Peer Reviewed Journal
THE IMPACTS OF THE WOOD INDUSTRY ON THE NATIONAL ECONOMY: COMPARISON OF CANADA & SRI LANKA
Compared with the development of other industries operating in Sri Lanka, the wood industry needs to show faster progress. Sri Lanka’s wood-related products have the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, in Canada, the highest contribution to the country’s GDP is from wood products. In contrast, there is a local demand for wood products in Sri Lanka and some foreign customers. However, whether wood-related products are being exported sufficiently needs to be clarified. At the same time, we need to identify Pre Covid-19 epidemic and post-pandemic wood prices and the market. In the post-pandemic, the adverse economic situation affected most consumers in Sri Lanka. The study aims to seek better ways to earn a higher income for the local wood producers and export them to gain dollars. This study is based on a mixed methodology using both primary and secondary data using an interview method and a questionnaire to collect data. The study indicates that a timber council of experts in countries such as Canada and Malaysia contribute more to the wood industry’s progress. Moreover, government support for these industries is high in these countries. However, in Sri Lanka, machinery and raw materials prices are comparatively higher, especially after the pandemic. Therefore, the prices of wood products also raised. This causes a decline in the demand for both local and foreign markets. At the same time, timber smuggling is common in Sri Lanka, and the existing laws and regulations must be revised. Furthermore, we found that wood producers are mostly male-dominant; therefore, gender balance and attracting more young, energetic producers for this industry can reach growth. Export of wood products should be simplified, and industry-related institutions, government, and entrepreneurial organizations should have more access to producers.
Keywords: Wood Industry, Wood Exports, Foreign Exchange, Economy
Madushan Gunathilaka & Sanika Sulochani Ramanayaka (2024). The Impacts of the Wood Industry on the National Economy: Comparison of Canada & Sri Lanka, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 123-138.
PROGRESS OR RELAPSE? PREDICTING THE COURSE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN SRI LANKA
Considering the global efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to revive indigenous medicine systems, this paper investigates how attempts to rejuvenate indigenous medicine have transpired in Sri Lanka. I review the concerns of parampara (lineage) indigenous medicine practitioners in their efforts to secure herbs, and I interrogate the role of the Sri Lankan government, herbal manufacturing companies, and tourism industry in making those efforts problematic. By calibrating, assessing, analyzing, and verifying various data, my principal aim is to demonstrate the disjunction between the priorities of the Sri Lankan government on the one hand and parampara indigenous medicine practitioners on the other. My major contention is that the lack of coordinated endeavors between these two factions has been detrimental for the continued survival of herbal species and herbal medicinal knowledge.
Keywords: Indigenous medicine, parampara practitioners, herbal medicine, ayurveda, agrochemicals, tourism.
Madushan Gunathilaka & Sanika Sulochani Ramanayaka (2024). The Impacts of the Wood Industry on the National Economy: Comparison of Canada & Sri Lanka, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 139-162.
TRIBAL REVOLTS AND UNSUNG HEROES OF MADHYA PRADESH’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE
This article illuminates the lesser-known yet remarkable heroes of tribal uprisings in Madhya Pradesh, spotlighting their unwavering valor and commitment to justice. It pays tribute to the often overlooked individuals who defied oppressive regimes and British colonial rule, offering an inspiring narrative that resonates with present generations. From the legendary ‘Indian Robin Hood’ Tantia Bhil to the resolute Rengu Korku and the unwavering Birsa Munda, these unsung heroes championed freedom, tribal empowerment, and social equity. Their stories of resistance, self-sacrifice, and enduring strength echo through time, leaving an enduring mark on India’s cultural legacy.
Keywords: Birsa Munda, Cultural Heritage, Empowerment, Madhya Pradesh, Rengu Korku, Rajmohini Devi, Resistance, Sacrifice, Tantia Bhil, Tribal Revolts, Unsung Heroes.
Nikita Nagori (2024). Tribal Revolts and Unsung Heroes of Madhya Pradesh’s Freedom Struggle, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 163-175.
EVALUATION OF NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES OF INDIA: AN ANALYSIS
Background: The study aims to describe the evaluation pattern of the national health programmes in India to comprehend their effectiveness, efficiency, and public health impact.
Methods: Employing a comprehensive methodology, the study utilizes online databases to collect evaluation reports on key national health programs, categorizing them into communicable and non-communicable diseases to address India’s dual health burden. Examining programs such as the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, National AIDS Control Programme, National Mental Health Programme, and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly, the article provides insights into the type, frequency, and organizations involved in program assessment.
Results: While communicable disease programs undergo periodic evaluations with real-time data collection, non-communicable disease programs, especially the National Mental Health Programme and National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly, reveal gaps in comprehensive evaluations. The discussion highlights disparities in evaluation depth between communicable and non-communicable disease programs, emphasizing the need for consistent assessments. Despite commendable progress in communicable disease programs, significant gaps persist in evaluating non-communicable disease initiatives.
Conclusion: The study concludes that periodic evaluations are indispensable for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Advocating for sustained, inclusive evaluations, the article calls for evidence-based changes to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly addressing mental health and geriatric care challenges in India.
Keywords: communicable disease, non-communicable disease, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Elderly health, mental health
Akash Sagar, Himanshi Arora & Meerambika Mahapatro (2024). Evaluation of National Health Programmes of India: An Analysis, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 177-185.
REFLECTIONS ON THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT TO CURB INDISCIPLINE OF LEARNERS
Although there are different strategies for tackling the issue of indiscipline of learners, the use of corporal punishment has been very popular and contentious. While many people favour its use to curb the indiscipline of learners, due to the associated advantages, another school of thought views it to be too harsh for learners and thus should be banned. In this paper, the meaning of corporal punishment, its forms, causes, and advantages, particularly, the fact that it can deter a learner from indulging in wrong behaviour and help him/her learn better, among others, are discussed. The disadvantages inherent in the use of the approach, such as the injury it inflicts on learners, among others, are also examined. The paper recommends the use of other approaches to curb the indiscipline of learners, while a regulated corporal punishment that will not violate the rules and strategies to achieve effective management of the indiscipline of learners, is also recommended for the schools’ administrators.
Keywords: reflection, use, corporal, punishment, corporal punishment, curb, indiscipline, learner, school
Ige Akindele Matthew (2024). Reelections on the Use of Corporal Punishment to Curb Indiscipline of Learners, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 187-202.
SOUTH EAST ASIA’S PERSPECTIVE ON INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY AND SOFT POWER CULTURAL EXCHANGE DIPLOMACY
This paper aims to analyze the increasing importance of soft power and foreign policy in the twenty-first century; soft power and cultural diplomacy have gained popularity in the field of international affairs. India is therefore unable to avoid this global change. India, an ancient civilization with a rich cultural heritage, is drawing attention from all over the world with its amazing cultural diversity and interesting attraction of religion, making it a potential centre of soft power. For India, the idea of soft power is not a novel one. With its rich spiritual and material culture, India has long influenced the world and its neighbors. However, in the last 20th years, following its economic boom, India has once again begun to reclaim its former allure. However, the government has recently begun investigating India’s historic ties to the nations in the. For the moment, the People’s Republic of China, another old civilization nearby, is emerging quickly and breathtakingly, enthralling the entire globe with its astounding economic growth. Since the beginning of the Chinese dynasty, India has had a strong influence on Chinese philosophy and way of life through Buddhism. However, Indian Sanskrit writings and Vedic thought have also been translated into Chinese throughout history. However, the purpose of this article is to draw attention to India’s longstanding cultural ties to East and Southeast Asian nations through maritime trade, as well as the proactive measures India has made to capitalize on these ties through its ‘Look East and Act East Policies.’ With the growing influence of China.
Keywords: Soft Power, Cultural Diplomacy, Act East Policy, Cultural Connects Religious Connection.
Babuli Chandra Nayak (2024). South East Asia’s Perspective on Indian Foreign Policy and Soft Power Cultural Exchange Diplomacy, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 203-213.
PARTITIONS OF HINDU JOINT FAMILIES IN 20TH CENTURY BRITISH INDIA: A QUANTITATIVE EXAMINATION
This paper will look at the fundamental characteristics of Hindu inheritance law and examine crucial changes brought about by Anglo-Indian courts and legislation regarding the position of members of the Hindu joint family and relationship between joint and separate property. It will pay attention to differences between the Mitakshara and Dayabagha doctrines and illustrate how these differences manifested themselves through a quantitative analysis of partitions of the Hindu joint family during the first half of the 20th century. The findings of this study will suggest the following differences in partitions between families adhering to the Mitakshara and Dayabagha doctrines: first, females family members were more likely to initiate partitions in joint families adhering to the Dayabagha than those following the Mitakshara. Second, widows are more likely to initiate partitions in the Mitakshara than in the Dayabagha. Third, brothers are likely to initiate partitions against other siblings in the Dayabagha, whereas in the Mitakshara, both brothers and sons are likely to initiate partitions.
Keywords: Dayabagha, Hindu Inheritance Law, Hindu joint family, Mitakshara, partitions
Anantdeep Singh (2024). Partitions of Hindu Joint Families in 20th Century British India: A Quantitative Examination, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 215-241.
EXPERIENCES OF PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDERS IN DELIVERY OF PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN TRIBAL AREAS IN MANDLA DISTRICT OF MADHYA PRADESH
The main objective of this study is to explore the experiences of Public Healthcare Services Providers, working in tribal area and perceptions of tribal communities on public healthcare providers. This comprehensive study investigates the experiences and viewpoints of public healthcare providers working in tribal regions though in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) in Bijadandi Block of Mandla District in Madhya Pradesh, India, who confront distinct challenges related to healthcare access, cultural differences, and socio-economic factors. To address these critical issues, it emphasizes the importance of not only improving healthcare infrastructure but also promoting community engagement and trust-building initiatives. This research contributes significant insights to the discourse on tribal healthcare disparities, serving as a foundational resource for evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at improving the well-being of tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, and potentially guiding similar initiatives in other regions with indigenous populations. To accomplish the goals of this study, in-depth interviews with healthcare service providers working in public healthcare centers in the tribal area were conducted, alongside facilitating Focus Group Discussions (FGD) among tribal communities.
Keywords: FGDs, Healthcare, In-depth Interviews, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, Tribal etc.
Shatrughan Prasad (2024). Experiences of Public Healthcare Services Providers in Delivery of Public Healthcare Services in Tribal Areas in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh, Journal of South Asian Research, 2: 2, pp. 243-254.