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The Desire to Escape: A Reflection on the Neocolonial Bearings on Trinidadian Literary Landscape
Under waning colonial power, the second half of twentieth century witnessed mass-migration from the Caribbean to the metropolitan centre of Britain. This generation was called the windrush generation, and included prominent writers and authors from the island nation of Trinidad like V.S Naipaul, Samuel Selvon, among others. The article explores the neocolonial factors that drove these literary migrations and its subsequent influence on the literary contributions of these writers. It discusses, in brief, the idiosyncrasies of their circumstances in comparison to that of home-grown authors like Earl Lovelace. The paper concludes with insights into the contemporary status of this development and its implications. This paper has drawn information from primary sources (fictions of the above-mentioned writers) and secondary sources including author interviews, critical essays, newspaper articles, blogs, among others, to validate the study. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar, Ms. Minu A., Dr. Barnashree Khasnobis, Dr. Preetha M. and Dr. Merrin R. S.; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Tourism Crossroads and Tribal Knowledge System: A Narrative of Vulnerabilities and SocioEthnic Dynamism in Mizoram
Tourism development trajectories and indigenous knowledge systems meet in discordant ways among tribal communities in Mizoram, Northeast India, and have advantages and disadvantages in the perpetuation of culture. Qualitative analysis and case study methodology have been used to examine the sociocultural mechanisms employed by the Mizo community in the negotiations with external tourism pressures that help maintain cultural integrity. Tlawmngaihna (selflessness) is the ethical philosophy that guides Mizo society's adaptation to external influences. The complete ethical system is applied to hospitality and all aspects of interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resource management, and cultural traditions. Findings show manifestations of great transformation in cultural expressionstraditional festivals like Chapchar Kut and indigenous dances must pay attention to tourism calls. Risks to indigenous intellectual property, lack of tribal autonomy, skewed economic outcomes, and disruption of knowledge transmission systems are specific to tribal territories as tourist destinations. Community-based approaches oriented towards local ownership, governance structure, equitable benefit sharing, and indigenous intellectual property protection are crucial for sustainable tourism development. It highlights the socio-ethnic dynamics of cultural transformation in the Indian communities within the tribal setting, with changing relationship dynamics of power generation, gender roles, and generational ties. Proposals are made for practical frameworks for balancing economic development and maintaining sophisticated tribal knowledge systems in tourism contexts. By analyzing the results, the government (policymakers), tourism stakeholders, and tribal communities involved in the difficult decision to balance cultural preservation with tourism revenue will be informed of the delicate balance that must be reached in an increasingly globalized tourism landscape. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Debanjana Nag and Kusum; individual chapters, the contributors. -
How Much Governance Is Too Much?: Framing Future Directions for State Involvement in Sustainable Dark Tourism
With the growing institutionalisation of dark tourism into national heritage discourses and tourism economies, the issue of what level of state intervention is most appropriate has become an urgent and critical point of discussion. Although the subjects of visitor motivations, site interpretation, and ethical dilemmas have been well covered in the existing literature, the role of government in dark tourism has not received sufficient attention. The chapter fills that gap by discussing the diversity of state interventions in dark tourism through a content analysis of pertinent literature. A conceptual framework is developed that indicates five key areas of intervention in dark tourism governance: cultural heritage policy, security and risk regulation, mobility control, heritage protection, and community engagement. These are connected to two clusters of intended governance outcomes: sociocultural goals such as peacebuilding and reconciliation, and experience-focused aims including ethical interpretation and visitor management. Instead of taking a normative stance on whether state involvement is inherently either excessive or insufficient, the chapter advocates for a more situated and reflexive approach. It emphasises the need to understand dark tourism governance as context-dependent, shaped by site-specific histories, political legitimacy, and the tension between memorialisation and commodification in practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Pawan Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Vipin Nadda, Bindu Aggarwal and Ranjeet Verma. -
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION: AI Applications in Assessment, Monitoring, and Therapy
The global rise in neurocognitive disorders, due to aging populations, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases, demands innovative rehabilitation strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming neurocognitive rehabilitation by enabling early detection, real-time monitoring, and personalized therapy through technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, neuroimaging, and wearable sensors. This chapter explores how AI-powered tools enhance neuropsychological assessments, support continuous monitoring through multimodal data streams, and enable adaptive, patient-centered therapeutic interventions. Additionally, it evaluates the ethical challenges and implementation barriers associated with AI integration in clinical practice. By examining the interplay between AI and neurorehabilitation, the chapter underscores the transformative potential of interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches in cognitive healthcare. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
APPLYING SOLUTION-FOCUSED BRIEF THERAPY IN COGNITIVE REHABILITATION: Insights from Positive Neuropsychology
Neurocognitive rehabilitation refers to the procedure involved in helping patients recover or regain some of the lost functions of the brain after an internal and external injury. Specific psychotherapeutic procedures are also combined with these rehabilitation strategies for the maximum benefit of the patients. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a psychotherapy that allows clients to focus their attention on the solution rather than exploring the origin of the problem and focusing on their strengths and resources. It is a brief therapy based on a positive psychology approach. The traditional cognitive rehabilitation techniques focus on deficit remediation, while SFBT offers a strength-based approach that focuses on the clients resources, exceptions to the problems, and goal-oriented behavior. The integration of these approaches will bring a shift in the paradigm of neurorehabilitation by providing a balance between cognitive challenges and preserved strengths. In the realm of cognitive rehabilitation, SFBT can empower individuals with neurological impairments by fostering resilience, adapting coping strategies, and self-efficacy. This chapter explores the innovative application of SFBT principles within cognitive rehabilitation settings, which can be viewed from the lens of positive neurorehabilitation. It will also propose a framework for integrating the CAPE model (Compensatory, Activity, Preventive & Enhancement) with salient principles of SFBT, emphasizing the potential role of positive neuropsychology in cognitive rehabilitation. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ADVANCING THE FRONTIERS OF NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION: Research and Practice Ahead
This chapter explores the expanding horizons of neurocognitive rehabilitation by synthesizing emerging trends in research, technology, and practice. With a focus on translational innovation, it identifies how cutting-edge advancements, such as neurofeedback training (NFT), braincomputer interfaces, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, are reshaping cognitive recovery pathways. Emphasis is placed on the growing need for culturally and contextually responsive models, particularly in low-resource settings, as well as scalable, tech-enabled delivery methods that enhance accessibility and personalization. The chapter also highlights the critical importance of long-term outcome studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and workforce upskilling to support sustainable integration of novel tools into routine care. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, informed consent in neurotechnological interventions, and the equitable distribution of emerging therapies, are also explored. As the field advances, the convergence of neuroscience, digital innovation, and individualized care promises to transform neurocognitive rehabilitation from reactive to anticipatory, from standardized to precision-based. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a global, equity-focused, and evidence-based framework that places individuals, not just their impairments, at the center of rehabilitation science and practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
NEUROPLASTICITY UNLEASHED: Receiving the Brain for Recovery
Neuroplasticity, the brains dynamic ability to reorganize and adapt across the lifespan, underpins contemporary approaches to neurorehabilitation. This chapter critically examines the clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological evidence for plasticity-driven recovery. Drawing on longitudinal studies and case-based analyses, we illuminate how recovery can occur even in late stages, challenging the traditional notion of static chronic phases. The chapter highlights the role of task-specific practice, intensity, and timing in shaping neural reorganization, emphasizing that plasticity is not merely a spontaneous biological process but one that can be modulated through structured intervention. We further explore how electroencephalography (EEG)-based markers offer temporally precise insights into reorganization across cognitive, sensory, and affective domains. Neuroimaging findings reveal compensatory activation, network shifts, and bilateral engagement as hallmarks of adaptive plasticity. Affect, motivation, and goal-directed behavior are positioned as central to driving experience-dependent changes, especially when integrated into patient-centered therapy. In addition, we examine the intersection of individual difference factorsincluding personality and cognitive reservewith neuroplastic potential and propose frameworks for personalized rehabilitation. Finally, the chapter outlines emerging directions in tech-enabled plasticity interventions and translational models of care. Together, the evidence underscores neuroplasticity not only as a recovery mechanism but also as a target for strategic, evidence-based rehabilitation. The interdisciplinary approach adopted here aims to bridge neuroscience, clinical practice, and lived patient experiences to inform future research and therapeutic innovation. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ETHICS OF TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION
The integration of invasive, non-invasive, and external technology into healthcare has significantly transformed neurocognitive rehabilitation. It has transformed the relationship between the patients and their care providers, caretakers, and digital agents of care. It can aid the rehabilitating agents at all levels of intervention, stages of patients response, and interactions between them and the patients. While technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of neurocognitive rehabilitation, it raises fundamental ethical issues. The three types of technology invasive, noninvasive, and external pose different types of issues that must be addressed by the care providers, caretakers, the digital agents, and the patients. The ethical issues must be balanced against the potential efficiency and effectiveness of the technologies in making intervention decisions. The chapter presents an Ontology of Ethics of Technology-Driven Neurocognitive Rehabilitation as a framework to parse these complex issues clearly, concisely, and comprehensively. It provides a roadmap to address the ethics systemically and systematically. Technology-assisted neurocognitive rehabilitation can deeply affect the mind, body, and spirit of the patient. It is an emerging field and there is little literature on its ethics. The framework can be used to develop a roadmap for research, policies, and practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
INTRODUCTION TO NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION
This chapter offers a comprehensive examination of the historical development, theoretical foundations, and contemporary directions in neurocognitive rehabilitation. Beginning with early clinical observations, including the cases of Phineas Gage and Alexander Lurias wartime studies, the narrative traces the evolution of the field from anecdotal case reports to empirically validated interventions. The discussion delineates core principles that underpin effective rehabilitation practice, including individualization and person-centered planning, goal-directed and functionally relevant interventions, evidence-based methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ecological validity. Established frameworks such as the cognitive neuropsychological model and the information processing model are critically appraised alongside the biopsychosocial perspective and holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation approaches. Particular attention is given to emerging trends, including the integration of advanced technologies such as virtual reality, tele-rehabilitation, and adaptive computerized training as well as their implications for accessibility, scalability, and equity in service delivery. The chapter further considers the relevance of these paradigms to forensic psychology and legal scholarship, highlighting their role in capacity assessment and the determination of criminal responsibility. Drawing upon recent systematic reviews and high-quality empirical studies, this synthesis underscores the necessity of combining scientific rigor with ethically grounded, person-centered care. While artificial intelligence tools supported aspects of drafting, the content has been critically curated and adapted to reflect current scholarship and clinical expertise. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the imperative for rehabilitation professionals to engage in lifelong learning and innovation to meet the evolving needs of individuals with acquired brain injury. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ENHANCING EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS THROUGH COGNITIVE-BASED INTERVENTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ATTEMPTS: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study
One of the primary causes of death around the world can be attributed to suicidality. Almost 1 million people across the globe commit suicide annually. Neurocognition has an impact on suicidal ideation, and deficits in cognitive markers influence the progression of suicide-related thoughts to behaviours. The present study aims to determine the efficacy of cognitive-based intervention on executive functions implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempters. A mixed-method approach was followed, which involved intervention and a quantitative and qualitative analysis. A group of 22 participants aged between 18 and 25 years with suicidal ideation and behaviour was chosen. Ten participants reported having suicidal ideation and no history of suicide attempt or self-harm, whereas 12 participants reported having suicidal ideation and at least one attempt at self-harm or suicidal behaviour. All the participants were assessed on planning, verbal fluency, and response inhibition tests. The participants then receive eight sessions of cognitive-behavioural intervention focusing on suicidal behaviour and thoughts. Post-therapy, the participants underwent a reassessment of their executive functions. The results suggested that cognitive behaviour-based therapy significantly improved planning, verbal fluency, and response inhibition. The feeling of entrapment and the level of depression were qualitatively found to be influencing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The study paves the way for further exploration of factors that predict suicide and determines the cause-and-effect relationship between the factors. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
SOCIAL BRAIN AND NEUROSTIMULATION: Applicability across Psychiatric Disorders
Social cognition is the capacity to detect, understand, and evaluate relevant information from the environment. It is an important skill for effective interpersonal functioning. The human social brain is instrumental in the process of social cognition. Disruption in these networks are central to the development and progression of pathology across psychiatric conditions in terms of deficits in facial recognition, interpreting social cues, difficulty in connecting with others, reduced adaptive functioning in social contexts exacerbating the overall disability. Conventional pharmacological and psychosocial management show sub-par effects which bring forward the applicability of neurostimulation as an effective therapeutic modality by virtue of their ability to directly generate action potential and modulate neural circuits. Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) show potential in enhancing social cognitive processes by targeting specific brain regions. This chapter aims to explore the mechanisms through which neurostimulation influences the social brain, emphasizing its potential role in addressing the associated socio-cognitive deficits. It also highlights the therapeutic relevance and applicability of neurostimulation in enhancing social cognition. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions involving integration of artificial intelligence with neurostimulation as part of enhancing clinical outcomes and advancing precision psychiatry. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
NEUROSTIMULATION IN LONG COVID: Advancing Neurocognitive Rehabilitation and Recovery
Neurostimulation techniques are emerging as promising interventions for addressing neurocognitive impairments associated with Long COVID, including brain fog, fatigue, memory deficits and executive dysfunction. Non-invasive modalities such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated potential in modulating neural activity, enhancing cognitive recovery and alleviating neuroinflammatory processes linked to post-viral syndromes. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) offer additional therapeutic avenues by targeting autonomic dysfunction, which is often implicated in Long COVID-related dysautonomia and cognitive fatigue. Neuromodulation approaches combined with neurofeedback and cognitive rehabilitation may optimise neuroplasticity and functional outcomes in affected individuals. Wearable neurostimulation devices and home-based therapies further improve accessibility, offering scalable solutions for post-COVID neurorehabilitation. However, challenges such as variability in patient response, optimal stimulation parameters and long-term efficacy require further investigation. Integrating neurostimulation into multidisciplinary rehabilitation frameworks that include cognitive training, exercise therapy and pharmacological support may enhance recovery trajectories. Future research should prioritise personalised stimulation protocols, biomarker-driven treatment strategies and longitudinal studies to establish evidence-based guidelines for neurostimulation in Long COVID. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
COGNITIVE VS. BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN ADHD: Executive Function Outcomes
This chapter explores the comparative effects of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Behavioral Therapy (BT) on executive functions (EFs)in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Executive dysfunction, a key challenge in ADHD, impairs regulatory control, sustained attention, and task management. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design, the study involved eight children aged 712 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to CRT or BT interventions, delivered thrice weekly over three months. EF was assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2). Results indicated that both therapies significantly improved executive functioning, but in different domains. CRT was more effective in enhancing working memory and cognitive flexibility, while BT demonstrated greater improvements in inhibitory control and behavioral regulation. These findings emphasize the complementary roles of CRT and BT in targeting distinct executive deficits in ADHD. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
EEG NEUROFEEDBACK: The Brains Capacity for Change and Growth
Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback is a neoteric tool that uses principles of operant conditioning to modify brain function. This chapter introduces the reader to the foundations of EEG neurofeedback training, highlighting critical studies that led to its development. Neurofeedback research has primarily focused on clinical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The standard protocols of neurofeedback for ADHD are considered to be Efficacious and Specific, Level V in keeping with guidelines of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. However, research in neurofeedback in other domains is still in its infancy. This chapter attempts to familiarize the reader with concepts of EEG that are relevant to neurofeedback. These concepts would include a review of standard band frequencies and electrode placement using the international 1020 system. Neurofeedback has a wide range of applications, from the enhancement of performance to the treatment of severe clinical symptoms. Research pertaining to these applications will be discussed. The evolution of protocols and mechanisms over time in the history of neurofeedback will also be reflected. Outcome measures in neurofeedback have typically focused on EEG and clinical changes following the intervention. The need for other measures will be highlighted, offering implications for both basic and applied research. The chapter will conclude with deliberations on critical issues in the practice and research of neurofeedback. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
Separate Electorate
In colonial India, the category of Depressed Classes was approached through two distinct lenses as a socio-political issue and a moral and cultural issue. Two towering figures represented these perspectives B. R. Ambedkar and M. K. Gandhi. While Gandhi earnestly sought to address untouchability and other socio-cultural challenges faced by Depressed Classes through moral teachings, his approach was contested for being quite ineffective. Ambedkar, on the contrary, viewed the problem as deeply entrenched within religion and culture, advocating for socio-political empowerment as the solution. This chapter maps the historical events leading to Ambedkars successfully lobbying of British India for a separate electorate for Depressed Classes. It examines Gandhis vehement objection to the same based on his understanding that such provision would be detrimental to Depressed Classes, Hinduism, and national unity. Consequently, this chapter analyses how Ambedkar was forced to come to an agreement with Gandhi and sign the Poona Pact that put an end to proposed separate electorate but granted additional reserved seats to Depressed Classes. This chapter provides historical contexts and discusses the debates around the political representation of the minorities to address the larger question of political share of Depressed Classes in Indian electorate. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Debrahmanization
This chapter explores the concept of Brahmanism and its pervasive influence on the caste system in India, emphasizing the need for debrahmanization as a means to dismantle caste-based oppression. Historically rooted in the priestly castes dominance, Brahmanism has shaped societal structures by perpetuating inequality, while debrahmanization seeks to challenge this hierarchical order. This chapter examines the theoretical underpinnings of Brahmanism, including its socio-political ideology, and contrasts it with alternative movements, such as Buddhism, which aim to disrupt Brahmanical supremacy. The process of debrahmanization is positioned as a critical act to create an egalitarian society, advocating for political and intellectual engagement with anti-caste movements. Scholars like Ambedkar, Phule, and contemporary thinkers have advanced this discourse, emphasizing the need to address caste discrimination in all areas of life, including education, literature, and politics. Ultimately, this chapter argues that debrahmanization is a necessary step towards achieving social justice and creating a more inclusive and democratic India. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Studies
Dalit Studies emerged as a pivotal academic discipline in South Asia in the 1990s with a unique set of research agendas that offer new frameworks for understanding caste, gender and marginalised identities. The field stands out for integrating theoretical frameworks into the lived experiences of caste-oppressed communities. It was shaped by the confluence of material, ideological and intellectual shifts, including the critique of caste-Hindu dominance in academia. By prioritising the experiences of Dalits, it bridges the gap between theory and practice and engages with critical debates on representation, particularly insider vs. outsider perspectives in articulating Dalit experiences. It equips the learners not only with intellectual tools but also with the skills to attain self-reliance and dignity in their socio-political lives. As a critical tool, it calls for a rethinking of knowledge production, methodology and representation. Its growing global relevance is evident in universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where programs and courses explore the intersections of caste, race, and gender within broader contexts of subjugation and resistance. This chapter traces the evolution of Dalit Studies, examining its theoretical foundations, key concepts and debates, and its growing visibility in academic institutions worldwide 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Historiography
Dalit historiography positions itself as a direct challenge to the casteist narratives of Brahmanical historiography, which have long dominated historical accounts of India. It critiques mainstream historiographies for being casteist, for excluding Dalit voices, and for misrepresenting Dalit experiences within societal and institutional frameworks. Grounded in the experiences of oppression faced by Dalits, the Dalit historiographic approach seeks to expose the biases of Brahmanical knowledge systems and the exclusionary practices embedded within colonial and nationalist histories. Drawing from Ambedkars critique of positivist history and his call for a history that addresses caste-based inequalities, Dalit historiography emphasises the need for alternative narratives. It underscores the active role of Dalits as key participants in shaping history. Through life narratives, folklore, and oral traditions, it highlights the contributions and experiences of Dalit communities that have long been overlooked. By confronting caste discrimination and advocating for social justice, Dalit historiography aims to dismantle the hegemonic Brahmanical structures and offer a more inclusive and intersectional understanding of history. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Activism
In the post-Ambedkar era, Dalit activism has expanded beyond traditional modes and methods of protest by adopting diverse strategies. This includes social media campaigns like #DalitLivesMatter, which align with global movements such as #BlackLivesMatter. It signals a shift towards more globalised and intersectional forms of protest. There is a notable transition from an exclusive focus on domestic advocacy to transnational alliances for greater impact. Caste-based oppression has been framed as a violation of fundamental human rights, which demands accountability from both national and international agencies. Many scholars find the gap between international advocacy for Dalit rights and grassroots-level Dalit activism quite concerning. Some scholars believe that Dalit activism has lost much of its transformative potential and revolutionary vigour, and the movement has been reduced to a mere pressure group. These political pitfalls allow us to understand the challenges and complexities of Dalit activism and the factors that shaped its course. This chapter aims to trace the trajectory of Dalit activism and provide a detailed background to facilitate a critical engagement with the concept of activism. It explores its historical progression, strategic shifts, and ongoing struggles to offer a comprehensive view of how Dalit activism has evolved into its current form. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors.