Indian Girls Research Articles

Positive consumption externality; The right to education for girls in India

This essay addresses one of the most pressing issues in Indian society: the gender-based restriction on girls' education. Using a range of secondary research, including articles and newspaper findings, the study examines the extent of this problem and its societal implications. Despite India's efforts to implement various strategies aimed at increasing access to education for girls, the research concludes that these measures remain insufficient. The study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive reforms and stronger enforcement to bridge the gap and ensure equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

Evaluation of a Menstrual Hygiene Education Program for Adolescent Girls in Rural India

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a pharmacist-mediated education program on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in and around Balagangadaranatha (BG) Nagara, India. DesignPre- and postintervention study conducted over 6 months. Setting/Local ProblemAdolescent girls in India, especially in rural areas, may lack proper knowledge and a supportive atmosphere to deal with menstruation-related concerns. Many myths and taboos also make it difficult or impossible to find accurate information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. ParticipantsThe sample included 585 female high school students who had begun menstruation and lived in and around BG Nagara, India. InterventionAn educational training session provided information about the menstrual cycle, sanitary products, proper disposal practices, and menstrual disorders. Information addressed the psychological and social dimensions of menstruation to mitigate stigma. Educational leaflets about personal menstruation hygiene practices were also provided. ResultsPre- and posttests were administered to assess participants’ knowledge of and practices regarding menstrual hygiene. Pretest scores indicated that 43.8% (n = 164) of participants had good knowledge of menstruation, 86% (n = 503) used sanitary pads, and 73.2% (n = 428) thought that increasing nutritious food was necessary during menstruation. Posttest scores indicated an increase in all areas (p < .001). ConclusionHealth education was associated with an improvement in female high school students’ knowledge of and practices related to menstrual hygiene. More menstrual health education strategies and awareness programs are needed to improve the knowledge and health of adolescent girls.

“Change needs to start at home”: A reflexive thematic analysis of girl athletes' and coaches’ experiences of body image in New Delhi, India

Despite the physical, psychological, and social health benefits of sport participation, multiple barriers keep girls and women on the margins of sport in India. Further, body image concerns are implicated globally as a hindrance to sports engagement among adolescents but are rarely acknowledged in India. Due to a lack of research, the unique restrictions to sport participation faced by girls in India are yet to be understood. Drawing on the Sociocultural Theory of Body Image, this study explored the intersection of body image and sports from the perspectives of Indian athletes and coaches. Twelve athletes (girls aged 11–17 years; football n = 6, netball n = 6) and six coaches (football n = 3, netball n = 3) from New Delhi, India, participated in semi-structured focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was used and we formulated three themes: 1) “To Do What We Love, We Must Struggle”; 2) “What Will People Say?”; and 3) “Hold On To Your Power, Be You”. The themes provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences of athletes and coaches on and off the playing field. The findings shed light on several individual and systemic factors, such as harassment, societal norms, feelings of empowerment, and internalising appearance ideals, that impact girls’ engagement with sport in New Delhi, India. Methods to improve sports engagement, discrepancies between athlete and coach perspectives, and recommendations for sports organisations to combat body image concerns and improve sports uptake among girls in an Indian setting are discussed.

Overcoming Educational Barriers: Analyzing Root Causes and Solutions for Gender Disparity in Adivasi Education

This paper examines the current state of the gender gap in literacy rates and school education among Adivasi populations in India. Despite significant progress in overall literacy rates in recent decades, Adivasi communities, particularly Adivasi girls, continue to lag behind. We analyze the latest data from the Census of India, National Family Health Surveys, and other government reports to quantify the extent of the gender gap in literacy and school enrollment, attendance, and dropout rates among major Adivasi groups across different states. Root causes including poverty, lack of access to schools, cultural norms, early marriage, and lack of female teachers are explored. The paper also reviews recent government initiatives and welfare schemes aimed at promoting education of Adivasi girls and reducing gender disparity. Based on the analysis, targeted policy recommendations are made to accelerate progress in closing the gender gap and ensuring basic school education for all Adivasi girls in India.

Dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision making power and associated partner violence among married adolescent girls: A cross-sectional analytical study in India.

Violence against women is considered a fundamental violation of their human rights. According to the world health organization (WHO), one-third of women worldwide experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision-making on work and household purchases and physical, sexual, and emotional violence against married adolescent girls in India by using a large dataset. Data from the Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) project survey were used in this study. The final sample size included 4893 married adolescent girls. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed to examine preliminary results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision-making and types of IPV. The prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence among married adolescent girls were 28.6%, 22.9%, and 26.1%, respectively. Approximately 44% of married adolescent girls have experienced some form of violence (emotional, physical, or sexual). The likelihood of experiencing violence was 3.64 times more likely among adolescent girls who reported that dowry was demanded by their in-laws than their counterparts [aOR: 3.64; CI: 3.05-4.35]. Moreover, married girls who justified wife-beating were more likely to face any violence than their counterparts [aOR: 1.56; CI: 1.28-1.90]. Similarly, adolescent girls whose work decisions were made by others had higher odds of experiencing any violence than those who decided their work themselves/jointly with others [aOR: 1.34; CI: 1.07-1.68]. The odds of any violence were higher among adolescent girls whose decisions on household purchases were made by others compared to those who decided to make purchases themselves or jointly with others [aOR: 1.37; CI: 1.09-1.71]. The findings revealed significant associations between dowry-demand, justification of wife-beating, decision making power and IPV among married adolescent girls, and suggest policies that help reduce violence related to the predominantly practiced dowry system in the country, and programs aimed at educating adolescent married girls about their rights against violence and empowering them to retain equal decision-making power within their families and reduce their vulnerability to domestic violence.

Iron Deficiency Among the Rural Adolescent Girls in India - A Study of Nutritional Public Health Challenge

Iron Deficiency Among the Rural Adolescent Girls in India - A Study of Nutritional Public Health Challenge

Effect of games and sports on emotional intelligence of college boys and girls in India

Effect of games and sports on emotional intelligence of college boys and girls in India

A Comparative Study of Bone-Health and Associated Factors in Healthy Indian Adolescents and Young Women.

Adolescence is a critical period for the accrual of bone mass. However, few studies have assessed the bone geometry in slum-dwelling girls/young women. We thus conducted this study: (1) to assess bone health in Indian adolescent girls and young women residing in slum vs nonslum (NS) areas and (2) to identify factors associated with poor bone health. This cross-sectional case-control study was performed on 110 apparently healthy unmarried, nonpregnant, nonlactating, postmenarchal adolescent girls and young women aged 11 to 24 years residing in urban slums with the same number of age-matched controls from NS areas. Anthropometric, dietary, physical-activity and bone-health parameters (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography-DXA and pQCT-respectively) were evaluated using standard protocols. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Slum girls were significantly shorter and lighter and had lower dietary intakes of calcium and protein after adjusting for total daily calorie intake than NS girls (P < 0.05). Areal bone-mineral density (BMD) at lumber spine (0.940 ± 0.13 vs1.042 ± 0.15 g/cm2), femur and total body (less-head), bone-mineral apparent density adjusted for volume at the lumbar spine (0.295 ± 0.04 vs 0.319 ± 0.04 g/cm3) and height-adjusted bone density at femur (0.862 ± 0.011 vs 0.905 ± 0.011 g/cm2) were significantly lower in slum dwelling participants as compared to their NS counterparts (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders like sunlight exposure, anthropometric parameters and dietary calcium intake, area of dwelling was still a significant factor for the difference in BMD. The potential determinants of poor bone density and geometry in girls and young women residing in slums include residential location, dietary habits, and physical activity levels. Despite adjustments for confounding factors, differences in bone health between those in slum and nonslum areas suggest adaptations developed over generations of deprivation in these individuals, necessitating urgent intervention.

Review of Rap Music's Rising Influence on Young Indian Girls' Mental Health

This research paper investigates the consequences of rap music on young Indian girls, focusing on the growing community of female rappers. Originating from African American oral traditions, rap music has gained worldwide recognition and has been both admired and criticized for its impact. Previous studies have explored rap’s influence on youth behavior, attitudes, and mental health, addressing issues like drug use, risky sexual behavior, anxiety, and depression. The study examines the profound impact of rap music on Indian society through analysis of digital content from Indian female rappers such as Raja Kumari, Irfana Hameed, and others. The rise of artists like Agsy, Fenifina, DeeMC, and others represents a significant culture shift, with these artists challenging traditional societal norms and breaking stereotypes. This review assesses the dual nature of rap music’s influence, acknowledging its capacity to foster empowerment, self-expression, confidence building, and advocacy for social issues, while exposing young girls to cyberbullying, online harassment, controversial themes, and gender issues, which can adversely affect their mental health. Examining these aspects, the study seeks to offer a balanced comprehension of rap music’s impact on Indian female rappers and proposes strategies to optimize its beneficial effects while minimizing its obstacles. Ultimately, the purpose is to emphasize the transformative potential of rap music while ensuring that the growth of female rappers in India is both sustainable and constructive, benefiting individuals and the broader cultural context concurrently.

Human Rights Violation in India’s Hijab Ban and the Need for Community Advocacy

The Karnataka state government banned the hijab in schools on February 5, 2022, and several women petitioned the Karnataka High Court to overturn it. A panel of three judges concluded on March 15, 2022, that the hijab is not an important Islamic practice. By punishing females for their wardrobe choices, the court stressed conformity above girls' access to education. The hijab prohibition is part of a pattern of discrimination against Muslim women that violates their human rights. With the rise of authoritarianism, a new form of feminism is emerging in which Muslim girls in India are challenging the authorities and resisting asserting their identity and preferences. Previous research has described human rights violations experienced by Indian female students regarding court decisions. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to investigate the human rights violations that have been disclosed as a result of India's hijab ban which employs normative juridical research methodologies. The method refers to a legal research approach that involves the examination of written law from multiple perspectives. The High Court's verdict worsens Muslim girls and women's education-related harassment, trauma, and prejudice. Muslim students removing their hijabs and burqas before entering schools is a difficult topic that requires neutrality. The verdict would affect the Indian Constitution and the Muslim population, especially hijab-wearing women. United Nations (UN) Women has backed all initiatives of India's Ministry of Women and Child Development that seek to advocate for those affected by the hijab ban to promote gender equality and prevent discrimination against women.

Factors Associated with Exclusive Use of Hygienic Methods during Menstruation among Adolescent Girls (15–19 Years) in Urban India: Evidence from NFHS-5

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene is a critical public health concern for adolescent girls in urban India. However, there is a paucity of research on this subject, particularly on a national scale. To the best of our knowledge, this study diverges from previous research, as the majority of prior investigations in India have centered on rural locales, married individuals, and those aged between 15 and 24 years. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic methods during menstruation among urban adolescent girls (15–19 years) in India. MethodA total of 25136 samples were included in this analysis from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5). The Binary logistic regression model has been administered to determine the associated factors of the exclusive use of hygienic methods among adolescent girls. ResultsThe results of the multivariate model revealed significant positive associations between higher education levels and usage of menstrual hygiene management products (AOR: 1.860; 95 % CI: 1.418–2.439), (AOR: 2.110; 95 % CI: 1.553–2.867). Additionally, individuals in higher wealth quintiles were more likely to use MHM products, with the richest quintile showing the highest likelihood (AOR: 5.310; 95 % CI: 4.494–6.275). Attendance at cultural events such as cinema or theater was positively associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 1.338; 95 % CI: 1.181–1.517).Conversely, Lack of access to sanitation facilities was inversely associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 0.742; 95 % CI: 0.628–0.877). Muslim girls had lower odds than Hindus (AOR: 0.576; 95 % CI: 0.520–0.637). Substantial regional variations were evident, with the Western (AOR: 0.879; 95 % CI: 0.759–1.019), Eastern (AOR: 0.747; 95 % CI: 0.654–0.854), Central (AOR: 0.349; 95 % CI: 0.313–0.388), and North-eastern regions (AOR: 0.597; 95 % CI: 0.490–0.727) displaying diminished odds of MHM product usage relative to the southern region. General caste had higher odds compared to scheduled caste (AOR: 1.255, 95 % CI: 1.103–1.429), while other backward caste had lower odds (AOR: 0.858, 95 % CI: 0.771–0.955). ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of addressing inequalities in access to menstrual hygiene products among urban adolescent girls in India. Targeted interventions and educational programs are essential to ensure equitable access and promote overall health and well-being.

Perception, practices and understanding of teenage pregnancy among the adolescent girls in India: A scoping review protocol.

Teenage pregnancy is a subject of concern among adolescents. Inadequate knowledge and misperceptions about pregnancy are major contributing factors to teenage pregnancy. Without a proper understanding, adolescents are involved in unsafe sexual practices, which results in pregnancy. So, perception and understanding are important aspects to explore among adolescents. In this planned scope review, all eligible studies will be identified around the perception, practices, and understanding of teenage pregnancy among married and unmarried adolescent girls. The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) scoping review framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual (2015) will be used for the planned scoping review. The population, concept, and context strategy (PCC) will be used to develop the research question, search strategy, and eligibility criteria. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR) will be used for the findings of the study. For the literature search, authors will use Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate electronic databases with specific words such as "teenage", "adolescence", "pregnancy", "perception", "knowledge", "awareness" and "abortion". The planned scoping review will be helpful in addressing the lack of adolescent misperception, malpractices, and misunderstandings regarding teenage pregnancy. It can provide detailed information about teenage pregnancy in the Indian context. The evidence synthesis and gap analysis will be helpful in suggesting insights into the issue of teenage pregnancy, which will be helpful in future policies and programs.

Demographic correlates, lifestyle habits, and health effects of poor sleep quality in Indian adolescent girls living in a second-tier city

Background: Insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, and sleepiness are common problems related to learning, memory, and school performance. During puberty, sleep habits change earlier among girls in parallel to their earlier pubertal maturity. The changes occur during adolescence in response to maturational changes and increased autonomy and independence. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality among adolescent girls in a second-tier city. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in 150 school-going adolescent girls from three different schools in a second-tier city. The study was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale for assessment of the quality of sleep and an investigator designed pro forma to analyze various lifestyle habits. Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale 6 was used to address the depressive symptoms. Results: Prevalence of poor sleep quality was 9.2%. Pre-bed screen time of &gt;30 min was found in 53% of girls with poor sleep quality. Overweight girls also have poor sleep quality. Good grades (&gt;90% marks in examinations) were associated with poor sleep quality. About 8.3% of girls with poor sleep quality have one or more symptoms pertaining to depression. Conclusion: The pre-bed screen time of more than 30 min in the form of any electronic screens leads to poor sleep quality and poor sleep quality is significantly associated with being overweight. Poor sleep quality is also associated with some symptoms of depression. These all are observed in the girls living in a tier two city, awareness among adolescent girls must be spread to decrease the screen time and they should also be encouraged for better sleep hygiene.

IJCM_30A: A mixed methods study to assess the contributory factors to anaemia among adolescent girls studying in tribal schools in a rural area of Maharashtra

Background: Anaemia is prevalent globally, notably in marginalized adolescent girls. NFHS-5 reports 59.1% anaemia in Indian adolescent girls. Tribal communities face unique health challenges due to their sociocultural dynamics. The national program for anaemia addresses this, but its implementation in contexts like tribal areas is unexplored. This study integrates quantitative and qualitative data for a thorough understanding of anaemia and its control in tribal settings. Objectives: 1. To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in tribal adolescent girls 2. To explore the awareness of anaemia in tribal adolescent girls 3. To understand the challenges in the implementation of an anaemia control program in a tribal setting Methodology: This 6-month mixed methods study assessed anaemia prevalence among adolescent girls in tribal schools. Using complete enumeration, a 200-sample size was determined, with obtained informed consent and assent. Adolescent girls were administered a questionnaire in their local language to collect information on their socio-demographic status and anaemia-related habits like diet and handwashing among others. Haemoglobin levels were measured using a digital haemoglobinometer. Focus Group Discussions with willing girls explored their understanding of anaemia, its causes and complications. Forced field analysis for ASHA and Anganwadi workers and certain Key Informant Interviews were conducted. Data was collected until saturation. Ethical approval with confidentiality was ensured. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 70%, indicating a severe public health concern. Among these, 57.1% had mild, 34.3% had moderate, and 8.6% had severe anaemia. Anaemia in girls was statistically associated with specific food groups and habits. Low awareness of anaemia and operational issues in the control program were also identified. Conclusion: To enhance adolescent awareness of anaemia, efforts to improve their understanding of the condition and its impact are necessary. This research is vital for informing policymakers and health practitioners in refining interventions for this specific demographic in Maharashtra.

IJCM_360A: Do Body Image Concerns Affect Our Adolescent girls? A Cross-sectional Study among female undergraduate medical students in Guntur medical college.

Background: People’s thoughts and feelings about their own bodies are related to their body image. Adolescents want to gain or lose weight in order to achieve the ideal physique in today’s culture due to the developing notion of ideal body image. Because there are currently few studies on body image, this research aims to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the still-developing field of body image perception. Objectives: 1. To find out the proportion of girls dissatisfied about body image. 2. To find the association of various factors with body image dissatisfaction and to ascertain the weight control behaviours adopted by adolescent medical under graduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 300 medical undergraduate college girls in Guntur medical college. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on various factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Results: Body image dissatisfaction was there among 65.3% of the girls. It was found that factors such as higher BMI, sociocultural pressure to be thin and depression were all significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. The most commonly followed weight control behaviours were eating small meals and skipping meals. Improving the appearance and body shape were the main reasons for weight control behaviour. Conclusion: This study establishes the fact that body image dissatisfaction is no longer a western concept and affects Indian adolescent girls to a great extent. Hence, effective interventions have to be planned to increase awareness on ideal body weight and protect our young generation from pressures of negative body image.

Prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Anaemia is a serious public health problem. It is the second-commonest contributing factor to years lost by adolescents to disability and death. Targeting adolescent girls will allow a window of opportunity to correct their nutritional health and improve their obstetric outcomes. Studies in India have reported varying prevalence rates of anaemia among adolescent girls. Hence, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based studies to obtain a comprehensive pooled estimate of the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. Methods We did a systematic electronic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google scholar to retrieve community-based studies that reported the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in India, without any date or language restriction. To estimate the pooled prevalence and heterogeneity, the random-effects model and I2 statistical methods were used. We did subgroup analyses based on geographical region, study setting, method used to measure haemoglobin concentration, and year of publication. Results We included 35 studies in this meta-analysis comprising 152 640 participants. The pooled prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls was 65.7% (95% CI 59.3%- 71.9%). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 99.6%; p<0.001). Conclusion There is a high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. While all regions of the country have a high prevalence, tribal areas need special attention. Targeted actions need to focus on the identification of determinants of anaemia apart from iron supplementation.

Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.

Exploring eating behaviors, knowledge and attitudes of adolescent Indian girls.

Data on the eating behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of adolescent girls in Visnagar, India, focusing on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases [NCDs] and their association with dietary practices is of interest. Adolescence, a crucial developmental phase, sets the foundation for lifelong health habits, necessitating an understanding of the determinants influencing eating behaviors. The research aims to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAP], providing insights for culturally sensitive public health strategies. Through structured questionnaires and Likert scales, data were collected from a purposive sample of adolescent girls [ages 12-18] in a selected school. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were employed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, considering demographic variables. Non-significant associations were found between these variables and demographics. The mean knowledge score was 25.11, reflecting a moderate level, while the mean attitudes score was 99.54, indicating generally positive attitudes. Adolescent girls demonstrated an overall mean behaviour score of 110.93, with a positive correlation [0.72] between knowledge and behaviors and a stronger correlation [0.99] between attitudes and behaviors. Findings highlight the universal importance of knowledge in influencing eating behaviors and emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions considering regional influences. The study contributes valuable insights into the interplay of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to eating disorders in adolescent girls, serving as a foundation for targeted public health strategies.

Assessment of Applicability of Gleurich and Pyle (GP) Method for Determination of Age of Children in 14-18 Years Age-Group at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur

Background, Aim and Objective: Age estimation is also one of the important factors to establish individual’sidentity and radiological investigations play a phenomenal role in estimation of age in conjunction with clinical examination. The aim of this study to assess the applicability of Greulich and Pyle (GP) method for determination of age in 14-18 years of age group healthy population of Jaipur region. And objective is to assess the skeletal age determined by GP method using hand radiography of study population.Method: This study was carried out on total 80 subjects at the Department of Forensic Medicine in association with the Department of Radiology after obtaining due permission and approval from the RRB and IEC of SMS Medical College, Jaipur during the period from 1st July, 2020 to 31st August, 2021 of subjects between 14-18 years of age. All subjects recruited from each age sub-group category viz 14-15 years (Group A), 15-16 years (Group B), 16-17 years (Group C) and 17-18 years (Group D) including equal number of members from both sexes (10 males and 10 females of each age sub group category). After obtaining valid informed consent for age estimation all details,general physical &amp; dental examination was done and recorded in proposed Pro forma. The skeletal age (bone age) was determined using Greulich and Pyle Atlas (2nd edition, 1959)15. X-ray image on computer was comparedwith images on GP Atlas according to sex and most matching image to assess the skeletal age. Images wereseparated in two groups according to their sex and examined by both observers at different occasions to determine skeletal age of subjects and result derived.Result: Among all (n=80), of 81.2% Hindus (34 males and 31 females), 12.5% Muslims (4 males and 6 females) and 6.25% Jains (2 males and 3 females). Correlation of estimated skeletal age by GP method to the chronological age in both females and males showed a strong positive correlation. {r value=0.987 (females) &amp; 0.974 (males)} and for both p&lt;0.001 which indicates that the correlation of estimated skeletal age and chronological age was statistically significant.Conclusion: Study reveals skeletal age lagged behind chronological age in all age subgroups in both boys and girls but the difference of CA and SA is less in girls as compared to boys. The G-P atlas method, although very old but used with caution can yield good results for assessment of bone age in Indian boys and girls, better for girls. Delay in skeletal maturation was observed in both males and females, but the females in the sample matured earlier then the males. Thus, G-P atlas method seems applicable on Indian children. However, studies on larger sample sizes considering other factors may yield better insight into its forensic application.

Girls’ education in Colonial India: a critique on the trajectory of Savitribai Phule in the twenty-first century India

ABSTRACT Savitribai Phule, the first female school teacher in India, with the support of her husband and mentor, Jyotirao Phule pioneered a pivotal role in educating Indian girls in the nineteen-century Colonial India. Her philosophical underpinnings and activism for the education of the girls and the oppressed classes in India are still relevant and inspiring even today. This article primarily intends to reassess the trajectory of her philosophy, policy reforms and pedagogical practices towards girls’ education in the nineteen-century Colonial India even when the demand for compulsory primary education was not raised in India, in the light of twenty-first century India. Before delving into the whole spectrum of her trajectory, it retraces the British Colonial policies pertaining to the provision of girls’ compulsory schooling in Colonial India against which the missionaries, British philanthropic and Savitribai together with other Indian reformers made a series of efforts towards girls’ education in Colonial India.