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Challenges and pathways in autism education in India: special educators insights from pandemic experiences
Objectives: The landscape of autism education in India before the pandemic has already been unpromising, marked by inequities in education and therapy. The study aimed to highlight the impact of inadequate resources, policies, and practices in autism training during COVID-19 and to suggest measures to address inequities in access or attainability of services within the context of the experiences of special educators. Methods: We interviewed 12 special educators, exploring their virtual teaching experiences and parental participation and inferring insights on bridging gaps in autism education using a semi-structured interview guide. Results: Pre-pandemic disparities like inadequate resources, lack of policy implementation, and non-accessibility to therapy services impacted remote learning. It was disrupted by the non-availability of devices with good connectivity and limited technological skills among educators, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and parents. The special educators and parents lacked the knowledge and skills to meet their unique needs. Skill regression, health issues, and behavior challenges were observed post-COVID. Conclusions: The study revealed that the existing challenges greatly affected education, health, and social life during the pandemic. Individuals with ASD who require very substantial support were the most affected group. It calls for immediate intervention in professional skill development, parental involvement, and policy revision. 2025 The British Society of Developmental Disabilities. -
Spiritual well-being and meaning in response to the absurd mediating the act of suicide in Becketts Waiting for Godot
The contagion of happiness appears as a dichotomic principle in the pursuit of a full life where the philosophy of the Absurd emerges as a foundational aspect in man's search for meaning, given the cognitive distortions and existential anxiety with which man endures his existence. Most organisational studies on meaning and well-being do not reference the Absurd from where the discourse must begin and from where mental states of flourishing or resignation can emerge. Beckett's absurdist play Waiting for Godot' acts as a compelling device for contemplating the art of finding meaning through the spiritual interface of man's relationship with himself, the problem of free will, an appeal to divine agency evidenced through Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling' and the existential deliberations in Albert Camus's Myth of Sisyphus when examining the absurd and in invoking a transcendental movement towards finding purpose. In all the relativism of moral codes that are expounded, a constant element is the need for a spiritual anchor which can heal emotional fragmentation through a decisive moral code on which the edifice of the human condition can be reasoned. This explorative study provides a determining reference point when developing reflective interventions to examine meaning and existential purpose in social and occupational practice. The paper examines the concept of absurdism through the philosophy of Camus and juxtaposes this with the spiritual existentialism of Soren Kierkegaard and St Augustine in understanding the human condition as a forward movement from absurdism towards meaning. 2025 International Network for the Study of Spirituality and Taylor & Francis. -
Efficacy of a peer-delivered group psychological intervention to reduce psychological distress among university students in India: a randomised controlled trial using an active control condition; [Eficacia de una intervenci psicolica grupal realizada por pares para la reducci del malestar psicologico en estudiantes universitarios en India: ensayo clico aleatorizado empleando una condici de control activo]
Background: Brief psychological interventions in low-and-middle-income-countries (LMICs) have been typically tested against usual or enhanced usual care (EUC). This design precludes understanding of the role of non-specific factors in influencing outcomes. Objective: This study evaluated an adapted version of WHOs Problem Management Plus (gPM+), titled Coping with COVID, against an active control condition to reduce anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this two-arm, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, young adults aged 1824 years who screened positive for COVID-19 related psychological distress in Bengaluru (India) were randomly allocated to either Coping with COVID (n = 91) or non-directive Supportive Counselling (SC; n = 92) groups. Coping with COVID was a 6-sesion, group-based programme that taught coping strategies for stress. SC was a 6-sesion, group-based programme that offered non-directive support. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 2-months (primary outcome timepoint), and 6-months after treatment. Secondary outcomes included generalised worry, positive wellbeing, pandemic-related stress, and suicidal ideation. Results: Between October 2021 and December 2022, 183 participants were enrolled into the trial. Relative to SC, Coping with COVID did not lead to significant reductions in anxiety (mean difference 0.24 [95% CI, ?1.01,1.48], p>.05), or depression (mean difference.03 [95% CI, ?1.19, 1.26], p>.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences between conditions for all secondary outcomes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the benefits of strategies that comprise transdiagnostic scalable psychological interventions may not surpass non-specific factors in driving symptom reduction. Clinical implications: There is a need to further evaluate the role of non-specific factors in scalable psychological programmes because focusing on these may have implications for ease of training and implementation. Trial registration:Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12621001064897. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Co-curricular activities in Catholic schools: perceived benefits
The study attempts to understand how the Catholic schools in India organise co-curricular activities aligning to their mission as perceived by senior teachers and students. Researchers further examined the types of co-curricular activities offered at Catholic schools, their impact on students personal growth and the challenges faced in achieving the set-objectives of the activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 25 senior teachers teaching in Catholic schools and focus group discussions (FGD) with students. The key findings of the thematic analysis revealed three main themes: holistic development, leadership qualities, and implementation challenges. Findings indicated that co-curricular activities such as sports, literary fests, and cultural events contribute to developing resilience, confidence, and leadership skills and are in alignment with the Catholic education values. These activities provide a platform for students to explore their potentials, nurture their talents, and build relationships. Further study may explore understanding the values and implementation of co-curricular activities in other schools. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Impact of the professional development programme on mentorship among Salesian college faculty
The National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) in India emphasises faculty professional development in mentorship as a key strategy for strengthening higher education. This study examines the impact of a Professional Development Programme on Mentorship (PDP-M) in enhancing self-efficacy and outcome expectancy among 37 faculty members at Salesian College. The intervention consisted of a 15-hour module, comprising 6 h of structured core sessions and 9 h of supplementary activities, adapted from the TPDP-M framework. A quasi-experimental, single-group prepost design was employed with in-service faculty participants. Quantitative measures of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy were collected before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in the total mentorship score, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy. This study demonstrates that short, intensive, context-sensitive professional development programmes can effectively strengthen faculty mentoring capacity, offering a scalable model for higher education reform. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Integration of Franciscan Capuchin philosophical values in higher education: a systematic literature review
This systematic literature review examines the current state of Higher Education (HE) research concerning antecedents related to Franciscan Capuchin philosophical values. Much has been discussed about Franciscan HE in past research. However, the literature lacks studies on Franciscan values integration and implementation practices in their educational institutions. This study employs a systematic literature review exploring research in higher education with particular reference to Franciscan missionaries. The systematic review will assist practitioners and researchers in determining the key factors that led catholic Franciscan missionaries to impart holistic education. It also identifies the research gaps that need to be plugged to keep the body of knowledge in integrating Franciscan philosophical values in HE up-to-date. The research is an original contribution to understanding the research in higher education on catholic philosophical values implementation through a systematic review process considering literature from 1980 to 2024. The value addition is identifying the underpinning theories to be considered in developing a holistic model in HE through the Franciscan lens. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Legacy of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and CMI and CMC congregations: educational modernity in Kerala
Education plays a predominant role in modernising society. It has the power to transform society by dismantling out-dated superstitions and promoting progressive social change. The present study explores the educational initiatives of St. Chavara and his followers, the CMI and CMC, and their role in shaping the modernity of nineteenth century Kerala, India. The study highlights how St. Chavaras visionary leadership in education contributed to modernisation in Kerala. The study focuses on his key initiatives such as secular education, inclusive education, women education, universal education and new educational support programmes which led to modernity of Kerala. The study reveals that St. Chavara's educational initiatives had a profound impact on both individuals and society of nineteenth century Kerala. The study emphasises the continued impact of St. Chavaras educational legacy through the institutions led by his followers, the CMI and CMC, which played a significant role in driving the modernisation of Kerala. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Impact of Franciscan philosophy on higher education accomplished by Franciscan Capuchins in India: an empirical research
The purpose of this research was to explore the relationships between the dimensions of Franciscan philosophy of educating society and the outcome achievement in higher education, as perceived by the students under the governance and guidance of the Franciscan Capuchin priests in India. The research paradigm was positivism and accordingly, a quantitative approach to research was undertaken. The survey sampling design was carried out and the data collection was through a questionnaire with 5-point Likert Scale. The questionnaire was based on standard scales measuring individual dimensions of the research. The questionnaire was administered both in hard copy and electronic form. The sample size was 300 based on the simple random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that among the 16 hypotheses 12 were supported. Franciscan spirituality had a significant positive relationship with cognitive development, personality development and social and cultural development; community engagement had a significant positive relationship with cognitive development, professional development, and social and cultural development; interfaith and intercultural dialogue had a significant positive relationship with cognitive development, personality development, and social and cultural development; and service mentality had a significant positive relationship with personality development, professional development, and social and cultural development. These revelations have led to the implications in the form of suggestions to the education providers to identify the positive contribution made by the Franciscan philosophy of educating the society, and also, strengthen the system further to provide a holistic development of individuals. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Challenges and expectations of emerging student-athletes among catholic institutions: a qualitative study
Catholic institutions in India are known for providing holistic education focusing all round development of the children. However, there are contextual dilemmas in practicing the holistic approach while meeting the gospel values amidst diversity. The study aims to understand the various challenges student-athletes face in Catholic institutions while pursuing their sporting aspirations. It includes support systems, infrastructural facilities, mental well-being, career aspirations, and policy requirements. Through semi-structured interviews, study explored the challenges and expectation of emerging student-athletes in Catholic institutions across India. Ten lead student-athletes from diverse sports categories were selected for an in-depth interview through snowball sampling technique. The narrative analysis revealed that, athletes are not satisfied with the institutional support. Furthermore, academic demands and time constraints are affecting their mental health. They frequently fall sick, face physical injuries, and lag in academic work. They are feeling unattended by their institution and are looking forward for institutional support in sport related expenses and academics. The study found that, encouragement and emotional support from family, teachers, and coaches would help them lead a healthy and purposeful life. The study recommends stakeholders to help emerging student-athletes find support for their financial, emotional, and professional goals. Future research may take an account of sports-education practices among Catholic institutions in India. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Esther reimagined: feminist essence in Sara Josephs narrative
Gynocentric approaches to biblical women uncover narratives of liberation and empowerment. These perspectives highlight the gaps and omissions in the representation of women within the overarching metanarrative of the Bible. Sara Josephs novel, Esther, serves as a feminist reimagining of the biblical story of Esther, offering a pluralistic lens through which to examine the experiences and lives of women against the backdrop of patriarchy. This paper utilises the feminist hermeneutic method to critically engage with the narrative, drawing on the feminist frameworks established by scholars such as Elizabeth Fiorenza and Esther Fuchs. It argues that biblical women can be reinterpreted as positive role models, saviours, heroines, and vital contributors to an extraordinary narrative of survival and redemption. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
The Role of Cognitive Appraisal in Informed Decision-Making among Social Entrepreneurs: A Thematic Analysis
Social entrepreneurship (SE) is gaining momentum by providing innovative solutions to economic, social, and environmental problems by generating jobs and social inclusion. However, it involves different challenges that may lead to a negative appraisal. This study aimed to explore cognitive appraisal processes social entrepreneurs use to make informed decisions in their entrepreneurial journey. Interviews were conducted with 13 Indian social entrepreneurs, and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. The main themes were; appropriateness, implications, coping potential, and normative significance. The study proposes a cognitive model for the appraisal of SE. The study is important for aspiring social entrepreneurs to understand the evaluation components of appraisal to decide how appropriate SE is as a career for them. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Navigating uncharted desires: a qualitative inquiry into bicurious identity conflicts among young women in 21st-century post-colonial India
Bicuriosity, often considered a fluid space of sexual identity questioning and same-gender exploration, is frequently framed as a transitional phase, especially in heteronormative cultures. This study focuses specifically on young Indian women, whose experiences are shaped by both heteronormativity and gendered expectations that intensify identity conflict and social scrutiny. Using reflexive thematic analysis, this qualitative study examined the narratives of twelve urban women aged 1825 who self-identified as bicurious. Four key themes were constructed: Wrestling with Ambiguity and Self-Doubt, Encountering Invalidation and Monosexism, Journey Towards Self-Validation, and Finding Strength in Community. Participants described emotional turmoil arising from limited representation of plurisexual identities, fear of marginalisation, and cultural expectations of heterosexuality. Yet, the process of questioning also fostered resilience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of affirming spaces, often online. The study emphasises how cultural collectivism, familial dynamics, and gender shape identity navigation and advocating for inclusive, gender-sensitive interventions in post-colonial India. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Sex without Sexual Attraction?: Perceived Sexual Experiences of Indian Sex-favourable Asexuals
Asexuality is not a complete aversion to sex or sexual activity; instead, there are a range of ways that some asexual people engage with sexual activities. The current qualitative study explored the sexual experiences (self-pleasure and partnered activities) of sex-favourable asexuals within the Indian cultural context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed how sex-favourable asexuals experience sexual arousal without experiencing sexual attraction, leading them to engage in sexual activities. Participants understood their sexuality through feeling different from others, followed by self-exploration, resulting in self-acceptance. Further, participants identified self-pleasure as a tool for self-empowerment and stress management, leading to a preference for masturbation over partner-involved sex. Partner-involved sex was primarily due to extrinsic demands (peer pressure, pressure from partner). This study calls attention towards developing inclusive practices, sex education and community awareness about this understudied section of the queer community and, most importantly, enabling representation of their experiences within the academic literature about sex and sexuality. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Navigating turbulence: how economic policy uncertainty shapes tourism firms cash strategiesa global analysis
This paper investigates the strategies employed by tourism businesses to handle cash flow in the face of economic policy uncertainty. The study examines data from 1260 firms in 18 countries over a span of 15 years. The findings indicate that there is considerable variation among corporations when it comes to their use of liquidity, with the average corporation holding approximately 13.5 per cent of its total assets in liquid form. The analysis provides evidence that economic policy uncertainty has a positive and significant relationship to cash holdings in the tourism sector. These findings suggest that corporations increase their liquidity buffers in response to higher levels of policy uncertainty. Sectoral analysis also reveals that the sensitivity to policy uncertainty can vary significantly from one sub-sector to another. Ultimately, indicating varied factors that can lead to the differentiatingeffect of EPU on liquidity management of the tourism firms. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
What drives Generation Z to choose green apparel? Unraveling the impact of environmental knowledge, altruism and perceived innovativeness
This study proposes to determine the influence of Environmental Knowledge (EK), Altruism (Atr), Consumer Confidence (CC) and constructs of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) like Attitude (Atd), Subjective Norm (Sub) and Perceived behavioural control (Pbhc) on consumers intention to purchase Green Apparel Products (GAPI). Moreover, the moderating effect of Perceived Innovativeness (PInn) on the relationship between Attitude (Atd), Subjective Norm (Sub), Perceived behavioural control (Pbhc), EK, Atr and CC was studied. To test the research model and hypothesis, a survey of 349 Generation Z consumers (1826 years) was conducted. Cronbachs alpha and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the scales reliability and validity. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) validated the given model and hypotheses. In this research, six hypotheses were tested, and it was found that three hypotheses showed a direct relationship. Specifically, the result of SEM showed that Atd, Sub and CC were positively related to GAPI. Also, six hypotheses were formulated testing the moderating role of PInn. The results established that PInn moderated the relationship between Atd, Sub, CC and GAPI significantly. This research provides a novel framework to explore the relationship between the EK, Atr and CC and Generation Z consumers GAPI. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Empowering Adolescent Emergent Readers in Government Schools: An Exploration of Multimodal Texts as Pathways to Comprehension
This exploratory study, which was part of a larger investigation into multimodality, looked at the comprehension levels of 62 Grade 8 students from two government schools who were identified as emerging readers out of a group of 118 students. Through observations and interactions with teachers and students, the potential for multimodal texts to enhance comprehension was highlighted. The study specifically compared the effectiveness of a digital comic (Text A) and an audio-visual text (Text B) in enabling comprehension among these emergent readers. Participants were instructed to narrate the content and share their interpretations of these texts, with their responses recorded and analyzed. Feedback revealed a marked preference for Text B among 45 of the 62 emergent readers assessed. Employing theoretical frameworks related to comprehension, language production, multimodality, and task structure, this research concentrated on the subset of 45 students who favored Text B. The findings underscore the importance of aligning instructional materials with students preferred learning modalities, suggesting that such alignment enhances comprehension. The study proposes a refined approach to literacy education policy, advocating for the inclusion of diverse modalities to better meet the varied learning needs of students. 2024 Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. -
Transgender women as knights of faith: navigating ethics between national conservatism and radical gender ideology
This study explores mental health and spirituality among transgender women in India, examining their experiences within global conflicts between national conservatism and radical gender ideology. Analyzing stories of eleven trans women, we show how faith provides resilience amid rejection and discrimination. We contend that right-wing populist movements redirect anxieties about capitalist exploitation onto marginalized groups, particularly transgender individuals. Through Kierkegaardian ethical lenses, we show how Hijra women embody Kierkegaards concept of knights of faith: transcending conformity to embrace authentic existence while maintaining mental health and spiritual integrity. We propose a MarxistKierkegaardian synthesis combining critique with existential authenticity, linking personal resilience. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The Danish Girl: Mirror Reflections of Gender Identity
Explorations of gender identity often employ cinematic devices and psychological interpretations of social interaction. Within this context, the Tom Hooperdirected film The Danish Girl offers a gripping narrative centered on the life of Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe, a Danish painter and trans woman who underwent one of the earliest gender-affirming surgeries. The present paper examines crucial scenes from The Danish Girl, shedding light on the complexities of gender identity and self-discovery. Through a psychoanalytical lens, the study aims to illuminate insights into the human experience of gender identity and self-understanding using cinematic vignettes. Furthermore, the paper delves into the psychosexual dimensions of the narrative, examining relationships, desires, and conflicts with societal norms. This inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of personal authenticity and challenges when navigating societal expectations. 2025 C. G. Jung Institute of San Francisco. -
Developing a Framework and Wireframe for AI-Driven Personalization and Recommendation Systems in Library Management: A Design Thinking Approach
This research develops a framework and wireframes for an AI-driven personalization and recommendation system designed to enhance Library Management Systems (LMS). AI adapts library services dynamically to individual user characteristics and behaviors, such as reading preferences and interaction patterns, using predictive algorithms and behavioral analysis to deliver tailored recommendations. The study is primarily grounded in a User-Centered Design Thinking approach to ensure the system is intuitive, responsive, and meets diverse user needs. The proposed framework emphasizes seamless data integration and adaptive interface design. Prototypes created using Figma reflect intuitive, inclusive, and accessible features aligned with user needs. The prototype was evaluated in a controlled environment with high-frequency LMS users using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess usability and user satisfaction, achieving a score indicating excellent usability. Although the AI processing engine remains conceptual, this research provides a structured foundation for the future implementation of AI-driven recommendation systems in LMS, supporting enhanced user engagement and improved Selective Dissemination of Information through personalized and inclusive library experiences. 2026 P. Arumugam, Jayachristrayar S, Rega R and Jesus Rayar. -
Melatonin priming confers chromium tolerance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) seedlings and field-grown plants
Heavy metal contamination of soils poses a significant risk to food safety by accumulating toxic metals in edible crops, such as leafy vegetables. This study tested whether melatonin seed priming reduces chromium accumulation while maintaining plant performance in Spinacia oleracea cultivar Arka Anupama under controlled and polyhouse conditions. Melatonin priming improved seedling growth under chromium stress, with 50-micromolar melatonin treated plants showing better performance. Under polyhouse conditions, 50 micromolar melatonin increased leaf number to 5.25 0.55 compared with 3.75 0.29 in chromium-stressed plants (40% increase), and improved leaf area to 3.70 0.35 cm2 in 100 micromolar melatonin-treated plants compared with 2.27 0.03 cm2 in chromium-stressed plants (63% increase). The chlorophyll normalized difference vegetation index increased from 0.15 0.04 in chromium-stressed plants to 0.26 0.01 in 50 micromolar melatonin-primed plants, representing approximately 78% improvement (significant p <.05). Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis showed a 42.9% reduction in leaf chromium content following 50-micromolar treatment. Spectral analysis revealed stress-associated variations, including a 512515 cm?1 band under chromium stress. These findings indicate that melatonin priming improves plant growth and reduces chromium accumulation in spinach, with 50 micromolar showing the most consistent response. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.