Ramakrishna Mission Research Articles

Aerobic Training on the Physical Fitness and Technical Variables of Male Ice Hockey Players

Hockey attained greater level of popularity all over the World and played on sand, natural grass and artificial turf ground. The modem game of hockey demands that each member of the team be able to play in all positions. The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of aerobic training on physical fitness and skill variables of men hockey players. The selected physical fitness and skill variables were hitting and dribbling, To achieve this purpose total (N=30) subjects selected from Faculty of General Adapted Physical Education and Yoga, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Coimbatore. The subjects are selected by purposive sampling method. The subjects are equally divided into two groups namely group - I (n - 15) Aerobic training with Skill Training group and group –II (n - 15) acted as control group. Their age ranged between 18 to 25 years. The physical fitness variable cardio respiratory endurance was measured with 12 minutes run/walk test and skill variables namely dribbling was tested with SAI Hockey Skill Test. The training periods consists a total of eight weeks, which includes training for 5 days a week from evening 5 to 6 pm. The collected data were treated with paired ‘t’ test. The results of the study shows that aerobic training play a significant role in improving physical fitness variables namely cardio respiratory endurance and skill performance variables namely hitting and dribbling of college men hockey players.

Evaluation of hepatic and renal functional changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: In this era of laparoscopic surgery, with the use of carbon dioxide insufflation in creating pneumoperitoneum for ease of trocar insertion and visualization of anatomy, it comes certain systemic changes in the patient due to the compression effect of the gas as well as resorption of it through peritoneum. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess baseline standards of hepatic and renal functional status in pre-operative patients in comparison with post-operative patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Materials and Methods: Cases were chosen among the persons who presented with chronic calculus cholecystitis to the surgical out-patient department of Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata. Pre-operative liver function tests (LFT) and renal function tests (RFT) values were recorded. Again, LFT and RFT values were evaluated on post-operative day 1 (POD1) and POD12. Results: Serum conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, aspartate amino transaminase, alanine amino transaminase, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate values increases immediate postoperatively on POD1 but returns to normal pre-operative levels on POD 12. Serum alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and creatinine values decrease on POD1 and return to normal pre-operative values in POD 12. Conclusion: Hepatic and renal function changes in the immediate post-operative period of 24 h following LC. This change is transient and returns to normal levels within POD 12.

Genetic Diversity and Yield Component Analysis in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss.

Background: Researchers in Indian mustard have made minimal progress in breaking the yield barrier due to limited genetic resources. To increase productivity, a combination of molecular markers and morphological features is advised to boost productivity. The purpose of current work is to characterise polymorphic SSR markers, determine genotype variability, identify suitable parents for hybridization and understand key yield factors. Methods: In 2020-21, twenty-eight Indian mustard varieties and advance breeding materials were evaluated at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute’s experimental field in Narendrapur, West Bengal, using statistical techniques to assess genetic estimates and molecular diversity using twenty identified polymorphic SSR primers out of thirty tested primers. Result: The study found that the number of siliqua per plant and primary and secondary branches are crucial yield components determined by correlation and path analysis. The high heritability of ten traits was observed. Genotypes were divided into four clusters with both Mahalanobis’s D2 and molecular diversity analysis, with 1000 seed weight and plant height showing the highest degree of divergence. But the composition of genotypes varied in two types of clusters. Ra1F09 and Ra2B02, SSR markers, showed greater PIC values and heterozygosity among the twenty polymorphic SSR primers. Hybridization between PM25 and high oil content genotypes from cluster I, such as Sanjukta Asech and Kranti, is proposed to produce segregants with high yield, oil content and early maturity.

Response of transplanted kharif rice to organic liquid formulations in a red and lateritic soil of Jharkhand

To evaluate the influence of organic liquid formulations on transplanted rice, a field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 using 6 treatments (Control i.e. water, Panchagavya, Sasyagavya, Amritpani, Jeevamruth and Kunapajala) in four times replicated randomised block design. Results explored that application of Kunapajala @6% at 30 and 60 days after transplanting registered maximum growth (322.5 tillers/m2,103.6 cm plant height, 24.5 leaves/plant, 1475.1 g/m2 dry matter accumulation). Further, Kunapajala spray attained 30.4%, 4.3%, 11.8%, 14.6%, 45.5%, 43.2% and 45.6% higher panicles/m2, panicle length, grains/panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield of rice, respectively, over control. However, use of Jeevamruth also performed well and remained as second-best option. Kunapajala spray further provided maximum economic profitability (net return of Rs. 83,233/ha and B:C ratio of 3.17) and therefore, it can be recommended for organically kharif rice cultivation.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 11, No. 5

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 5Dipankar Chatterjee, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, IndiaLingkai Kong, Izmir University of Economics, TurkeyMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshNadarajah Pushparajah, University of Jaffna, Sri LankaNAZIAH ABD. KADIR, Universiti Selangor, MalaysiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com

A-007 Cardiomyocyte-monocyte Cross-talk Exploits Cellular Stress Pathways Leading to Myocyte Apoptosis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy of Idiopathic Origin

Abstract Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent form of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) results in dilation and disruption of pumping mechanism of heart. Most strikingly, about 50% DCM cases do not have any identified aetiology, hence known as idiopathic DCM (IDCM). The aim of this study is to investigate major inflammatory markers and cellular stress pathways in the circulating leukocytes and cardiomyocytes to find out the cross-talk between these cell types in vitro condition by mimicking the in vivo inflammatory milieu. Methods The study is divided into two parts, first part comprising patient study and the second part is the in vitro cell culture based mechanistic study. 50 IDCM patients and 30 age and sex matched control subjects were recruited from our in-house Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan (RKMSP) hospital based on their NYHA discomfort criteria followed by intra thoracic echocardiography. Exclusively the IDCM subjects were selected for this study. Blood was collected from the patients for biochemical and inflammatory parameters and to isolate PBMCs. mRNA and protein expressions were studied by real time PCR and immunoblotting respectively. H9C2 cardiomyocyte cells alone or with LPS-activated THP-1 monocyte/macrophage line were co-cultured in presence of the major inflammatory cytokines in the same in vivo concentration as found in the IDCM patients in presence or absence of ER stress agonist or antagonists. Immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and immunoblotting were done for markers specific to myocyte stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Results Inflammatory and cardiac blood biomarkers NLR, hs-CRP, IL-6, pro-BNP and troponin-I were found to be significantly high (P < 0.05) in IDCM. Subsequently, the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory genes TNF-α (2.6 fold), IFN-γ (10.2 fold), IL-1β (8.5 fold) and NF-κβ (2.427 fold) were all significantly increased (P < 0.05). Looking into the cellular stress pathways, we further found upregulations of antioxidant genes SOD (2.59 fold) and catalase (2.17 fold) and ER stress markers Grp78 (2.794 fold), CHOP (3.407 fold), IRE1-α (2.104 fold) and ATF-6 (40.618 fold) mRNA expression in the PBMCs. When we stimulated the H9C2 cardiomyocytes with IL-1B and TNF-α at comparable conc. as found in the IDCM patients, the ER stress and inflammation were observed. Further, when we co-cultured these H9C2 with LPS stimulated THP-1 macrophages an exaggerated inflammation and myocyte stress was observed that led to apoptosis of the cells. Interestingly using ER stress inhibitor TUDCA, remarkably blocked the apoptosis and promotes cell survival. Conclusion Our results showed that a systemic inflammation caused by stressed PBMCs leads to cardiac deterioration and dilation in the unknown DCM cases. So far we have established that an exaggerated inflammation induce the circulating PBMCs to migrate and infiltrate the cardiac musculature where they induce oxidative stress and ER stress to the cardiomyocytes leading to apoptosis of the later. In long run these unknown forms of dilated cardiomyopathy patients suffer from a dilated heart due to a decline in the myocyte population. Our findings may warrant for a treatment strategy that alleviate the intracellular stress of the circulating leukocytes and cardiomyocytes to minimize the inflammatory changes of the heart.

Swami Vivekananda's Enduring Legacy: Inspiring Education, Global Unity, and Social Transformation

Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian Hindu monk and philosopher, made significant contributions to education, spiritual understanding, and the global promotion of Indian philosophies. His emphasis on the essential unity of all religions and cultures promotes tolerance, respect, and a global perspective. His call for active learning, critical thinking, and the application of practical knowledge aligns with modern educational needs. His vision of education as a tool for social transformation and the importance of individuality and freedom in the learning process resonate with contemporary discussions on holistic development. The Ramakrishna Mission, established based on his principles, continues to impact society by providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. Swami Vivekananda's teachings, rooted in spirituality and compassion, offer a timeless guide for individuals seeking personal growth and striving to make a positive difference in the world, making his philosophy a source of inspiration and guidance for humanity at large. His legacy continues to inspire people from diverse backgrounds to explore the depths of Vedanta, engage in social service, and contribute positively to a harmonious world.

Influence of Organic Nitrogen Sources on Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation in the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 following the three times replicated randomized block design with 7 organic N sources (control, 100% FYM, 100% vermicompost (VC), 100% Karanj cake (KC), 50% FYM +50% VC, 50% VC +50% KC, 50% FYM +50% KC) to study the response of transplanted aromatic rice to various organic N sources. The results expressed that N applied through manures ensured higher plant response over control and specifically, that through 50% VC +50% KC recorded the maximum plant height, tillers/m2 and leaves/plant. Further, this combined application of VC and KC also recorded maximum productive tillers/m2 (199.3), panicle length (24.1 cm), filled grains/panicle (172.8), test weight (22.9 g), grain yield (7.37 t/ha), straw yield (9.08 t/ha) and harvest index (44.8%) resulting in higher gross return (₹4,83,590/ha), net return (₹3,37,079/ha) and B:C (3.30). 100% N applied through KC remained as the second-best alternative in ensuring high growth, yield and profitability in aromatic rice.

System spectrum analysis and six-month outcome of patients with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 at a tertiary hospital in eastern India

Background: Whilst there are plenty of studies on patients with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (PIMS-TS), there is a scarcity of studies worldwide regarding follow up of these patients. Objectives: To assess the clinical, laboratory and imaging data and outcome of patients with PIMS-TS in the 6-month follow-up. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences,Ramakrishna Mission, Seva Pratisthan, Kolkata, India on all children under 12 years of age admitted from 1st March to 31st August 2021 with World Health Organisation criteria of PIMS-TS. Main outcome measures: Clinical features of different systems, routine laboratory investigations, liver and renal function tests, acute phase reactants, cardiac markers like NT-proBNP, urine analysis, echocardiogram, ultrasonography of abdomen and magnetic resonance imaging of brain. Results: Twenty-one patients (13 male, 8 female) were included in this study. Median age of presentation was 3 years; 3 patients had pre-existing comorbidities; all patients had elevated inflammatory markers at baseline; 14 patients had significant findings on echocardiography on admission; all patients were discharged in stable condition. At the 6-month follow-up, 2 patients had raised C-reactive protein; significant dilatation of coronary artery persisted in 2 patients; gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, cutaneous manifestations and neurological features resolved in all patients. Conclusions: Though many patients had very serious presentations, most of them were completely free clinically, laboratory-wise and imaging-wise by 6 months. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2023: 52(2): 195-201

CLINICO- RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF IDIOPATHIC CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS FOLLOWING PONSETI TECHNIQUE

Introduction: Idiopathic clubfoot or congenital talipes equinovarus is the most common orthopedic congenital deformity. Club foot affects roughly one in every 1000 live births, and it is bilateral in about half of the cases. The four components of a congenital club foot are cavus, adduction, varus, and equinus. The treatment's purpose is to address four abnormalities and keep them corrected so that the patient can have a functional, pain-free plantigrade foot. Aims: To identify the minimum set of outcomes that should be collected in clinical practice and reported in research related to the care of children with idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). Materials and Methods: The present study was a Observational study. This Study was conducted from 03/08/2005 to 02/08/2007 at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences. Total 37 patients were included in this study. Result: we found that a relatively low clinical outcome as compared to ndings by other authors who have reported excellent treatment outcomes that have ranged from 82.4% to 97% and In this study 62.6% of the patients reported no pain, an evidence of good functional outcomes associated with the Ponseti conservative method of treatment compared to the surgical soft tissue release. Conclusion: The functional outcomes are equally good with the majority of patients reporting no pain, being able to wear shoes of their liking and having no limitation during walking or running. This is a sign of an improved life style and quality of life and correlates with good patient and caregiver satisfaction.

National Education Policy-2020 and Ancient Indian Education System: A Case Study on the Students’ Homes & Hostels of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

Swami Vivekananda, a visionary saint opined that “The old institution of ‘living with the guru’ and similar systems of imparting education are needed. What we want are western science coupled with Vedanta, brahmacharya as the guidance motto, and shraddha and faith in one’s own self.” In this context India is adapting National Education Policy-2020 which is being guided by the rich heritage of ancient and eternal Indian knowledge and thought. This policy document clearly states that, the aim of education in ancient India was not just the acquisition of knowledge as preparation for life in this world, or life beyond schooling, but for the complete realization and liberation of the self. Ramakrishna Math and Mission since its inception, along with spiritual and other service activities have taken up many initiatives in imparting quality education based on ancient Indian values and uplifting the society. This study is focused on throwing light on the contributions of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in imparting education based on ancient Indian education system through its Students’ Homes & Hostels and also orphanages in India which may considered as Gurukuls of new India. This study is based entirely on secondary data.

Sevā Through the Eyes of Practitioners: Reflections on Service in the Ramakrishna Mission and the Mata Amritanandamayi Math

Sevā Through the Eyes of Practitioners: Reflections on Service in the Ramakrishna Mission and the Mata Amritanandamayi Math

Macro-microscopic and HPTLC Atlas of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. Fruit

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,277-287.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.030Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy, Achintya Kumar Mandal, Shakila Ramachandran, Senthilvel Govindaraju, and Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan Author(s) affiliations:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy1,*, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy2, Achintya Kumar Mandal1, Shakila Ramachandran1, Senthilvel Govindaraju1, Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan1 1Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, A. A. Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. (Family Leguminosae) is a large annual or perennial climber with a terete glabrous stem, native to Indo-Malaysian and also distributed in tropical, subtropical regions. C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC. is generally confused with another closely related species i.e. C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC (Jack bean). The tender pods of both the above species have close similarity in morphology, especially shape and size of fruit, therefore it is difficult to differentiate on their vegetative and also fruiting stages. The plant C. ensiformis mentioned as a synonym of C. gladiata in many of the earlier literature though they are 2 different taxa. Some authors published different colour seeds in the name of C. gladiata. It is doubtful if C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC. or C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC was studied during that analysis. Objectives: A systematic pharmacognostical study has been executed to identify the correct botanical source. Materials and Methods: All the studies were carried out by standard procedures in Pharmacopoeias and other authentic literature. Results: Macroscopically surface characters followed by odour and taste, anatomically TS of the pericarp, plecenta, testa, cotyledon and radical, powder microscopically epidermal cells with stomata and prismatic crystal cystolith, trichomes, testa palisade cells, sclereids with different shape and size, brownish content, starch grains, tracheids, fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the unique diagnostic characters observed. HPTLC with different spots having unique Rf values in the pericarp, testa, cotyledon and seeds will be helpful for critical identification of the species. Conclusion: The findings of the present study will be helpful in the identification and differentiation of related species as the whole drug or in powder form. Keywords:Jack bean, Seed anatomy, Sword bean, Vegetable Crude Drug.View:PDF (1.49 MB)

Diversity of mite fauna associated with some fruit trees in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India with their economic importance

The present paper reports the occurrence of 7 types diseases occurring on 12 species medicinal plants of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India. For each plant the disease symptoms and pathogen involved have been discussed.

Severity Of Oral Carcinoma With Respect To Various Addictions- A Study In WestBengal

Intake of oral and smoking tobacco, alcohol, betel nut, etc., with poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, and other variables are risk factors for oral cancer. The aim of the study is to determine whether there is any connection between the use of addictions, the location of cancer, and the age of the persons chosen from West Bengal's population. 104 patients with histopathologically confirmed oral cancer from the outpatient ENT head and neck surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery departments of the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan in Kolkata were chosen for the study, along with 100 controls. The controls and effected individuals completed a detailed questionnaire to provide information on their age, sex, addictive behaviors, and where their lesions were located, among other things. Microsoft Excel software was used to statistically evaluate the acquired data. Together with a strong connection seen in the occurrence of oral lesions in the palate region of the buccal cavity, a substantial association was seenbetween the occurrence of this malignancy and the number of addictions of the persons (p value 0.03). (p value 0.06). Age, however, does not significantly correlate with this cancer, emphasizing the significance of the concerned people' frequency and length of exposure to numerous risk factors.

Improvement in Visual and Auditory Reaction Time with Reduced Detraining Effects of Yogic Breathing ManoeuversA Non Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Earlier, different components of yoga i.e., asanas (static physical postures), Yoga Breathing Manoeuvers (YBM) and meditation were reported to have different magnitude of effects on reaction time. YBM showed greater magnitude of effects on Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART), than that of asanas in different groups of subjects. So, to observe the effect of different proportions of asanas and YBM in a yoga program on reaction time, with its possible applications in training and in detraining management, the study was undertaken. Aim: To study the effects of asanas and YBM in different proportions on VRT and ART among the same subjects to explore the magnitude of its effects for applications in training and detraining management. Materials and Methods: This interventional non randomised controlled study was conducted in the Department of Sports Science and Yoga, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur Math, West Bengal, India, from July 2019 to September 2019 on 32 healthy, male, undergraduate student volunteers in the age group of 19 to 21 years. Subjects were divided into two groups i.e., Yoga Group (YG) and Control Group (CG). CG did not practice yoga. YG practiced yoga for 45 minutes daily, six days per week for 12 weeks. Total time of practicing YBM gradually increased every week. For the first two weeks it was a session of 45 minutes and from 3rd week YBM was increased by 1-2 minutes every week up to 6th week. Then, at 7th week it increased by 8 minutes. From 8th week to 10th week it increased by 1-2 minutes in every week. On 11th and 12th week it increased 10-12 minutes on average. Up to 6th week they practiced mostly all asanas. From the 7th week to 12th week mostly YBM were practiced. Thus, at the end of 6th and 12th week, effect of greater duration of mostly all asanas and YBM, respectively were available. Measurements of VRT and ART were taken by ‘Audio- VRTr’, at baseline, 6th week and 12th week end of training on both groups. Study design helped to observe separately the effect of greater duration of asana and YBM practice on same group of subjects. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were done by repeated measures of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and unpaired t-test, respectively. Results: Both YG and CG had similar age, body weight and body fat percentage and activity pattern. So, groups were homogeneous in nature. VRT and ART were improved significantly (p-value<0.001) by greater practice of asanas for 6 weeks. Similarly greater YBM practice on subsequent six weeks showed further improvement (p-value<0.001) in both parameters, which even masked the natural detraining effects of these parameters due to withdrawal of asana practice, which was reflected in the magnitude of improvement (as obtained from the % calculation from difference of mean values between two time points like baseline to 6th week end) at the 6th week end (VRT: 7.4%, ART: 7.8%) as compared to that of 6th to 12th week end (VRT: 10.4%, ART: 11.6% ). YG showed significantly (p-value<0.001) faster VRT and ART than those of CG at the 6th and 12th week end. Conclusion: Judicious selection of the proportion of asanas, YBM and meditation in a yoga program, optimise Central Nervous System (CNS) arousal with better VRT and ART. YBM helped to reduce detraining effects of reaction time due to the curtailment of asana practice. This might have application in any training and also to counteract detraining effects in sports and among recuperative patients.

On a collection of (Insects, Acari) some insects and mites from medicinal plants of Ramakrishna mission, Narendrapur (India: West Bengal, Dist south 24 Paraganas)

A total 37 species of mites (under 22 genera, 9 family and 2 orders) and 17 species of insects (under 14 genera,11 family and 3 orders) has been recorded from 99 medicinal plants grown in three medicinal plant gardens of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, collected during November 2021 - July 2022. Out of 37 species of mites, 23 species belonged to phytophagous group and 13 species predatory groups respectively. Among the phytophagous and predatory mites, Brevipalpus phoenicis, Petrobia harti, Steneotarsonemus spinki and Aceria guerreronis were found to be serious pests causing damage to their respective host plants, while Gynaneseius eharai, Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius finlandicus were found to be promising predatory mites feeding mostly upon Tetranychidae and Eriophyidae pest mites. In case of insects, 16 species was recorded as phytophagous and only 1 species (Scolothrips sexmaculatus) was predatory in nature. Among the phytophagous insects 3 species. Aphis nerii, Aspidiotus destructor, Kola vesta found to occur abundantly on the medicinal plants, causing serious damage symptoms to their respective host plants. The present study also recorded 25 mite species and 10 insect species shows new host records.

A note on some unreported diseases of medicinal plants in medicinal plants garden of Ramkrishna Mission, Narendrapur (West Bengal)

The present paper reports the occurrence of 7 types diseases occurring on 12 species medicinal plants of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India. For each plant the disease symptoms and pathogen involved have been discussed.

A Preliminary Report on the Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Faunal Diversity of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College and Boys’ Home Campus, Rahara

A Preliminary Report on the Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Faunal Diversity of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College and Boys’ Home Campus, Rahara

Case Article—GAP: A Humanitarian Initiative of Ramakrishna Mission for Underprivileged Children

Conventional textbook models of profit-maximizing firms are generally unsuitable for understanding and modeling the objectives of a nonprofit organization. Closing this gap is especially important as nonprofits, regarded as the third pillar of the society, are increasingly prevalent along with the government and the for-profit businesses. GAP, a humanitarian project undertaken by Ramakrishna Mission (RKM), a large nonprofit organization in India, has been highlighted in our case. Our case serves three pedagogical objectives: (i) understanding the cost structure that is specific to the GAP project, (ii) applying break-even analysis, and (iii) quantitative modeling of the nonprofit’s decision-making problem using a simple spreadsheet modeling approach. The case has been tested across a diverse set of courses across different MBA programs at two public business schools in India. In all those courses, students found the case challenging but were appreciative of the hands-on experience gained by working on a real-life decision-making problem.