• Healthy Selfishness Among School-Going Adolescents in West Bengal: A Theoretical Analysis

  DOI:DOI:18.A003.aarf.J14I01.010708

Anita Malik

Abstract: The concept of selfishness is often viewed negatively in social discourse; however, contemporary psychological perspectives distinguish between destructive selfishness and “healthy selfishness.” Healthy selfishness refers to the ability to prioritise one’s well-being, set boundaries, and maintain self-respect without harming others. This theoretical paper examines the concept of healthy selfishness among school-going adolescents in West Bengal. Drawing upon developmental psychology, emotional intelligence theory, and socio-cultural frameworks, the paper argues that healthy selfishness is essential for adolescents’ mental health, academic success, and identity formation. The study highlights the role of family, school environment, and cultural expectations in shaping adolescents’ understanding of self-interest. It further suggests that fostering healthy selfishness can promote resilience, reduce stress, and support balanced personality development. The paper concludes by recommending the integration of life skills education into school curricula to cultivate this important trait.

• CENSORING KNOWLEDGE: INDIGENOUS AND TRIBAL LITERATURES, RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES AND EPISTEMIC CONTROL IN INDIA AND AUSTRALIA

  DOI:DOI:18.A003.aarf.J14I01.010709

Gayatri, Dr. Naina Phogat

Abstract: The paper explores the intersection of book censorship and Indigenous/tribal research methodologies in India and Australia, arguing that censorship functions as a form of epistemic control. Rather than targeting only the content of texts, censorship in these contexts suppresses non-Western ways of knowing; particularly those grounded in oral traditions, spiritual belief systems, ecological knowledge and symbolic expression. Drawing on literary, legal and cultural case studies, the paper examines how Indigenous and tribal literatures are marginalized through legal bans, publishing gatekeeping and structural exclusion. It underscores the integration of ecological knowledge within Indigenous cosmovisions, the storytelling function of rituals and the foundational role of oral traditions in preserving and transmitting knowledge. Ultimately, the paper calls for a redefinition of literature as a legitimate site of research and for the recognition of diverse knowledge systems that have long been silenced. Decolonizing censorship, it argues, is inseparable from achieving epistemic justice and literary sovereignty for Indigenous and tribal communities.

• बीकानेर राज्य में कर नीति और व्यापार नियंत्रण (1750-1818): एक ऐतिहासिक और प्रषासनिक दृष्टिकोण

  DOI:DOI:18.A003.aarf.J14I01.010710

लक्ष्मी देवी नंदा

Abstract: यह शोध पत्र 1750 से 1818 ईस्वी के मध्य बीकानेर राज्य की कर नीति और व्यापार नियंत्रण व्यवस्था का ऐतिहासिक एवं प्रशासनिक दृष्टिकोण से विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत करता है। इस अवधि में मुग़ल साम्राज्य के पतन, मराठा प्रभाव के प्रसार, और क्षेत्रीय शक्तियों के उदय ने बीकानेर की आर्थिकी व प्रशासनिक संरचना पर गहरा प्रभाव डाला। कर नीति में पारंपरिक भू-राजस्व प्रणाली के साथ-साथ बाजार कर, सीमा शुल्क और व्यापारिक उपकर जैसी व्यवस्थाओं का विकास हुआ। व्यापार नियंत्रण में स्थानीय मंडियों का नियमन, आयात-निर्यात की शर्तें, और माल-भाड़ा नियंत्रण जैसी नीतियां शामिल थीं। इस शोध में ंतबीपअंस तमबवतके, शाही आदेश, और समकालीन यात्रा-वृत्तांतों का उपयोग करते हुए, कर व्यवस्था की निरंतरता और उसमें आए परिवर्तनों की पहचान की गई है। अध्ययन से स्पष्ट होता है कि इस काल में कर एवं व्यापार नीति केवल राजस्व वृद्धि का साधन नहीं, बल्कि राजनीतिक स्थिरता और प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण का भी महत्वपूर्ण उपकरण थी।

• Beyond the Prescription: A Conceptual and Qualitative Analysis of How Patients in Healthcare Contexts Distinguish Feeling Heard from Feeling Treated

  DOI:DOI:18.A003.aarf.J14I01.010691

Humaira Riyaz1, Dr. Mohd Muzamil2, Sana Majid3*, Amir Ahmad4

Abstract: Background: Healthcare provision exists in a multifaceted interaction of provider patient relationships, resource limitation and cultural norms that favor the biomedical authority over patient voice. Although progress in clinical care has enhanced technical care, patients still report that they feel that their provider understands them as much as technically sound treatment. This qualitative research investigates the psychological experiences and differences between feeling heard and feeling treated in healthcare experiences in patients, and suggests a synthesized conceptual framework to relate these experiences to health outcomes.