Indian Culture Research Articles

Comparing the sociology of culture in Bangladesh and India: Similarities and differences in Bangladeshi and Indian cultures

The sociology of culture is an important field that examines how societies create, maintain, and transform their cultural practices and beliefs. In the context of Bangladesh and India, this field is particularly relevant due to their rich and diverse cultural heritage. This paper explores the sociology of culture in these countries, focusing on cultural similarities and differences. Through a literature review of research from anthropology, sociology, history, and related fields, we will examine the historical background of cultural development in both countries, considering the impact of colonialism, nationalism, globalization, language, ethnicity, and religion. We will then present a comparative analysis of cultural practices, beliefs, and values, drawing on empirical data and case studies. This paper aims to contribute to our understanding of the sociology of culture in Bangladesh and India by shedding light on their diverse cultural heritage and exploring the ways in which cultural practices and values are shaped by historical, social, and political factors. By comparing the cultural similarities and differences between these nations, we hope to deepen our understanding of how culture is influenced by the broader social and political context.

Exploring LGBTQ Representation and Identity in 'The Boyfriend' by R. Raj Rao: A Literary Analysis and Cultural Perspective

This research paper critically examines the multifaceted relationship between LGBTQ representation and the exploration of identity within the pages of 'The Boyfriend,' a literary masterpiece penned by R. Raj Rao. Employing an integrated approach that combines meticulous literary analysis and a nuanced cultural perspective, the study embarks on an intellectual journey to unravel the intricate layers of LGBTQ experiences and the profound journey of self-discovery that Rao's work encapsulates. The central thrust of the research involves an intricate dissection of the characters inhabiting 'The Boyfriend,' traversing their multifarious arcs to discern the subtleties and complexities of their LGBTQ identities. This examination seeks not only to scrutinize the narrative choices of the author but also to decipher the resonance of these portrayals within the wider sociocultural landscape of India. Through a comprehensive exploration of themes, relationships, and character developments, the paper endeavors to illuminate how Rao's prose illuminates the spectrum of struggles, joys, and conflicts faced by LGBTQ individuals, consequently amplifying the literary representation's potential to edify societal understanding. Moreover, the study extends beyond the literary realm to contextualize these portrayals within the tapestry of Indian culture and its evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ experiences. By assessing the interplay between the narrative's LGBTQ representation and the prevailing cultural norms, the research endeavors to unearth how the depicted struggles and triumphs mirror the contemporary sociocultural milieu. This juxtaposition ultimately serves to highlight the ways in which literature serves as both a reflection and an instrument of cultural change, fostering empathy and expanding perspectives. As the analysis unfolds, the paper also scrutinizes the narrative techniques, symbolism, and metaphors that Rao strategically employs to reinforce the thematic depth and emotional resonance of 'The Boyfriend.' This examination illustrates how these elements collaborate to intensify the characters' quests for self-actualization, transforming them into powerful allegorical embodiments of the broader LGBTQ narrative.

Diaspora’s intuitive role as cultural ambassador: toward a new cultural sustainability perspective

A major motivation for international travel is to experience cross-cultural interactions. Such interactions may occur outside the typical travel milieus. They can even take place prior to the actual travel to impact travel intentions. This paper focuses on cross-cultural encounters between the members of a community and the diaspora from a potential host destination who live among them. The research investigates the willingness of individuals in the community to travel to the diaspora members’ home country for the first time after having established relationships with them. Affect control theory and relational exchange theory are incorporated into a structural equation model to examine these relationships – focusing on natives of India living in the United States. The study identifies individual warmth and trust formed between the Indian diaspora and their American acquaintances as highly significant factors that could impact the latter’s travel intentions – that is, the willingness of Americans who have not visited India to consider traveling there to further experience the Indian culture. The study provides insights into sustaining the diaspora communities’ cultural identities and underscores their intuitive role as cultural ambassadors outside their countries of origin.

INDIA IS A SPIRITUAL LEADER: MYTH OR REALITY

<p><span>There is a buzzword in the world about India’s being a spiritual leader. The patriot classical Hindu protagonists are advocating vehemently for (re)establishing its old and golden image to the people, especially the students and youths in this vast country and the world as a whole. India just completed the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsab (Nectar Festival of Freedom) by commemorating its 75th year of Independence (from 1947 to 2022). India, henceforth, decided to celebrate the next twenty-five years as the “Amrit Kaal” i.e., golden period (from 2022-2047). During this quarter century, the vision of India is to achieve a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy, reminisce with respect to the Indian struggle for independence and the sacrifice of the freedom fighters, and promote India’s heritage, culture, literature, and language. When the government of India upholds and prioritizes the promotion of its age-old tradition, culture, language, spirituality, and philosophy, a critical group of scholars and thinkers put up multiple problems and crises facing India in the present time. Therefore, a debate is going on regarding the issue of India’s role as a global leader as well as the spiritual master. The criticism and counter-arguments by scholars and social thinkers are neither wrong nor anti-national. This is the beauty and fine characteristic of modern Indian democracy, where every citizen enjoys the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, though with certain restrictions as enshrined in the Constitution. In the run of this debate, the Prime Minister and his team are determined to take India to such a height that every man on this earth can have a taste of its spiritual and philosophical honey juice. Now the question is - are Indian culture, heritage, philosophy, and spirituality so rich and exuberant? What are there in India’s philosophy, and spirituality, and the teachings of Indian sages and saints? Do they have created any impact ever upon the minds and activities of people anywhere in the world? Can India really show the path to the global leaders and general people to end war and conflicts, and bring forth peace and prosperity? This article seeks to examine all these questions and finally explores if the acclaim of India as a spiritual leader is appropriate or absurd.</span></p><p><span><strong>Keywords:</strong> India, spiritual leader, Indian philosophy, Indian scriptures, <em>Amrit Kal</em>, Indian <em>yoga</em>.</span></p>

The Cultural Conflicts on E.M. Forster a Passage to India: From Post - Colonial Perspective

A Passage to India is an outstanding English novel from the early 20th century. This is the most successful novel written by EM Forster. Unlike other writers of fiction on colonial or postcolonial matters, Forster attempts to enrich the anti-hostile communication between British colonialists and colonized Indians in this acclaimed novel. The purpose of this study was to find out the beliefs and attitudes of British people towards non-English people that reflect cultural conflicts.This research uses a quantitative research type. Personal relations between Britain and India at the level of equality are difficult to encourage due to the superiority complex of the British and the nationalist sentiments of the Indians. The novel A Passage to India by EM Forster shows how cultural conflicts between British and Indians occurred repeatedly in India during the colonial period. The English in this novel see themselves as superior and treat the Indians with complete injustice. Finally, a British colonial presence in India was considered a very real possibility and gave rise to an ongoing cultural conflict. The novel A Passage to India, EM Forster illustrates the cultural clash between the British colonizers and the Indian colonized. The belief of British superiority over Indian culture creates a barrier to establishing personal relationships based on equality. This superiority complex and nationalist sentiment lead to cultural conflicts in India, emphasizing the damaging effects of colonialism on both colonizers and the colonized.

IDENTITY CRISIS OF QUEER INDIVIDUALS EXPLORED THROUGH THE MOVIE – COBALT BLUE

Although homosexuality has always been a part of human civilizations, it has not always been positively accepted. From religions to mass culture, we have seen a major objection to homosexuality. This rejection can instill fear in individuals who identify as queer or homosexual. Male loving another male is still consider as a crime and homosexual people as criminals. Even among young people, a sizable segment of Indian culture still views homosexuality as taboo. The movie highlights the controversy around homosexuality. In a challenging milieu, homosexuality is discovered, the ensuing bewilderment and bravado are explored in "Cobalt Blue.".

Relevance of Swami Vivekananda's Social Philosophy in the Present Context

Swami Vivekananda was a great soul of India to whom the present generation is indebted and the future generations will always be indebted. He tried to coordinate the best elements of the cultures of East and West. He kept the greatness of Indian culture abroad, the universal form of religion in a clear and logical form. Vivekananda was a great leader of Indian nationalism. And human welfare was supposed to inspire a person's self-confidence and pride. Swami Vivekananda ji participated in the World Parliament and convinced the Indian culture and mesmerized all the audience present there. In the presented research paper, the relevance of Swami Vivekananda's social philosophy has been studied in the present context

Multivariate characterization of biochemical and physiological attributes umpires Pangasianodon hypophthalmus for a welfare-based open-water cage culture.

The striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, dominates in the Indian inland freshwater cage culture because of its rapid growth and adaptive feeding habits; however, suitable stocking density based on growth without compromising the health of fish is important. Furthermore, fish growth and survival are inversely proportional to stocking density. Many farmers face size differentiation and poor survival at higher stocking densities. To address the aforementioned practical issue, the current study was carried out to study the influence of different stocking densities on the growth performance of P. hypophthalmus in cages. The fingerlings of P. hypophthalmus (10.63 ± 0.27 g) were stocked in triplicate in five different stocking densities (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 m-3), and the fishes were given commercial feed for 240 days. The outcome demonstrated that the fish stocking densities and their growth attributes were inversely related. Stocking density in the range of 20 to 40 m-3 produced the highest final weight, relative growth rate, and specific growth rate. The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in 20, 30, and 40 m-3 than the higher densities of 50 and 60 m-3. The level of serum biochemical markers such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and glucose and cortisol levels elevated significantly in higher stocking densities. The muscle quality changed as crude fat and muscle pH decreased at 50 and 60 m-3, leading to a drop in drip loss and frozen leakage rate. The vital water quality parameters were found within a suitable range. According to the outcomes of principal component analysis (PCA), elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, glucose, and cortisol were detrimental to fish growth. The stocking density of 30 m-3 had the highest benefit-cost ratio (B:C) and return on investment (RI), followed by 20 and 40 m-3. Higher economic return was achieved at lower densities (30-40 m-3). This study suggests that rearing P. hypophthalmus at stocking densities of about 30-40 m-3 could be considered as an optimum for the inland freshwater cage culture which gives the best performance in terms of growth and production in tropical reservoirs of India. The best-suited stocking density is also taken into consideration based on the characterization of multivariate biochemical and physiological attributes.

Evidences Suggestive of Reincarnation based on Indian Beliefs

Ancient scriptures in Indian culture strongly support the concept of reincarnation. Researchers have travelled from place to place to study cases and concluded that over 92% of them were true. This article discusses the various pieces of evidence that strongly suggest the existence of rebirth, describes the characteristics specific to reincarnated individuals, and also methods adapted to prove the existence of reincarnation. The article, however, does not claim that reincarnation exists, for it is still debatable.

Report on the 23rd International Society for Music Information Retrieval Conference (ISMIR 2022)

The annual International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) conference is the world's leading research forum on processing, searching, organizing and accessing music-related data. The 23rd International Society for Music Information Retrieval Conference (ISMIR 2022) was held from 04--08 December, 2022 at the National Science Seminar Complex, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. ISMIR 2022 is the first ever ISMIR conference to take place in India. Due to the changing global landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 23rd ISMIR conference became the first hybrid ISMIR conference, with both in-person and remote participants. The scientific program of the single-track conference comprised two keynotes, 113 research papers, six tutorials, 13 music pieces and five special sessions. The conference also included a Women in MIR (WiMIR) plenary session, industry presentations, a late-breaking/demo session, five satellite events, and multiple social events that showcased the rich musical and cultural heritage of India. In this report, we present a summary of the event, highlighting some unique challenges we faced organizing the hybrid conference and reflecting on the event for future improvements. Date: 04--08 December 2022. Website: https://ismir2022.ismir.net.

Integrative Individuation: An Alternative To The Separation-Individuation Model.

An alternative to Mahler's separation-individuation model of child development is presented to explain differences in the development and experience of a sense of self in Indian culture and other cultures where the Western sense of individual selfhood is not seen as the goal of maturity and adulthood. In the absence of such a formulation, called here integrative individuation, the familial and relational experience of people from non-Western cultures is often misunderstood and pathologized by clinicians. Features of this non-Western sense of self include looser boundaries, different relational priorities, and greater tolerance regarding personal space. Though these differences have been commented on by scholars, a detailed developmental model has not previously been formulated.

Argumentative Discourse in the Culture of Ancient India

The subject of the study is the institution of the ancient Indian dispute, the theoretical understanding of which has become part of the doctrines of all religious and philosophical schools. The “Shraman period” (5th century BC) is considered in detail, during which there was a sharp controversy between religious and philosophical schools, during which effective methods of conducting disputes “crystallized” and developed argumentative normativity. It is shown that the pluralism and diversity of ontological models that existed in the spiritual culture of that time were reflected in the logical and epistemological doctrine - pramana-vada. Thus, in the first (pre-logical) period, epistemological and logical questions were raised within the framework of anvikshika, “the science of conducting public disputes,” and the widespread culture of philosophical disputes and their actual practice were completely determined by the original cultural context. The argumentative canon of the Nyaya school is analyzed, the categories of the Indian and Western European traditions are compared, illustrating the discussion, in particular, of the Aristotelian syllogistic and the Nyayak five-term syllogism, the doctrine of the dispute between the ancient Chinese school of the late Mohists and ancient Chrya. The productive methodological ideas of the polemical strategy of conducting philosophical disputes in late Buddhism are revealed, the role of the dual unity of proof and refutation, as well as examples, questions and tricks, as topoi of the ancient Indian culture of dispute is shown.

Recrimination of Shikandi in Devdutt Pattanaik’s Shikhandi and Other Tales They Don't Tell You

Indian Writing has turned out to be a new form of Indian culture and voice in which idea converses regularly. Indian writers-poets, novelists, essayists, and dramatists have been making momentous and considerable contribution to world Literature since pre-Independence era, the past few years have witnessed a gigantic prospecting and thinking of Indian English writing in the global market. Sri Aurobindo stands like a huge oak spreading its branches over these two centuries. He is the first poet in Indian writing English who was given the re-interpretation of Myths. Tagore is the most eminent writer he translated many of his poems and plays into English who wrote probably the largest number of lyrics even attempted by any poet. The word “myth” is divided from the Greek word mythos, which simply means “story”. Mythology can refer either to the study of myths or to a body or a collection of myths. A myth by definition is “true” in that it. The same myth appears in various versions, varies with diverse traditions, modified by various Hindu traditions, regional beliefs and philosophical schools, over time. Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian Mythologist who distinguishes between mythological fiction is very popular as it is fantasy rooted in familiar tradition tales. His books include Myth =Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, Jaya: An illustrated Retelling of Mahabharata; Business Sutra: An Indian Approach to Management; Shikandi: And other Tales they Don’t Tell you; and so on.

Exploring the Acculturation Strategies Among First Generation and Second Generation

The majority of Indians living in the US came to the US during the Y2K scare close to 2000 and were first-generation immigrants who faced a very different culture than they had in India. Many people had different strategies to adapt to the newness of American Culture. This paper aims to explore and understand the similarities and differences in the acculturation strategies used by how first-generation parents, specifically mothers and second-generation immigrants i.e. their adolescent children. A total sample of 30 respondents reading in Bay Area (15= mothers, 15= adolescents) was taken using convenience sampling. The adolescent acculturation strategies were measured by the Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire (BIQ) (Szapocznik, Scopetta, Kurtines, & Aranalde, 1978), and adult acculturation strategies were measured by the Likert scale. This questionnaire, based on a scale of 1-5, measures biculturalism and lack thereof, as well as cultural involvement and lack thereof. To analyze, a Mann-Whitney U test was carried out. Children adapted to the new American culture, whereas mothers mainly stayed with Indian culture, and children were more culturally involved than their mothers. This implies that children on the whole used their mother’s strategies about halfway through when they began to incorporate American culture into their life.

Management Lessons from Indian Ethos: Evidence from Ramayana

Ancient Indian Ethos are the basis for modern management practices, as they derive serval lessons from them. The applicability of these lessons are helping to solve todays corporate problems throughout the world. One of theMost revered Epic Ramayana, is considered as marvelous epic, first written literature in the Indian Context. Over the centuries, several authors have explored various dimensions of Ramayana ranging from philosophy, spirituality, politics, economics, sociology, culture, literature, language, poetry, technology, and others. However, we find few research work related to understand the relevance of Ramayana and Management. Hence authors have felt the need for understanding the applicability of great principles and lessons in developing management practices to lead effectively. In this conceptual research paper authors have made an effort to bring management insights from Ramayana. This research paper is developed based on qualitative analysis of earlier research papers, Indian epics and Indian ethos. The review of epic provides valuable insights in developing this article. Based on reviews authors have explored leadership style, motivation, ethical values, people management, team building, planning, strategies, decision making, moral values, governance, tactics, principle of control etc, from Ramayana, which provide important lessons for enhancing managerial effectiveness. The foundation for management and leadership is derived from our Indian ethos, spiritual values and culture. This research paper signifies the practical applicability of great epic “Ramayana” in understanding and developing management practices for the effectiveness.

REVIEW ON MULTIFACETED ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF OCIMUM SANCTUM AND ITS CONSTITUENTS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Ocimum sanctum Linn (OS), is the medicinal herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, well-known as the ‘Holi Basil’ or ‘Tulsi”. It has been a part of ayurveda and Indian culture for its tremendous ethnomedicinal significance as it is employed to cure common cough and cold along with bronchitis, skin diseases, insect bite etc. The leaves of OS in particular are widely used for the treatment of cancer. Approximately 15 different types of biologically active chemicals have been extracted, purified and identified from this medicinal herb. The anticancer properties of the crude and purified products from OS have been studied extensively over decades. They showed tumor suppressive, radioprotective, chemo-preventive, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic and apoptotic effect on various types of cancer. This review summarizes the anticancer effect and mechanism of the purified products and extract obtained from OS on various cancers like breast, colon, lung, liver etc. The summarized report would help to fine-tune our understanding on the anti-cancer properties of OS that might open up new horizon in developing natural product-based cost- efficient cancer drug.

Ancient Indian Education: It’s Relevance and Importance in the Modern Education System

Purpose: India has a rich tradition of education and learning right from ancient times and especially during the Renaissance period, the Golden Age of Indian Culture. The major three achievements in education, during this period were the decimal system, the great Sanskrit epics, and the contribution to the sciences of astronomy, mathematics, and metallurgy. The four Vedas, i.e., the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda were configured through ideals, practices, and conducts. The doctrine of action (Karma) occupies a very significant place in the Indian system of education and has evolved during the transition from ancient to modern education. Two methods of teaching were being practiced during the Vedic period. First, the verbal/oral method, and the second based on thinking (Chintan). Current higher education has shown trends of multidisciplinary approaches along similar lines. NEP 2020 also suggests a multidisciplinary approach. Bloom’s Taxonomy defines three domains of learning, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The ancient education system is also based on the three domains, to develop higher-order learning by building up the lower-level cognitive skills. Approach: The exploratory study based on secondary published research articles on the education system in India, seeks to interpret extant academic research on the relevance of the ancient education system in modern multidisciplinary education. Findings: The literature analysis emphasizes that ancient learning systems based on Vedas included many yogic practices. In general, to calm the mind and improve learning, asanas, chanting of mantras, and meditation were done. The same practices are emphasized by HEI, guided by UGC and AICTE. Universal Human value (UHV) has been implemented for all-around personality development and practice of an integrated approach in Yoga. Modern methods to develop memory include the logical method, spaced learning, and rational memory. All of these are derived from the ancient way of teaching and learning. Using the ABCD listing methodology this paper explores the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of the modern education system, both from learners’ viewpoint and teachers’ viewpoint. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.

Looking for Indian Variety of English in Indian Writing in English

The present paper explores how the Indian writing in English has gone through various phases to be what it is today. It was difficult for the non-native writers to present the Indian culture and context into a language which was not their own. In this process, there emerged various expressions which were linguistically awkward from the point of the native users Standard English. Nevertheless, the Indian writers over the years achieved a level where their language began to be not only accepted but also admired even by the native users of English. One can feel the Indian Variety of English in these texts, yet in the absence of any norms or a regulatory body, it cannot be officially declared the Standard Indian Variety of English.

Negotiating the challenges of an interracial marriage: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the perception of diaspora Indian partners

AbstractObjectiveThis interpretive phenomenological analysis study aimed to explore the marriage experience of diaspora Indians who chose to marry a non‐Indian partner and to fill in the literature gap to inform the counseling practices.BackgroundDiaspora Indians have the lowest level of interracial marriage of any immigrant group living in the United States at about 20%. The resistance to marrying someone of another culture and insufficient empirical research in the field makes it difficult for counselors to adjust counseling services when dealing with diaspora Indian interracial couples.MethodUsing interpretivism and phenomenology as the philosophical ground for the research, the researcher explored the subjective experiences of interracial marriage among diaspora Indians through in‐depth interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using coding and thematic analysis.ResultsThe results illustrate those cultural issues, based on the differences between the collectivist nature of the Indian American community and the individualist American culture, caused considerable stress on interracial marriage and were the major driver of therapeutic intervention for the interracial couple.ConclusionThe study identified various coping mechanisms that could potentially reduce marital stress among diaspora Indians engaged in interracial marriage. Findings indicate that the cultural perspective should be at the core of counseling services rendered to interracial couples.ImplicationsMulticultural competence and cultural humility are essential for helping practitioners to understand nuances related to interracial marriage, especially those joining the collectivist diaspora Indian culture with that of more individualistic races and ethnicities in the United States. Future studies in the field may use longitudinal research for observing the evolution of interracial couples while managing their cultural differences and other marital issues.

Watching Cultural Hybridity in Hinduism Myth on The PRISMA Series Road to Baliphex 2022

The Indonesian Philatelic Association (PFI) collaborated with PT. Pos Indonesia launched a special edition of PRISMA stamps to welcome Baliphex 2022, uniquely on PRISMA stamps there are symbols of ‘Wayang Kamasan’ painting (Balinese) and Mahabharata story (Indian) initiated by PFI. Researchers view that the special edition PRISMA series road to Baliphex 2022 is not just proof of payment and an event promotion tool, but as has meaning in each of the symbols that reflected Balinese and Indian culture. This study aims to reveal the representation of Balinese and Indian cultures in the PRISMA series Road to Baliphex 2022. We use Roland Barthes' semiotic method with units of analysis of denotation, connotation, and mythology. The results show that Balinese culture in PRISMA's Road to Baliphex 2022 series is structured through Mahabharata in Wayang Kamasan symbols, Baliphex events, and stamp elements that have denotative and connotative meanings. The mythology that appears in the PRISMA series Road to Baliphex 2022 is the myth of Hinduism, which is the belief of the majority of Balinese people. Hinduism mythology is structured through the symbolization Saput Poleng, Flags of Kober, Merdah and Tualen, Horse Carts, Big Trees, Ornaments, and Temples. The Hinduism mythology in the PRISMA series Road to Baliphex 2022 is not assembled through a single cultural representation, but with cultural hybrids from Mahabharata (Indian) and Wayang Kamasan (Balinese). This research contributes to the thesis statement that postage stamps can be used by the community as communication media to represent a certain ideology through a series of symbols with cultural hybridity.