Himalayan Journal Research Articles

Contributions of Kenneth Mason to the physical geography of Himalaya and Karakoram

In this paper, the legacy of Kenneth Mason (1887–1976) in the geography of the Himalaya-Karakoram (H-K) region has been thoroughly examined. Mason was a distinguished British geographer, surveyor, soldier, and mountaineer. He led the Indo-Russian Triangulation Connection and pioneered the use of stereoscopic photography in the Pamirs, laying the groundwork for precise geographical records. His detailed surveys and mappings of the Shaksgam Valley and Aghil Ranges corrected longstanding cartographic inaccuracies and presented accurate topographical details through terrestrial stereo photogrammetry. Mason critically assessed and recommended improvements for the depiction of glaciers and geomorphic features on Survey of India maps, encouraging the training of surveyors in glacial morphology. He contributed significantly to standardising geographical terms and nomenclature within the Karakoram Range. Mason also played a crucial role in founding the Himalayan Club and the Himalayan Journal. His studies on glacier movements and advocacy for monitoring systems to prevent natural disasters exhibit his profound commitment to minimising human life and infrastructure loss. Mason’s comprehensive work boosted scientific investigation in the H-K region and laid a foundation for ongoing and future research in these remote regions, paving the way for future generations of explorers, researchers, and enthusiasts.

Publication Productivity of Kumaun University: A Scientometric Study of Zoology Subject

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the Publication Productivity of Kumaun University in the field of Zoology with scientometric study of Zoology Subject. Methodology: The researcher has adopted the arbitrary procedure to zoology Department of the Faculty of Science, Kumaun University. For this study, the researcher has taken the available theses from Central Library, Kumaun University, as secondary sources for the period of 2013–2017. A total 27 theses were collected and MS Excel was used for refining, presentation and analysis of the collected data as per the objectives of the study. Findings: Dr B.R. Kaushal has guided the highest research scholars and the highest number of theses was published in the year 2016. Limnology is the most interested subject amongst researcher in Zoology. Hydrobiologia and Journal of Himalayan Journal of Environmental Zoology are most favourite cited print journals. Hydrobiologia and Freshwater Biology are most favourite cited electronic journals and scholars cited their works mostly from journals. Conclusion: The study disclose about publication productivity of Kumaun University in term of theses submitted by the Ph.D. research scholars. The result reveal uneven pattern of publication output of theses.

From the Chief Editor (Vol.1)

We have immense pleasure in bringing out this inaugural issue of Himalayan Journal of Science and Technology (HiJOST). The journal is the official publication of Central Campus of Technology, Dharan, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. The concept of a scientific journal was discussed few years ago among the faculty members of this institute and its urgent need was felt. Consequently, a goal of publishing journal with highest scientific and statistical quality was made and this journal is the outcome of what has been done in this field within a short period of time.
 Central Campus of Technology has many departments under which different courses are run at Bachelor and Master levels such as Food Technology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Geology, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Botany. The graduate and post graduate students studying in these faculties have to carry out research and project works during their study period. Moreover, faculties are also actively involved in various in-house and funded research projects. Therefore, this journal will act as a means of disseminating their findings to the scientific community. HiJOST accepts manuscripts in the form of original research articles, review articles, letter to the editor, short communications and research notes in Himalayan Journal of Science and Technology (HiJOST) is the peer reviewed journal published annually. This journal has been launched with the objective of publishing research papers in the fields of Basic and Applied Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Medical Sciences. On the behalf of the whole editorial team, I sincerely thank all our contributors and well wishers for supporting us in this grand venture. Any suggestions and comments regarding the journal are highly welcomed. Hoping for wider audience and receiving a large number of manuscripts for the upcoming issue.
 Thank you, Prof. Dr. Dhan Bahadur Karki, Chief Editor

How Useful Photography is in Sociological Researches on Ethnic Identity Studies?

The origins of photography and sociology date back almost at the same time, but the relationship between them was not as intimate as it was to be. Sociologists refrained from using photography as a method in their researches until the importance of qualitative research was realized. Debate is still going on whether photographs expose total social reality or just provide the possibilities of subjective interpretations in the form of partial truths. Anthropologists, to some extent, are ahead in using photographs in their ethnographic works from early years. The essay deals photography only as a means of sociologists’ engagement with issues of identity formation with reference to ethnicity. The narrative potentiality of photography, which is crucial to uncover the meanings embedded in peoples’ struggles for identity, becomes its strength to claim as a research tool in qualitative research in sociology. Furthermore, enriched with meanings photographs bring subjectivists and constructivists closer to the discipline of photography. The importance of photography in constructing meanings through grounded theory method research on ethnic identity concerns of various cultural groups, largely in south Asia, cannot be underscored since the photographic practice has already made its claim for the place in qualitative sociology and anthropology. Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology - Vol. VII (2016), Page: 75-95

Modernity and Gender: A Critique of Modernization Theory

This paper provides a bold critique of the hegemonic dualism in the light of insights that Tariq Banuri has offered. It also demonstrates the contours of gender asymmetry as an outcome of the masculine impersonal map of modernization. Highlighting the alternative model of development, it seeks to see the implication it has in the context of gender. The first section introduces the context with some of the questions to be focused on. It follows by a discourse of modernization and by an appraisal of Banuri’s main arguments on cultural maps and knowledge hierarchy. Conceptual contours of modernization and gender are sought before the final section puts forward empowerment as an alternative thesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10732 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 221-235

Dwindling Social Prosperity and Migratory Youths

Migratory trend in Nepalese society is an ever growing trend. Nepalese have migrated abroad through different ways in different time like recruitment in army, as cheap manpower and now to pursue the foreign degrees. Whatsoever the excuses are, country is losing the skilled youths in present context jeopardizing the socio economic development of the country. This study investigates the influencing social factors that motivate educated youth to leave their country in the name of education. Similarly this study has also sensed the integrity of youth towards their own country. It should help concerned scholars to have a bit more concern about their role to choreograph the structure and function that favour the social welfare and development. Youths attempting to enroll themselves for IELTS test in British Council were surveyed and this study adopted an exploratory and descriptive research design. It is found that youths are tempted to go abroad with the motive to settle in there as the native structural and functional aspects of the society are not found justifiable. Moreover youths have placed the foreign degrees in higher priority to access in a decent job anywhere. Lastly the study has concluded that the execution of the policies in every field should not be manipulated instead fair competition and strict bureaucracy in the system must be practiced. However the trend of employment in foreign must also be accepted with dignity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10731 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 211-220

Violence against the Minorities in Bangladesh

Violent attacks on religious minorities in recent days have evoked popular protests at home and abroad, and the minority community thinks it is an attempt to force them to leave the country like in 1971.They fear the extent of the dreadfulness of attacks on the minorities might exceed what they had seen during 2001 and appealed to the international community apart from the political parties to look into the matter seriously.The situation of minorities in Bangladesh is a human rights issue. Status of minorities all over the world has demonstrated a pattern of discrimination and insecurity. Bangladesh is no exception. However, the example of minorities in Bangladesh has a typical trend. The seeds of violence against the minority community are inherent within the structures of the modern system which has turned human beings into vote banks and vote constituencies. Lack of accountability and transparency of the state machinery only makes the situation worse. Bangladesh ought to recognize the plurality of its culture and people. Undoubtedly, civil society has the major and the most important role to play in this respect. This paper contains the theoretical explanation of the concept of “minority” in general and then examines the state of minorities in Bangladesh, their problems, the violations against them, the factors and impact of violations, state responsibilities, legal and constitutional protection, protection under international law etc. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10712 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 112-118

Suitably Altering Amid Predicaments in Rural Nepal

The major argument of this article is that societies and cultures are dynamic and triggered by various dynamics. However the past legacy of quandary affects the present societal development. To this zing, the rural communities in Bandipur who have been the victims of apathy and desertion in the past are more susceptible to quandary underneath the obsessive pressure of tourism and modernization at the present. This has created circumstances with a high probability of cultural conflict between tourists and locals, entrepreneurs and the commons. Nevertheless, local entrepreneurs involved in tourism business perceive tourism’s upshot more optimistically and sturdily in immediate sense than tourisms cultural consequences and insinuation in the long nudge. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10717 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 187-202

Terrorism, Religious and Ethnic Intolerance Issues in the Syllabuses and Textbooks of Bengali and English Medium and Madrasha Education in Bangladesh An Appraisal

Bangladesh, a seventh largest populous and fourth largest Muslim country in the World, is often facing the problems of terrorism, religious and ethnic intolerance. There are many cases of terrorist activities, religious and ethnic intolerance in the recent past. Like many of the post-colonial societies, various national policies were adopted towards facing the challenges of terrorism, religious and ethnic intolerance in Bangladesh. One of the most important policies was formulating National Education Policy (NEP)-2010 though there are a large number of contradictions about the implementation of the NEP. Needless to say peoples of Bangladesh are the victims of terrorism, religious and ethnic intolerance. The Author’s perception is education itself a catalyst for social change and it is a powerful instrument in the process of overcoming the problems. In other words, author of this paper believe that syllabuses and text books of both general and madrasha education streams of Bangladesh have significant role in educating people to counter terrorism, religious and ethnic intolerance. However, an attempt has been made in this paper through reviewing the current syllabuses and text books of general and madrasha education streams and also through assessing the peoples’ opinions of Bangladesh to know whether the syllabuses and text books are adequately addressing the issues of terrorism, religious and ethnic intolerance or not. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10715 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 146-165

Educational Status of Muslim Women: A Sociological Analysis of Kundhar, Pokhara, Kaski

This research analyses the educational status of Muslim women aged between 16-40 years of Kundhar area that lies in ward numbers 10 12 and 13Pokhara sub metropolitan Kaski. A total of 60 Muslim women aged between 16-40 years were purposively selected as respondents. It primarily focuses on the participation of the women in education and the obstacles they face in attaining it. Marriage and religious beliefs have been found as the main factors hindering educational achievement for these women. These factors have limited the role of many respondents to being a house wife only. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10718 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 203-210

Growth and Nutritional Status of Adolescent School Girls in a Food Insecure Rural Area of Bangladesh: An Anthropometric Perspective

The present study explored the growth and nutritional status among rural adolescent school girls of food insecure Berasub district of Pabna district in Bangldesh. The study was carried out in rural adolescent school girls of 21 government approved High schools of Berasu district of Pabna district, Bangladesh. Anthropometric and socio-demographic information from 2196 adolescent girls were collected during 2011-2012 academic session. Height and weight were measured using standard procedure and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. BMI was compared to 2007 WHO growth reference. Height- for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age (BMIZ) were used to evaluate stunting, underweight and thinness respectively, based on the National Centre of Heath Statistics (NCHS) < - 2 Z score values. Classification of severity of malnutrition was done based on WHO recommendation. Mean BMI-for-age were less than those of 2007 WHO growth reference for girls at all ages. The overall rate of stunting, underweight and thinness was 33.13%, 28.06% and 17.92% respectively. Based on WHO classification of severity of malnutrition, the overall prevalence of stunting was high (30-39%), whereas those of underweight (≥ 30) and thinness (≥ 15) were very high. The study explores that poor health and nutritional status among the adolescents indicating a major public health problem in food insecure rural areas of Bangladesh. An intensive and comprehensive approach is required to improve the nutritional status of rural adolescent girls of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10691 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 103-111

A Cultural Anthropology of Head Porterage: Fresh Insights into Unique Markets

In this article, we examined the repertoire of existences, processes and practises as well as mechanisms of open market place trading that is a definitive character of trading and associated dealings in many Sub-Saharan Africa countries which is as a result of the nature and structure of social and economic organizations cum cultural relational infrastructures of these Sub-Saharan societies. One stop shops and shopping malls that commonly punctuate American and European societies are rare necessitating special, unique and innovative ways of transporting goods and services across locations. It is within this socio-cultural, relational and economic infrastructural milieu that head porterage (Alabaru) subsists. Unfortunately, not many works exist in the areas of Anthropology and Cultural Studies on head porterage (Alabaru) which has assumed important character in the existences of most Sub-Saharan African markets with implications for global markets and world distribution/supply chains. This article therefore deployed robust Anthropological and qualitative methodology to examine the critical contours of the problematic. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10716 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 166-186

Changing Experience and Interpretation of Menarche by Generation

This note seeks to bring to light women’s subjective experience and interpretation of menarche by generation, links up the changes with changing socio-economic processes and argues that younger Nepali women have relatively concrete information on menstruation than their mothers and grandmothers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10713 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 119-133

Parental Percetion of the Teaching of Sex Education to Adolescent in Secondary School in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study was an ex-post facto research, design to determine parental perception of the teaching of introducing sex education to adolescents in secondary schools in Cross River State, as the area of study. Two null hypotheses were formulated on the basis of the identified major independent variables of nature of parental perception and parental literacy status. A 15-item questionnaire was developed, validated and tested for reliability. It was then administered to 400 respondents (parents–200 male, 200 female) from 20 churches in the entire state (7 churches from central, 7 from south and 6 from north senatorial districts). The sample was selected by stratified cluster and simple random procedure. Data was analysed using the independent t-test. Results revealed that parental perception of the teaching of sex education to adolescents in secondary schools is significantly negative; no significant difference exists between literate and illiterate parents in their perception of the teaching of sex education to adolescents in secondary schools. It was concluded that parental perception of the teaching of sex education to adolescents in secondary schools is generally negative in Cross River State. Some recommendations were enhanced as the way forward. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10714 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 134-145

Assessing Current Situation of Domestic Violence against Women: A Study in Hasandaha, Morang

Nepal like many other countries represents a multicultural characteristics having patriarchal social structure. Recognizing the need to effectively reduce the incidences of violence against women, Nepal ratified the CEDAW in 1991. But the incidences of DVAW have been repeatedly reported and the challenge to the human rights of the Nepalese women has been added. The heterogeneity of Nepalese society and social interaction among the different caste/ethnic groups make the issue of DVAW more complicated that eventually requires sociological study. The people of Hasandaha, Morang, represent the caste/ethnic heterogeneity and could be the representation of Nepalese villages. The women of that village are also suffering from multiple forms of violence against them. Physical assault, sexual abuse to psychological torture is among the forms of violence that they aspire to escape from. Rigid caste norms and patriarchal values constrict the freedom of movement among the women of Hasandaha village. These women express that the government, NGOs and civil society should have decisive roles with regard to the elimination of domestic violence against women. For this, effective mobilization of local communities, awareness generation among them and changes in the state’s attitude towards DVAW only as of private concern are key to reduce the incidences of DVAW in Hasandaha village of Morang district, Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10689 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 64-85

Impact of “Nepal Tourism Year 2011” on Tourist Arrival in Pokhara

Tourism is a growing industry in Nepal. Pokhara is one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal. To foster the tourism industry in Nepal then government of Nepal decided on 2008 to launch a national tourism campaign “Nepal Tourism Year 2011” targeting to bring one million international tourists into Nepal in the year 2011. This paper focuses on analyzing the impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011’s advertisement campaign on tourist arrival in Pokhara city. Also it attempts to highlight the impact of network and information access on tourism arrival. A sincere attempt has also been made to investigate the impact of NTY in bringing international tourist in Nepal particularly in Pokhara. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10687 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 22-50

Changes in Livelihood and Caste Relations in Udipur

There have been changes in the economic and social relations in Nepal. The market has been providing opportunities for choosing livelihood options. Livelihood diversification, particularly non-farm, appears to be growing in extent and importance in recent years. Although local wage labor has increased in farm sector, agriculture is not a path out of poverty. The relationship between caste and hereditary occupations has been less significant and there has occurred a significant shift in the bases of power. There is an increase in class consciousness and a decrease in caste consciousness; wealth is replacing birth as the basis of social power and prestige. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10690 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 86-102

Representation of Indigenous Nationalities and Minorities in Bank and Financial Institutions: A Study of Pokhara

This study is carried out to explore the inclusive representation of Indigenous Nationalities and Minorities working in Bank and Financial Institutions (BFIs) in Pokhara. Both descriptive and explorative research design has been used in this study. Primary data have been collected constructing a set of well-structured questionnaire and used in this study. Representation of Indigenous Nationalities is poor i.e. only 32.59 percent in the total employment of BFIs. Madheshi represents only 0.62 percent and Dalits 1.62 percent in the total employment. There is no representation at all from Muslim community in BFIs in Pokhara. The representation of male employee is higher than that of female employees in BFIs even within the said ethnic groups. The level of job they employed is mostly lower levels i.e. assistants and other support staffs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10688 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 51-63

Municipality Declaration, Urban Imagination and Urban Experience A Case of Putalibazaar and Walling, Syangja, Nepal

Municipalities, which are basically administrative divisions, have been treated as urban entities in Nepal, though most of them lack even the basic urban amenities. Municipality declaration by government can be taken as an effort to foster the process of urbanization in Nepal. On the basis of firsthand qualitative data collected through interviews, observations and focused group discussions conducted in the two municipalities: Putalibazaar and Walling of Syangja District of Western Nepal, this article attempts to highlight the status of urbanization here after 17 years of municipality declaration. This article reveals that local people were out of sorts about how urbanization flourishes in their area due to municipality declaration. It also divulges that local people themselves, municipality offices and other governmental and non-governmental agencies have not been able to make vibrant contribution in the urbanization process. Therefore, this article concludes that the mere act of municipality declaration cannot foster urbanization; thus local people and municipalities offices need to play collective, more responsible, productive and meaningful role to transform the urban imagination into a reality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10686 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 1-21

Social Stigma on "ain't"

'Ain't' appeared as a contraction of 'am not' around 1600 and then was extended to mean 'are not', 'is not', 'has not' and 'have not' later. In the early l8th century it began to be criticized. Though it has been disparaged and its use marks the speaker as being inferior. It has been used even by the best speakers and writers to serve useful purposes. Sociolinguistic force behind 'ain't' seems to be taking it to full acceptance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v5i0.7036 Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology-Vol. V (2012) 10-18