Indian Culture Research Articles

Propagation of Ancient Indian Knowledge through IKT Courses in Open Schooling

Let’s go back to Indianness and experience the richness of ancient Indian culture” is a call to rediscover and immerse ourselves in the profoundheritage of India. It invites us to explore the long-standing customs, works of art, schools of thought, and knowledge that have shaped thiscountry. The abovementioned quote encourages returning to the fundamentals and learning about the rich tapestry of Indian history andculture, which stands for spirituality, harmony in diversity, traditional arts, music, dance, cuisine, rituals, and philosophy like as yoga and Vedanta.India has always been viewed as having a rich and diversified knowledge legacy as it is the home of one of the oldest and most sophisticatedcivilizations in the world, including the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic culture. The vibrant Indian method of living a life is made knownto the entire world through the rich traditional practices of Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga. The ancient Indian sciences are incredibly helpfulin today’s times because of their timeless concepts, all-encompassing viewpoint, and ability to address modern challenges. This paper exploresthe diversity of ancient Indian knowledge and the necessity of incorporating it into the country’s contemporary educational system. Additionally,it also describes NIOS’s initiative to incorporate IKT subjects into the open school curriculum, which was prepared specifically for Indian openschool learners. The major objective of introducing IKT subjects was to prepare citizens of tomorrow who are not only academically competentbut also emotionally balanced, socially responsible, and environmentally sensitive. This paper was written with the goal of communicatingbest practices and increasing the general awareness of the numerous programmes provided by NIOS and encouraging more people to engagewith it and utilize its resources.

Management of Sports Activities at the University Level for Popularizing and Promoting Sports Culture in India

Sports have been recognized as an indispensable part of a university in India, which can generate feelings of national pride and identity. Developing and promoting sports culture and creating a vibrant sports atmosphere at the university level is critical to professionally managing university sports activities. Jadavpur University, as an Indian university, adopted some significant steps to manage university sports activities for developing and promoting the Indian sports culture. Some criteria were recommended in this university sports policies, like sports quota admission, relaxation of percentage/marks/ranks, and attendance after university participation in sports. Several plans were executed to motivate sportspersons, such as a sports inspiration program, enhancement of allowances, special incentives to the medal winners, the award for best sports person trophy, releasing sports activities report annually, and induction of a sports board tag on the university website. For professional staff resource management of sports, various qualified part-time coaches, trainers, and instructors are appointed for different sports events as and when required. There are sports board members and technical and supportive staff to perform the functional activities of university sports. Several methods were applied to manage sports facilities by providing hiring and support services, inculcating informal events, organizing intra-mural sports activities, conducting university coaching programs, celebrating Independence Week with sports events, etc.Several initiatives were taken to manage sports infrastructure and funds for implementing sports fees, undertaking sports projects, hosting A.I.U. Inter-university events with sponsorship, collaborative sports programs with other organizations, and joint sports ventures with commercial companies. It was observed that after implementing all the above activities, the number of sports participants and achievements had increased, sports facilities and infrastructure developed, the economic growth of the University improved, and the progressive promotion of sports culture reached a new height.

Социально-психологическая адаптация индийских студентов в российском вузе

The introduction notes the increase of educational migration and the relevance of creating the necessary conditions for the successful socio-psychological adaptation of international students in Russia. The theoretical analysis is devoted to identifying modern problems of adaptation of international students in universities in different countries, including Russia. Among the various forms of work with international students, group culturally-sensitive counseling can help actualize the individual’s adaptive resources through immersion in the socio-cultural environment of the country of educational migration. Empirical analysis is based on a description of the results of a comparative study of the dynamics of personal characteristics of international students before and after group culturally-sensitive counseling. The advisory sessions involved 30 Indian first-year students (Penza State University). The analysis of the personal characteristics was carried out by means of the 3 methods: The Freiburg Personality Questionnaire, The Image-associative test “The image of the native country – the image of foreign countries” (S. V. Frolova), “The adaptation of a person to a new sociocultural environment” (L. V. Yankovsky). Reliably significant positive changes in the personality states of the respondents (decrease in the level of neuroticism, spontaneous aggressiveness, depression) were revealed. Conclusion. The analysis shows the effectiveness of group culturally-sensitive counseling in the socio-psychological adaptation of international students, which contributes to their active entry into the new socio-cultural environment of the country of educational migration. There has been an increase in integration among respondents with both Russian and Indian culture.

Appearance Teasing and Identity Formation Amongst Young Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Appearance teasing (AT) is such a widespread phenomenon that to discount its meaning, impact, and severity on the lives of those who are teased would be a mistake. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of Indian youths who have been appearance-teased by their close friends and family, how they perceive it has impacted their senses of self and identity and to understand their coping strategies that help them manage the negative effects of AT. Data was collected via semi structured interviews with six young adults and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis of the transcripts reveals five master themes encompassing forms of exhibition of AT, causes, impact, protective factors, and coping strategies that represented the experiences for this population. Each individual voice captured in this study offers valuable insights into how teasing someone based on their appearance can have tremendous impacts on their psyche and behavior. Findings also point to the unique role played by Indian culture in these experiences of Indian youths. Based on the results, we conclude that there is a substantial need for awareness about AT in India and the impact of its normalization on Indian youth.

‘Forms of the Canarese Characters at Different Periods’ (1833): A Lithographic Edition by Walter Elliot from the Library of IOM, RAS

The article is dedicated to a newly discovered item from the library of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts, RAS. The lithographic book was issued in Bombay by a British administration official named Sir W. Elliot (1803–1887) in 1833 as a catalog of early forms of Kannada alphabetic characters dating back to the 6th century A.D. The researcher carefully collected inscriptions from various epigraphic sources. The table with characters is preceded by a Memorandum, where W. Elliot clearly answers the main questions: what kind of material was used in the lithography, where it was found and to what time it belongs, and, most importantly, why the author took the trouble to collect and classify epigraphic characters. The publication in question is an example of the work of a tireless researcher who, in his spare time, was obviously engrossed in an activity that was dear to his heart (like many researchers of all times), making Indian history and culture clearer and closer to the educated Western reader.

The Theme of Indianism in the Selected Works of Upamanyu Chatterjee

One of the most accomplished and prolific contemporary Indian writers of English is Upamanyu Chatterjee. With a strong sociocultural and Indian foundation, Chatterjee’s fields of expertise encompass a wide range of subjects while remaining deeply influenced by the rich legacy of Indian culture. The Spiritualism and nationalism are included on this list. For him, just like for Aurobindo Ghosh, nationalism entails a genuine dedication to one’s country and its people, regardless of their race, gender, caste, or place in society. India is a nation that embraces many languages, cultures, and religions. Religion- and culture-related disputes have always arisen. The conservative and narrow-minded religious leaders and politicians frequently have mislead the populace, which occasionally have caused riots. Upamanyu Chatterjee asserts that in a country with as many cultures as India, riots are inevitable. India has continued to expand over time despite being the target of multiple invasions and incursions. India’s greatest asset is its spirituality. It has been reinforced by them in all attacks, both internal and external. According to Upamanyu Chatterjee, the evil forces endangering the peace and harmony of the nation can be vanquished by grasping the core values of Indian culture. The comparison and analysis of the nationalistic and spiritualist ethos found in the selected works of Upamanyu Chatterjee is the main goal of this research project.

Cultural Influence on Indian Startup Ecosystem

The Indian startup ecosystem is distinctly shaped by the country's rich cultural fabric, which plays a pivotal role in its functioning and growth. At its core, the influence of family and community is paramount, often serving as the first source of funding and support for new ventures. This deep-rooted community network not only fosters trust but also aids in market penetration. Furthermore, India's cultural diversity demands that startups cater to a wide range of market needs, often leading to the creation of products and services tailored to specific cultural nuances. The concept of 'Jugaad', or frugal innovation, is ingrained in Indian culture, prompting startups to employ creativity in utilizing limited resources. The ecosystem is also energized by India's young, tech-savvy population that is open to new, innovative ideas. Many Indian startups, reflecting the cultural ethos of social responsibility, focus on addressing societal challenges such as education, healthcare, and sustainability. Moreover, Indian startups adeptly blend global technological trends with local cultural elements, making them relevant both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the Indian government's initiatives, influenced by the cultural support for entrepreneurship, further bolster the startup environment. This unique amalgamation of familial support, innovative frugality, social consciousness, and a youthful, tech-embracing demographic, underpinned by supportive government policies, makes the Indian startup ecosystem a vibrant and dynamic domain, distinctively shaped by its cultural context.

The folklore of the European Roma and mythologies of the Indian tribal world

The aim of this paper is to define the nature of puzzling texts published at the end of the nineteenth century by H. von Wlislocki. Are they fruits of his creative fantasy, a mystification, or some non-Gypsy texts disguised as Gypsy tales? Can it be that they represent authentic Romani folklore and have links with Indian culture, as Wlislocki suggested? In the paper, two myths and a folktale from Wlislocki’s collection are analyzed against the wide background of world folklore. Parallels to these texts have been found in India, though not in the Sanskrit literature where Wlislocki looked for them, but in the mythologies of Indian tribes. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0 .

The Untold Story of A Panchkanya- Kunti, From The Great Epic Mahabharata

Indian culture is governed by various mythical tales and epics. Most of these tales and epics highlights the sacrificing, submissive and obedient nature of women and focuses on their single dimensional personalities. Oppressed women facing injustice and hardships is not a new concept, it has been going on since the mythical times. This paper deals with the life of one of the important yet forgotten female character of the great epic Mahabharata, Kunti. Kunti was the first wife of King Pandu and the mother of the five Pandavs namely Yudhishthira, Bheema, Arjun and her two step sons Nakul and Sahadev along with Karana, whom she had out of a wedlock. She has often been criticized for various things but lesser known is the fact that her life was full of struggles and hardships. The Pain and suffering of Draupadi, Gandhari and Amba have always been discussed at length but Kunti, inspite of the injustice she faced since her childhood until she died has got no mention anywhere. The paper aims to give her the due credit she deserves, taking into account the various aspects of her life and analyzing them through the lens of feminist criticism.

“Is my culture influencing me?”: Client experiences of mental illness and psychotherapy in a transitional Indian culture

The client therapy experience has been the focus of many bodies of literature in psychotherapy, even across cultures. While researchers have emphasized on the use of indigenous approaches in Indian psychotherapy, how much of this is applicable in the present scenario? The experience has become increasingly tricky to understand given the complexities arising from the influence of urbanization and westernization. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the experience of mental illness and psychotherapy in modern day India. Using the integrated, holistic idea of the person and their needs, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten cis-gender, urban Indian participants between 21 and 39 years of age. Data analysis using thematic analysis uncovered the global theme of “Transitional Culture Impacting the Therapeutic Experience.” The major organizing themes and basic themes have been elaborated as well. In essence, the study concludes that the increased awareness and acceptance of psychotherapy in urban India, combined with the exposure to Western methodologies, may be related to an increase in the expectations for similar therapeutic services. Implications and recommendations have been discussed.

POORANA CHANDROTHAYA CHENTHURAM (PCC), A SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE PROTECTS AGAINST SCOPOLAMINE‐INDUCED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

AbstractBackgroundIndian Systems of Medicine (ISM) are considered to be of native medical systems which were assimilated into Indian culture. ISM comprising of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani and Siddha which are in practice since time immemorial much before the recognized health system came into existence. In Siddha system, higher order pharmaceutical forms of medicine called PCC are predominantly prepared with metals and minerals through well‐coined pharmaceutical procedures and techniques that have been inscribed in the Siddha literature. The methods which convert the toxic metals/ minerals into compatible form that fits for human consumption. It has the privilege that these drug forms can cure many chronic diseases, in precise dosage. PCC is an imperative medicine which contains gold, mercury and sulphur in defined quantity. As given in Siddha vaithiyathirattu PCC is prepared from Gold, Mercury, and Sulphur in a ratio of 1:8:16 and processed with the required amount of red cotton flower juice and plantain stem pith juice. It is well known for its effectiveness in respiratory disorders especially bronchitis, hepatic disorders, renal diseases, neurological disorders, and skin diseases. However, there are no reports on whether PCC may improve cognitive dysfunction.MethodsWe used RAM and NORT models to evaluate cognitive improvement. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase enzyme was assessed in the brain tissues. Further, protein expression of BDNF was also assessed in hippocampus tissues after the behavioral tasks.ResultRepeated administration of PCC (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg., p.o) before the acquisition trial (T1) explored the object significantly more than the familiar one during the discrimination trial (T2) respectively, showing an increase in memory retention. In the radial arm‐maze task, scopolamine‐treated rats with PCC showed decreased working memory errors as compared to scopolamine‐alone treated rats. Treatment with different doses of PCC showed up‐regulation of BDNF with a significant effect by inhibiting the elevation of acetylcholinesterase activity when compared to the vehicle‐treated group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the PCC ameliorates scopolamine‐induced impairment of cognitive functions in rats. These data further support that the anti‐amnestic effect of PCC recommends it as a promising candidate for clinical trials in patients with cognitive impairment.

‘Research Prospects in the peripheral view of Kartika Nair’s epic Retelling ‘Until the Lions’- Echoes from the Mahabharata’

Indian culture is based on two epics; The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Every Hindu knows about these two epics, other religion people too. There is not any Hindu house which does not know and follow the rituals which are discussed in these two epics. The present generation takes interest to read Retellings of Indian myths which are written by the contemporary Indian English Writers. Indian women like to read Retellings of myths which are written by Indian women writers. Its reason is that it gives voice to marginalized women of the Indian myths. Females compare their unspeakable voice with the voice of marginalized women of the Indian myths which are discussed by Indian women writers through the retellings. This paper discusses the research prospects of one of the well-known epic retellings of Mahabharata Myth – ‘Until the Lions’. It is an experimental retelling of the epic Mahabharata; Karthika Nair writes poetry in the voices of those whose narratives remained untold. Through this epic, Nair attempts to conduct an “inquiry of power” through the eyes of those who do not possess it: most often, the women of the Mahabharata. The story of women we do not hear as much about who were either eulogized too much or were peripheral characters in the story or were powerless queens- Queen Satyavati, Yuyutsu’s Mother, Dushala, Kunti, Gandhari, Hidimbi are fascinating. This epic is the best example to get the knowledge about female experience through the female voice. The objective of this research paper is to discuss research prospects which are applicable to this epic of retelling by the researcher. The researcher applies the theory of feminism to discuss this epic of retelling. The research question is that; Is the peripheral view of Karthika Nair justified as the female voice of Female experience through this epic of Retelling?

(En)gendering diaspora: Negotiating food, culture and women in select Indian diasporic novels

Abstract This article revisits two well-known novels in Indian diasporic writing, Anita and Me (1996) by Meera Syal and The Namesake (2003) by Jhumpa Lahiri, to examine the cultural agents behind the formation and sustenance of the Indian diaspora. The article first establishes the multivalence of food to understand Indian literature and culture and then contextualizes the novel into the tradition of Indian diasporic food writing. By focusing on the culinary discourses in the novel, the article argues that Indian women employ their culinary strategies and ingenuities to produce a cultural version of Indianness, central to the construction of the Indian diaspora. The article draws the theoretical framework from Anita Mannur’s postcolonial concept of “kitchen Indians” to unravel the structural working of gender roles that operate at the foundation of the Indian diaspora.

Targeted metabolite profiling and de novo transcriptome sequencing reveal the key terpene synthase genes in medicinally important plant, Couroupita guianensis Aubl

AbstractThe Lecythidaceae family tree, Couroupita guianensis Aubl, popularly known as Nagpushpa, is a widely cultivated ornamental tree with several uses in traditional medicine. The tree is revered as highly sacred in Indian traditional culture due to its uniquely shaped, fragrant flowers. Considering the significance, we were prompted to carry out the metabolite and transcriptome analysis of Nagapushpa. The flower, petals, stamen, stem and leaf of C. guianensis were metabolically profiled, and it was discovered that the flower tissue contained the highest terpenoid reservoir. A number of terpenoid pathway transcripts were also found in the flower tissue after transcriptome profiling. KEGG pathway mapping was carried out to correlate transcript sequences with the biosynthesis of different types of terpenes. We were able to clone three full-length terpene synthase gene candidates, i.e. monoterpene ocimene synthase, diterpene ent-kaurene synthase and sesquiterpene farnesene synthase. The transcript expression of selected terpene synthase genes was also verified in flower tissue. These cloned sequences were used for in silico structural investigations and protein function prediction at the level of 3D structure. The data presented in this study provide a comprehensive resource for the metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of C. guianensis. The study paves the way towards the elucidation of terpene biosynthetic pathway in C. guianensis and heterologous production of useful terpenoids in the future.

Kathakali character identification – Using deep learning techniques and web technologies for Indian cultural heritage

Technology advancements have proven to benefit every part of our life. It has shown visible results in all domains including medicine, retail, governance, entertainment to quite a few. There are several ways technology has been used for art and culture. In this paper, we examine the use of technology for a 400 year old art form Kathakali, one of the most sacred arts of Indian Cultural Heritage. Kathakali is known for hand-gestures, dance elements, music and sophisticated costumes and makeups. Kathakali is salient part of Indian Cultural Heritage. However, there haven't been much work to promote this part of Indian history. Through this paper, we aim towards taking one major step between our technological field and Indian cultural heritage. We use artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as convolutional neural networks for Kathakali character identification from images. We employ different deep learning techniques for the same and evaluate the performance of our algorithms. We observe that through rigorous parameter tuning and experiments, up to 97.5% accuracy has been obtained. We have personally recorded images of Kathakali from live performances over 20 years. The data set developed for this study contains images for 6 Kathakali characters - Pacha, Kathi, Minukku-Female, Red Beard, White Beard and Kari-Male and have been made available for the public to use in future. We then develop a web platform wherein users can upload new Kathakali images and the platform uses the AI algorithm behind to identify its character type. The web platform has been designed to deploy in a cloud environment so that it can benefit the public. We show how technology advancements can help improve audience reach for such old Indian art forms through this paper.

POSTCOLONIAL IDENTITY IN THE NOVEL THE DUKE OF SHADOWS BY MEREDITH DURAN: HOMI K BHAB`HA’S POSTCOLONIAL THEORY

This study delves into the development of a fresh cultural identity experienced by Julian, a mixed-blood descendant, using the processes of hybridity, mimicry, and ambivalence as outlined in Meredith Duran's novel, The Duke of Shadows. The research applies the theoretical framework of Homi K. Bhabha, specifically focusing on his concepts of Hybridity, Mimicry, and Ambivalence. Its primary objective is to discern how Julian's postcolonial identities evolve based on Homi K. Bhabha's theories and to elucidate how Julian sustains his cultural identity as the narrative unfolds. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research primarily sources its data from The Duke of Shadows, a 2008 novel comprising 314 pages and 21 chapters. The data collection method is centered around note-taking, and data analysis follows the methodology established by Miles and Huberman, encompassing data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and subsequent verification. The study's findings underscore that Julian's emerging mixed-blood cultural identity manifests through hybridity, mimicry, and ambivalence, reflecting the inherent ambiguity in his status as a mixed-blood individual. By the story's conclusion, Julian is depicted as maintaining his cultural identity by continuing to blend elements of Indian and British cultures, even after attaining the title of The Duke of Auburn.

UNVEILING MUGHAL MINIATURES: TREASURES OF PUDUCHERRY'S ECOLE FRANCAISE D'EXTRÊME-ORIENT

Puducherry, one of India's storied historic cities, is the custodian of a vast collection of ancient paintings, miniatures, sculptures, historical artifacts and more. These treasures are meticulously preserved within government offices, museums, art galleries and hotels. This research project narrows its focus to a select group of Mughal period miniatures drawn from this rich and diverse cultural reservoir.The Ecole Francaise d'Extrême-Orient, a renowned French research institute, is located on Rue Dumas Street in Puducherry and is fully dedicated to the thorough investigation of Indian culture, history and society. The institution was established in Puducherry in 1950 and it houses paintings, miniatures, sculptures and antiques in its basement. It is believed to contain about 35 priceless paintings. This amazing collection includes a wide range of artistic genres and materials, from paper and ivory to wooden frames, metal plates and even terracotta surfaces. Among these artworks, the most notable are the ivory miniatures dating back to the Mughal period."The researcher's objective is to examine five specific portraits featuring three-quarter busts of women and love scenes within these ivory Mughal miniature paintings. These artworks offer a concise yet profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. The depiction of women's attire showcases the diversity and elegance inherent in Indian fashion, while the portrayal of love scenes celebrates the cultural significance of romance and emotional connections, thus emphasizing India's deep-rooted cultural traditions. The meticulous detailing within these works underscores the exceptional artistry of Indian artisans, while the expressions and postures of the depicted characters provide valuable insights into the societal norms and values of the era. In essence, these miniature paintings encapsulate the multifaceted essence of Indian heritage."Employing a rigorous combination of fieldwork and historical research methodologies, this research endeavor seeks to illuminate the origins, historical contexts, aesthetic attributes, stylistic intricacies and technical craftsmanship inherent in these Mughal era miniatures. Additionally, this study aspires to unveil the intricate tradition, dynamic evolution and profound cultural significance embodied by this cherished art form.

Loss Of Identity And Agony Of Alienation: An Evaluationof Rohinton Mistry’s Such A Long Journey

The themes of Mistry’s novels centre on empowering patterns in a society that silences individual voices. Superstitions and mental or physical limits are also depicted in his fiction. He is more concerned in exposing the issues facing the untouchables, the underprivileged members of society, and their oppressed status. Indian-diasporic author Rohinton Mistry explores themes of immigration and self-identity crises in his works. The present paper addresses alienation as a worldwide issue with regard to English-language writing by Indian authors. The term primarily refers to English-language works written by writers who are Indian by birth, ancestry, or nationality and which evoke the essence of Indian culture, ethos, homeland, and geography. These works are populated by men who identify as Indian or of Indian descent and who reside in India or any other country in the world. Specifically, Rohinton Mistry’s Such a Long Journey is the subject of this paper.

A Comprehensive Statistical Study on Health and Lifestyle of Adults

‘Health is Wealth’ is a concept which is deeply rooted in Indian culture. We grow up learning this through shlokas as well as stories told by our parents and grandparents. Ayurveda is the first ancient Indian text that speaks about rest, movement, food and nutrition, meditation and emotional wellbeing, which originated more than 5000 years ago. It is considered as a guide for a joyful and healthy life. Health is the biggest wealth for a human being in his/her entire lifetime. One can survive without excess money but cannot survive without good health. Health is something that we cannot buy with money but we can take care of it and we can cure it when needed with the help of the money. Health refers to the physical and mental state of a human being. To stay healthy is not an option but a necessity to live a happy life. The basic laws of good health are related to the food we eat, the amount of physical exercise we do, our cleanliness, rest, and relaxation. A healthy person is normally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic. In recent times, we come across many people fighting with chronic diseases, physical health issues from infancy till death. The primary reason behind it must be changing environment, pollution along with lack of health literacy. The changes happening on a global scale may not be easily controlled by an individual, however maintaining an individual's health and leading a good lifestyle is in our hands.

Sexualized Objects and the Embodiment of Caste Honour: Rape in Dalit Women-centric Movies

Several popular Hindi movies feature attempted rapes and gang rapes, reinforcing the rape culture, which must be problematized. The study analyses selected movies and demonstrates that the caste and gendered form of sexual violence carries multiple levels, the nature of gang rape, rape as erotic entertainment, and an embodiment of caste honour with rape as an element of revenge. These elements are unique to Indian movies as they incite caste honours, and normalize sexual assaults, supporting and glorifying Indian rape culture. The study illustrates the awareness of the culture of caste and gendered honour-based dominant caste ideologies in selected movies and demonstrates how these can legitimize and encourage rape. This could lead to a better-integrated understanding of this rural rape culture. The study argues that the Indian mainstream film industry has mainly portrayed Dalit women’s rape and suggests Savarna filmmakers’ obedience to such portrayals has consequently intensified the hype and reproduction of rape culture in Indian society. Significantly, the last decade has witnessed noticeable accumulations in sexual violence against the subaltern Dalit women aggregated.