ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

READING INTEREST OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN GONDIA DISTRICT: A STUDY

Varsha M Meshram — 2024-02-29

This research is based on learning the interest of college students of the Gondia district reading. The Reading interest is crucial and assists students in acquiring knowledge, honing language and thinking sharply. The research was carried out through gathering the responses of students in various colleges in Gondia. Structured questionnaire survey method was applied. Hypothesis testing and descriptive statistics were applied to analyse the data. The results indicate that majority of students enjoy reading textbooks during their studies, however, many also read newspapers, magazines literature and storybooks. Reading preferences are also influenced by the gender and stream of study. The paper is topped with the recommendations as to how Reading interests should be promoted among students.

AI-POWERED POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS: ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES

S Narayana — 2024-07-31

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into political campaigns has reshaped the democratic landscape across the world. AI-driven technologies such as data analytics, predictive modelling, chatbots, and automated content generation have transformed how political parties engage with voters, manage public opinion, and strategize electoral activities. While these innovations have enhanced campaign efficiency, improved voter outreach, and allowed for targeted communication, they have simultaneously raised complex ethical and regulatory questions that remain largely unresolved. One of the foremost ethical concerns is the invasion of voter privacy. AI tools often rely on large-scale data harvesting, sometimes without adequate consent, leading to the creation of detailed voter profiles that can be exploited for micro-targeting and psychological manipulation. Moreover, AI-fueled misinformation campaigns, including deepfakes and automated bots, threaten to distort public discourse and erode trust in democratic institutions. These risks are compounded by the opaque nature of AI systems, which makes accountability and transparency difficult to ensure.
On the regulatory front, most countries lack comprehensive legal frameworks to govern the use of AI in political campaigns. Existing data protection laws are often inadequate to address the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their application in the political domain. The absence of strict guidelines allows political entities to leverage AI in ways that may compromise electoral fairness and manipulate voter choices without facing legal repercussions. This paper critically examines the intersection of AI and political campaigns, focusing on the ethical dilemmas and regulatory gaps that accompany this technological shift. It highlights global and national case studies to illustrate these challenges and proposes potential policy interventions aimed at ensuring that AI serves as a tool to strengthen, rather than undermine, democratic processes.

IMPACT OF FENUGREEK SEED POWDER SUPPEMENTATION AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Sharda Kusumlatta Prabhulal — 2024-06-30

Fenugreek seeds or methi seeds are an annual herb and use both as a spice and as a medicine. Fenugreek seeds are one of the common ingredients in many traditional cuisines. The benefits of fenugreek are widely studied. This herb has many positive effects on overall health if included in the diet regularly. Fenugreek is one of the oldest remedial plants, native to Central and Southeast Asia, especially India. However, it is also cultivated in North Africa, Mediterranean regions, and the US. Regular intake of fenugreek seed in any form leads to a good health. It is used for the treatment of so many disease conditions like Diabetes, Heart diseases, skin, hair, and stomach problems. It has a potential to control blood sugar and cholesterol level effectively. Present study was planned for the study of impact of fenugreek seed powder as a supplementation. For the study, case study approach was applied. For that total 30 diabetic respondents were selected purposively. Before and after supplementation, blood sugar was analyses at laboratory. The study concluded that fenugreek has a positive impact on the reduction and control of blood sugar level among diabetic patients.

DIGITAL WORKLOAD FATIGUE AND TEACHERS' PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT: A CRITICAL STUDY OF HYBRID LEARNING ARRANGEMENTS

Puneet Kumar — 2024-06-30

Hybrid learning arrangements have added new dimensions to the education system. However, the use of digital devices and online platforms has also increased the workload of teachers, leading to digital workload fatigue. This fatigue is impacting teachers' professional commitment, which can adversely affect teaching quality and student engagement. This research presents a critical analysis of the concept of digital workload fatigue, its causes, effects, and its impact on professional commitment. Based on various research, surveys, and observations, measures are suggested to develop a balanced work culture in hybrid learning. Hybrid learning arrangements, along with technological advances, have opened up new possibilities in the education sector. While schools and higher education institutions have made teaching more flexible and comprehensive through the use of digital platforms, this has also led to a significant increase in teacher workload. Operating digital devices, managing online classes, constantly communicating with students, assessments, administrative tasks, and resolving technical issues have combined to create digital workload fatigue among teachers. This fatigue is affecting teachers not only physically but also mentally, emotionally, and professionally. This fatigue directly impacts teachers' professional commitment, which is linked to their work dedication, motivation, and quality. Exhausted teachers experience difficulty attending to students' needs, lack energy in classroom management, and suffer from dissatisfaction and stress due to a disrupted workload balance. Consequently, student engagement, learning quality, and the efficiency of institutions are affected. This research examines the concept of digital workload fatigue, its causes, symptoms, impact on mental health, and decline in professional commitment. It also suggests measures to maintain both teachers' work efficiency and mental balance, taking into account the characteristics of hybrid teaching. The research utilizes various research papers, reports, government guidelines, and teachers' experiences to understand that technology use is beneficial only when accompanied by appropriate support systems. Ultimately, this research provides guidance to teachers, education policymakers, institutions, and mental health experts on how to maintain work balance, mental health, and professional commitment in the digital age so that the teaching process remains effective, humane, and sustainable.

STUDYING TEACHERS' SELF-EFFICACY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL EDUCATION: A CONTENT ANALYSIS.

Puneet Kumar — 2024-05-31

The nature of education is constantly changing in the digital age. Online platforms, technological tools, and e-learning resources have made the teaching process more flexible, interactive, and comprehensive. In such times, teachers' self-efficacy has a significant impact on the quality of teaching and student learning. This research uses content analysis to analyze key themes related to teachers' self-efficacy in the context of digital education. By studying various academic reports, research papers, government documents, and material from online platforms, factors such as teachers' competence, confidence, training, technical support, psychological stress, and institutional support in digital education were identified. The research revealed that technical training, mental health support, access to resources, and positive communication contribute to increasing self-efficacy. It also found that teachers' self-efficacy directly impacts student engagement, motivation, and academic outcomes. The study highlights challenges associated with digital education and suggests effective measures to increase self-efficacy. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding teachers' role in making digital education effective and to developing policies and training programs to enhance self-efficacy.

BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE RESEARCH PERFORMANCE OF FACULTY MEMBERS OF GONDIA EDUCATION SOCIETY

Arvind A. Bhagat — 2024-06-30

The present study analyses the annual growth rate of research publications and their citation impact from 2010 to 2015 in selected 5 colleges run by Gondia Education Society. A total of 287 publications were registered during this 5-year period, out of which 1,343 received citations. The growth trend in the study shows a sharp increase in publications from 2010 (7) reaching a peak in 2013 (71), followed by a slight decline. In terms of citations, the highest number (431) was received in 2013, while the lowest (42) was received in 2011. Despite the low number of publications, the average citations per article was highest in 2010 (16.57), indicating a high impact of initial contributions. Overall, the findings show that although publication productivity increased significantly between 2010 and 2013, the impact of citations continued to vary from year to year, underlining both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of research performance.

THE INDO-PACIFIC PIVOT: INDIA–CHINA RIVALRY AND ITS GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

Sudhanshu Kumar — 2024-03-31

The Indo-Pacific has quickly become the geostrategically most disputed region of modern geopolitics, a portrayal of increasing India–China rivalry. This competition is no longer just limited to the land frontiers but has extended to sea spaces, trade routes, multilateral forums, and regional states' influence. China's far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), growing naval presence, and port infrastructure initiatives across the Indian Ocean and Pacific Rim reveal a calculated approach to gaining long-term geopolitical benefits. At the same time, India has readjusted its strategic position through efforts such as the Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, and proactive engagement with forums like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). These steps represent India's shift toward a more proactive regional role, seeking to balance China's rising influence. This analysis examines the transforming India–China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, evaluating its causes, expressions, and wider geopolitical connotations. It concentrates on three essential aspects: strategic-military rivalry, economic influence and connectivity, and the shifting regional alliances. Whereas China is pursuing dominance in terms of economic reliance and access to sea chokepoints, India is pursuing counter-balancing efforts through security alliances, regional diplomacy investment, and naval modernization.
The rivalry is compounded by reactions from smaller Indo-Pacific nations, most of which follow a hedging policy—collaborating with both powers while remaining independent. The interference of extra-regional powers like the United States, Japan, and Australia contributes other layers to the regional powers. The study follows a mixed-methods methodology, bringing together strategic analysis, empirical evidence, and regional case studies to map the trajectory of rivalry and its influence on regional stability, freedom of navigation, and security architectures. In order to predict future hotspots, assess strategic choices for regional actors, and isolate opportunities for diplomatic initiative, the Indo-Pacific pivot must be understood in the context of India–China competition. Through a rigorous examination of the major drivers, trends, and likely outcomes of this competition, the study adds to the subtle appreciation of the ways in which the Indo-Pacific world is being remade by two of Asia's leading powers. Finally, the conclusions will guide policy advice that can help to promote a stable, inclusive, and rules-based regional order.

THE ROLE OF CONSUMER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS IN SHAPING MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS

Bharathi K V — 2024-04-30

This study aims to establish the impact of consumer education and awareness in marketing communication. This research employs a systematic secondary qualitative research approach and thematic analysis of the existing literature, industry reports, and case studies to assess the relationship between educational initiatives and consumer behavior as well as the resultant brand effects. Consequently, research findings depict educational forms of marketing as pivotal in increasing consumers’ awareness and understanding of the targeted brands and products. Honest and open communication becomes essential to the development of confidence and consumer engagement. Further, it points out issues including but not limited to information overload and opportunities for the creation of innovative learning models. In general, the study highlights the implications of consumer knowledge in molding the marketing effectiveness and indicates the further research directions to investigate the impact of the educational marketing in the long run and the role of cultural factors in the perception of the target audience.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

S. Metlin Sajima — 2024-06-30

Work-life balance is essential for women entrepreneurs to sustain their business success while nurturing their personal lives. The purpose of this study is to highlight the work-life balance challenges women entrepreneurs encounter in the textile sector. Moreover, this research aims to examine whether work-life imbalance affects women entrepreneurs’ career growth in the textile sector in Kanyakumari district. The primary data of this study were collected from fifty women entrepreneurs in the textile sector. The statistical tools used to analyse the data were percentage analysis, chi-square test of independence and weighted average ranking method. The statistical analysis was done using Jamovi v2.6.44 and MS Excel. The findings of the study revealed that most of the respondents believe that work-life imbalance affects their career growth. Another key insight is that stress was found to be the major problem faced by women entrepreneurs in work-life balance. Eventually, this research provides suggestions that will assist women entrepreneurs in enhancing their work-life balance.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF WORK LIFE BALANCE AMONG MARRIED WOMEN EMPLOYEES OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT

Ashitha Mariyam Rajan — 2024-06-30

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, achieving a proper work-life balance has become a critical concern, particularly for married women who are employed in the banking sector. This study aims to examine the level of work-life balance among married women employees working in public and private sector banks in Thiruvananthapuram District. It also seeks to identify the key factors influencing work-life balance, including job stress, working hours, organizational support, and family responsibilities, while analyzing the impact of demographic variables such as age, number of dependents, years of experience, and job position. A sample of 130 respondents was selected through a structured questionnaire, and the data collected was analyzed using various statistical tools such as percentage analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. The findings reveal that public sector employees generally experience a better work-life balance compared to their private sector counterparts. Organizational support and flexible working conditions were found to be significant contributors to better balance, whereas extended working hours and lack of supportive policies negatively impacted it. The study concludes with practical recommendations for banking institutions to enhance work-life balance through employee-friendly policies, improved support systems, and an inclusive work culture. Strengthening work-life balance not only contributes to the well-being of women employees but also enhances organizational productivity and employee retention.