominance is a testament to the party’s strategic appeal and resonant policies. The saffron wave extended to Madhya Bharat, where the BJP outshone the Congress by winning a staggering 33 out of 36 seats (Malpani,2023). This substantial margin of victory indicates not only the party’s organisational strength but also its ability to connect with the electorate on a regional level.

So, how did the BJP complete the journey from a party in power to a political behemoth that has left an indelible mark on the state’s political canvas? A close examination in this regard unravels the fact that it is the conglomeration of clearly designed multiple tactics which gave the BJP a winning formula in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections

Title of the Research Paper in Citation Format

Saravanan, Vineeth & Avunii, From incumbency to dominance. (2024, January 5). Economic and Political Weekly.

Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research

Policy makers and politicians can make prudent decision about one nation one election

Collaborations

Electoral Politics, ethics, commonwealth

Future research plans

Indian govt and politics

Link to the article

Dr Bikku, Assistant Professor, Department of Liberal Arts has presented a paper titled “Mobile Pastoralism and Conservation in the 21st Century: A Case Study from India” at the NIAS Conference on Belonging & Mobility, held at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS), Amsterdam, Netherlands on October 18-20, 2023 (online).

Congratulations to Dr Bikku for this remarkable achievement. SRM AP immense pride in the success of its faculty and scholars and applauds their unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and societal impact!

Abstract

The study focuses on the struggle of nomadic pastoralists to continue their traditional occupation of raising livestock at different landscapes in the face of the shifting political ecology in India. Pastoralism is a traditional subsistence livelihood pattern that involves raising domestic animals in different pastures. For pastoralists to use continually shifting resources in a variety of ecological landscapes, mobility is an effective strategy. However, the current conservation approach has colonial roots and reinforces biodiversity conservation by establishing and enforcing protected areas in several countries around the globe. Scientific conservationists and states have often seen pastoralism responsible for environmental degradation and wildlife decline through over-grazing and resource competition, respectively. As a result, the customary rights of the various pastoralist groups have been denied inside and outside the protected areas.

The paper investigates the current global conflicts between pastoralism and conservation. It also emphasises the changing dimensions of mobile pastoralism and conservation policies in India. By challenging the conservationists’ and the state’s preconceived notions about pastoralism, the Raika mobile pastoralists of Rajasthan, India, provide sustainable pastoralism and nature conservation through evidence of the coexistence of pastoralism and multispecies.

Dive into the intricate realms of Indian democracy and its ever-evolving foreign policy with a compelling research paper by Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of Liberal Arts. The university is happy to announce the publication of Dr Thomas’ latest work, titled “The Illiberal Turn in Indian Democracy: Shifting the Trajectory of India’s Foreign Policy“, in the prestigious Q2 Journal “India Review“.

The paper is a profound exploration of the dynamic shifts in India’s foreign policy, drawing attention to the complexities of the nation’s democratic journey. His research delves into the nuanced interplay of domestic politics and global diplomacy, providing fresh perspectives on the illiberal turn in India’s democratic trajectory. The insightful work takes on a thought-provoking journey into the evolving facets of Indian democracy and the intricate interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy.

Abstract

Long-standing democracies such as India were not exempt from the global trend of democratic retreat. India has come under increasing international attention due to certain domestic policies such as the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the National Register of Citizens and Citizenship (Amendment) Act passed under the Bharatiya Janata Party government. In addition to India’s democratic decline being reflected in global democratic rankings, this has induced strains on India’s foreign relations. In its pursuit of becoming a leading power, India’s perceived democratic backsliding is likely to influence the direction of its foreign policy. To discern the impact of its perceived illiberal turn on its foreign engagement, the role of democracy in India’s foreign policy needs to be explored. While attempts have been made to understand democratic backsliding through a theoretical lens, the impact of a nation’s democratic status on its foreign relations and policy remains a largely unexplored area.

This study will help to understand how India’s democratic backsliding can induce a shift in its foreign policy.

Prof. Vishnupad, Dean – Easwari School of Liberal Arts, has published his latest book chapter, “Liberal Secularity and the Indian State: Notes on the Sabrimala Judgment,” in the prestigious book “Liberalism and its Others”. The intriguing essay explores the complexities of modern secularity in liberal and postcolonial governments and navigates the delicate tango between the political and the religious. The book chapter is a scholarly investigation that maintains the importance of politics over religion while addressing the intricate dynamics of distance to closeness, neutrality to autonomy, and tolerance to publicity. Prof. Vishnupad challenges traditional knowledge, pushing to embrace ethical secularity’s dedication to discourse, transcending political and religious hierarchies.

This stimulating work is a light of intellectual engagement that will affect discussions in the fields of political philosophy, liberalism, and the state’s relationship with religion. Dive deep into these issues as we consider the nexus between politics and faith.

SRM University-AP proudly announces that Dr Bikku R, Assistant Professor at The Department of Liberal Arts has been sanctioned a major research project by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The research project titled “Religious Deities and Saints/Legends/Heroes Changing Geographic Belongingness and Cultural Economy among the Four Tribal Communities (Chenchus, Kondareddis, Koyas and Lambadi’s) of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh” will receive an outlay of Rs. 10.00 Lakhs.

Congratulations, Dr Bikku on this outstanding achievement!

Research Abstract

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world, where around 705 scheduled tribes are notified with their distinct culture, and as per the 2011 census, they constitute 8.6% of the total population. Out of these, 75 communities belong to Particular Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), having declining or stagnant populations, low literacy rates, pre-agricultural technologies and economic backwardness. For tribal communities, culture, economic, political and geographical belongingness are distinct from non-tribals in India. Studying their religious beliefs and practices and changing cultural economies and landscapes is crucial to preserving India’s diverse cultures. The existing studies by social scientists have not emphasised much on tribal saints/ heroes, changing cultural economies and landscapes in India, particularly in the newly bifurcated southern states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The study focuses on religious deities and Saints/Legends/Heroes, changing geographic belongingness and cultural economies among the four tribal communities (Chenchus, Kondareddis, Koyas and Lambadis) of Telangana and AP states of India. Qualitative (ethnographic) and quantitative methods will be used to map their deities and saints/legends/heroes, cultural economy and traditions and record memories of past and contemporary relationships with the belonging to their landscapes and natural resources.

Cultural and Post-colonial studies enclose various historical approaches. It ranges from cultural studies and comparative social history to analysis of the means of domination and resistance. Nevertheless, there are communities that didn’t get the space they deserve in the studies of settled communities. Assistant Professor Dr Bikku R from the Department of Liberal Arts published a paper titled Colonial Impact on Pastoral Nomads and Caravan Traders in India: The Raika and the Banjara to analyse the aftereffects of colonialism in the most unexplored communities. The article was published in the book Tribe, Space, and Mobilisation.

Abstract

The Raika of Rajasthan and the Banjara or Lambadi tribe of the Deccan region had been self-sustained as nomadic pastoralists and caravan traders, respectively, in pre-British India. Colonial policies imposed several restrictions on nomadic communities and their economic activities by branding them as ‘criminals’ under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. As a result, many of the nomadic communities lost their cultural economy and struggled to survive. Colonial and post-colonial studies have primarily focused on settled communities. However, little attention is paid to pastoral nomads and itinerary communities. The present paper focuses on the transformation of traditional nomadic livelihoods, culture, and economy of the two communities; the Raika pastoralist and the Banjara traditional caravan traders and livestock breeders’ as a consequence of colonial policies. It also emphasises current livelihood strategies. Empirical data resulting from ethnographic fieldwork and colonial and post-colonial literature have been examined. An ethnographic study among the Banjaras from the Deccan region during the year 2009- 2010 and the Raika of Rajasthan between 2013- 2015 and 2019 helped to understand their past and present situations. Colonial and post-colonial policies, governance, and their impact on pastoralists and other nomadic communities have been critically examined.

Read the full article here

Economic institutions, technological developments, cultural norms, religious and intellectual currents, and popular beliefs have always played a huge role in asserting clear boundaries between men’s and women’s work. The recent research paper of Assistant Professor Dr Ipsita Pradhan, Department of Liberal Arts, focuses on the transformation of gendered work in contemporary India. The paper is titled Women and the Changing Nature of Work in Hyderabad’s Hitec City and was published in the journal Sociological Bulletin.

Abstract

This article looks at the ways in which gendered work is being transformed in contemporary India by focussing on Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana. Since the mid-1990s, after India opened its doors to multinational agencies, new forms of gendered labour have manifested. One of the ramifications of this gendered process is the feminisation of labour that enabled the participation of more women in the workforce, engaging in activities that were low-paid. The basis of feminisation is that certain jobs require fewer skills or particular kinds of skills, for which women are thought to be suitable. This also has implications for the low bargaining power of women workers. The feminisation of the labour force in HITEC city, Hyderabad is a consequence of the changing labour markets with globalisation, offshore factories, migration, and other changes in the workplace.