Paper Title

EDUCATION, SOCIAL INCLUSION, AND TRIBAL EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

Education is widely recognized as a transformative instrument for social inclusion and human development. For tribal communities, education serves not only as a means of acquiring knowledge and skills but also as a pathway to empowerment, social mobility, and participation in democratic processes. Despite constitutional safeguards and various welfare initiatives, tribal populations in India continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality education, including geographical isolation, poverty, language barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-cultural marginalization. Social inclusion seeks to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources, enabling tribal communities to participate fully in social, economic, and political life. This paper examines the interrelationship between education, social inclusion, and tribal empowerment, highlighting the challenges faced by tribal communities and exploring strategies for promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The study argues that education plays a pivotal role in enhancing capabilities, reducing inequalities, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering socio-economic advancement among tribal populations. Through a comprehensive analysis of educational policies, inclusion initiatives, and empowerment strategies, the paper emphasizes the need for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to tribal development.
KEYWORDS : Tribal Development, Social Inclusion, Education, Empowerment, Indigenous Communities, Sustainable Development, Social Justice, Equity.

Paper Title

WHEN AI DOES THE THINKING: AI TOOL DEPENDENCY, COGNITIVE OFFLOADING, AND CRITICAL THINKING SELF-EFFICACY IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION, A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the cognitive consequences of habitual AI tool dependency among university students in India. Specifically, it investigates how AI tool usage frequency leads to AI dependency, how dependency reduces critical thinking self-efficacy through the mediating mechanism of cognitive offloading, and how AI literacy and AI risk awareness may moderate these relationships. Design and Methodology: This is a conceptual paper. A theoretical framework is developed by integrating three established theories: Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988), Cognitive Offloading Theory (Risko and Gilbert, 2016), and the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989). The framework is supported by a critical synthesis of five published empirical studies. Findings: Six theoretically grounded hypotheses are proposed. The framework identifies cognitive offloading tendency as the mediating mechanism through which AI dependency reduces critical thinking self-efficacy. AI literacy and AI risk awareness are introduced as moderating variables. A moderated mediation hypothesis is developed following Preacher, Rucker and Hayes (2007). Originality and Value: To the best of the researcher\'s knowledge, no published study has tested this integrated framework among university students in India. This paper contributes a theoretically grounded model and identifies two trainable protective factors that may inform evidence-based AI governance in Indian higher education.
KEYWORDS : AI dependency; cognitive offloading; critical thinking self-efficacy; generative AI; higher education; AI literacy; AI risk awareness; Cognitive Load Theory; Technology Acceptance Model; India

Paper Title

WOMEN\'S PARTICIPATION IN THE SEPARATE TELANGANA MOVEMENT: A SOCIO-POLITICAL STUDY

Abstract

The Separate Telangana Movement represents one of the most significant regional movements in post-independence India, culminating in the formation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on 2 June 2014. Women played a pivotal yet often underrepresented role in mobilizing public opinion, organizing protests, participating in rallies, cultural programs, and advocating for regional identity and social justice. Their involvement transcended traditional domestic roles and reflected a broader struggle for political representation, economic opportunities, gender equality, and regional development. This study examines the socio-political contributions of women in the Telangana Movement by analyzing their participation, leadership, challenges, and impact on the statehood struggle. The study also explores how women\'s organizations, students, self-help groups, employees, and rural communities collectively strengthened the movement through democratic participation. The findings suggest that women\'s active engagement significantly contributed to the success of the Telangana Movement while simultaneously enhancing women\'s political awareness and leadership in the newly formed state. The study concludes that recognizing women\'s contributions is essential for understanding the inclusive nature of the Telangana Statehood Movement.
KEYWORDS : Telangana Movement, Women Participation, Statehood, Social Mobilization, Political Participation, Gender Equality, Regional Identity.

Paper Title

ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF STREET VENDORS IN THANE DISTRICT: ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Street vending plays a significant role in the urban informal economy by generating employment, providing affordable goods and services, and supporting the livelihoods of economically vulnerable populations. However, rapid urban transformation, changing consumer preferences, infrastructure development, and regulatory interventions have created new challenges for the sustainability of street vendors. This study assesses the sustainability of street vendors in Thane District from economic, social, and institutional perspectives. The research examines key determinants such as income stability, access to financial resources, business resilience, social inclusion, public perception, legal recognition, institutional support, and the implementation of government policies, particularly those related to the protection and regulation of street vending. The study adopts a quantitative research design using primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to street vendors across selected urban areas of Thane District. Statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, are employed to identify the factors influencing the long-term sustainability of street vending enterprises.
KEYWORDS : Street Vendors, Sustainability, Informal Economy, Urban Transformation, Economic Sustainability, Social Inclusion.