Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Bushra Title: Understanding NCERT’s Rationalisation of Political Science Textbooks and its Implications for the Indian Knowledge System Publication-Status: Published Abstract: The rationalisation of NCERT school textbooks has recently become a subject of considerable academic and public discussion, particularly following the revisions implemented in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Rationalisation involves making logical and justified modifications to curriculum content, including the removal, revision, or restructuring of existing material. NCERT undertook this process between December 2021 and June 2022 with the stated objective of reducing curriculum load, addressing content overlap, adjusting difficulty levels, and enhancing the relevance of textbooks in the present educational context. These changes also correspond with the broader educational vision of NEP 2020, which emphasises experiential learning, critical thinking, and the incorporation of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) (Ministry of Education, 2020). The rationalisation of political science textbooks, however, has generated varied responses among educators, scholars, and academic stakeholders. While NCERT has presented these revisions as pedagogically necessary, several experts and teachers have expressed concerns regarding their academic, pedagogical, and ideological implications. The removal and modification of specific content have raised important questions about knowledge representation, inclusivity, and the role of curriculum in shaping students’ understanding of political and social realities. This study examines the rationalisation of NCERT political science textbooks through a qualitative document analysis of textbook revisions, official reports, and relevant academic and media sources. It also explores the perspectives of university professors and school teachers regarding these curricular changes. The paper aims to analyse the rationale, stakeholder responses, and broader educational implications of textbook rationalisation within the framework of the Indian Knowledge System. Keywords: Rationalisation; NCERT; Political Science Textbooks; Curriculum Reform; Indian Knowledge System; NEP 2020 Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 1-8 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.85 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/85 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/85/65 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:85 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Bushra Rizvi Title: Muslim Women Legislators and the Legislative Politics of Muslim Minority Issues (1952-1974) Publication-Status: Published Abstract: This paper examines the voices of Muslim women legislators in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly between 1952 and 1974 through seven assembly debates from the first, third, and fifth legislative terms. Focusing on Safia Abdul Wajid, Kishwar Ara, Begum Aijaz Rasul, and Hamida Habibullah, it analyses their engagements on minority-related issues such as cow slaughter, Urdu, communal violence, and the closure of Aligarh Muslim University. The paper shows how these women intervened selectively in legislative debates, at times confronting male legislators and at other moments finding alignment and support, while drawing on constitutional principles to articulate minority concerns. By highlighting these often-overlooked interventions, the study sheds light on the challenges of representation, negotiation, and coexistence within the Assembly during a period of significant post-Partition political change. Keywords: Muslim Women Legislators; Minority Politics; Uttar Pradesh; Post- Partition India; Legislative Debates; Urdu and AMU; Secularism Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 9-14 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.86 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/86 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/86/66 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:86 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Md. Nijairul Islam Title: Withstanding The Storm: Farmers’ Insights on Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture in Murshidabad, India Publication-Status: Published Abstract: In this mixed-methods study, the researcher explores farmers’ perceptions of climate change, how this change impacts their agricultural activities, and the measures they adopt to fight the impacts in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, in eastern India. Data were collected from 300 farmers, across all 26 administrative blocks of the study area. A structured questionnaire that combined Likert-scale type as well as open-ended questions was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical and inferential analysis of quantitative data, including one-sample Chi-Square goodness-of-fit test (p < .001), revealed respondents’ strong perception on climatic change, such as increasing summer heat, erratic onset and withdrawal of monsoon, and declining rainfall pattern. Surprisingly, a strong 80% of them reported declining agricultural incomes even though they had adopted short-duration and stress-tolerant crop varieties. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed their insight into altered phenological cues, such as changing flowering times of plants, and emergence of new species of pests and crop diseases. As adaptation strategies, they resorted to adjusting sowing and harvesting calendars, crop diversification, and shared irrigation system. Still, their vulnerability persists due to delayed release of crop insurance money, limited access to timely weather information, and high agricultural expenditure. The study concludes that while farmers exhibited locally-grounded ecological intelligence and substantial resilience, they need governmental support to continue sustainable agricultural practices. Government should reform policies to integrate farmers’ experiential observations into early-warning, decentralise irrigation system, ensure timely delivery of crop insurance money, and arrange capacity-building programmes to strengthen their climate-resilient agricultural livelihood. Keywords: Climate Change Perception; Indigenous Ecological Knowledge; Farmers’ Ecological Awareness; Government Support Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 15-27 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.82 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/82 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/82/64 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:82 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Govind Gupta Author-Name: Sulochna Meena Title: Patient Preferences and Overcrowding Pressures at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur: A Survey-Based Analysis of Government Healthcare Choices in Rajasthan Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s largest government facility with 6,251 beds, faces severe overcrowding with 31.6 lakh OPD visits in 2024, a record high, up 1.2 lakh from 2023. This study explores why patients prefer SMS over other Jaipur government hospitals through a primary survey of 200 patients. Findings show 67% choose SMS for superior specialists, 56% for free full IPD/OPD services, 50% for 24/7 emergency care, and 40% for reputation, resulting in 72-91% preference rates and 78-91% retention even if offered free transfers to alternatives like Govt. Satellite Bani Park, RDBP Jaipuria, ESIC Model, and RUHS Hospitals. Preference ratings confirm SMS dominance (baseline 1.00), with competitors trailing on doctoral quality (1.15-1.43) despite better waits and facilities. Specific concerns (70-89%) highlight bypassing: 89% reject Bani Park’s lack of ICU, 82% RDBP’s referrals. OPD trends (2011-2024) link free schemes to 300% growth from 3,300 to over 10,000 daily visits. Challenges include infrastructure failures (2025 ICU fire), staff overload (150-200 patients per doctor), 3-4 hour waits, and safety risks. Implications include deploying specialists to peers, digital triage, and primary investments to reduce congestion by 20-25%. Future scope involves multi-city studies. This patient-centered evidence reveals tertiary monopoly as the root of overcrowding, guiding equitable reforms. Keywords: SMS Hospital overcrowding; Patient Preferences; Government Hospitals Jaipur; Free Healthcare Schemes; Healthcare Bypassing; OPF Footfall Trends; Rajasthan Public Health Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 28-37 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.81 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/81 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/81/67 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:81 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohd Shahzad Author-Name: Dr. Saurabh Ray Author-Name: Abhishek Panigrahi Title: Assistive Technology in Inclusive Mathematics Education for Students with Visual Impairment: A Conceptual Framework Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Assistive technology is recognized as a crucial facilitator of inclusive education, especially in increasing access to the mathematics curriculum for students with visual impairments. Mathematics instruction heavily relies on visual aids such as graphs, diagrams, and symbols, which can pose significant barriers for students with visual impairments in mainstream classrooms. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework to explain how assistive technology effectively improves mathematics learning outcomes for students with visual impairments in inclusive environments. The framework integrates technological factors like accessibility and usability of assistive tools with contextual elements such as teacher and institutional support. Drawing on various theoretical models, including Universal Design for Learning, Social Constructivism, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Teachers, this research seeks to synthesize existing literature to identify key mechanisms behind technology-enhanced learning. Prior research indicates that accessible assistive technologies are vital for increasing student engagement in learning activities (Fernández-Batanero et al., 2022; Shoaib et al., 2023). Moreover, accessible technologies play a critical role in fostering students’ independence and understanding of the world (Adnan et al., 2025; Muradyan, 2023). Ndayambaje et al. (2025) and Alimović (2024) demonstrate that teacher competence and infrastructure are crucial for the successful implementation of assistive technologies in inclusive education settings. This paradigm offers theoretical guidance for future empirical research. Keywords: Assistive technology; Visual impairment; Inclusive mathematics education; Accessibility and usability; Teacher support; Institutional support; Conceptual framework Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 38-46 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.63 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/63 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/63/68 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:63 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aroosa Mohammed Layeak Title: Navigating Pedagogical Challenges in Teaching Literary Criticism: A Mixed-Methods Study of Instructor Experiences and Student Perceptions in Higher Education Publication-Status: Published Abstract: The teaching of literary criticism in higher education presents persistent pedagogical challenges affecting instructors and students across diverse contexts. This study examines these difficulties through a synthesis of existing literature and proposes a mixed-methods investigation to deepen understanding. Research highlights students’ struggles with abstract theoretical concepts, resistance to ideologically or politically sensitive lenses (e.g., feminist, postcolonial), limited analytical skills, and low motivation linked to perceived irrelevance or heavy reading demands. Instructors often face limited preparation in critical pedagogy, time constraints, balancing multiple theories, and managing classroom sensitivities. Institutional barriers include rigid curricula, resource limitations, and debates over whether heavy theoretical emphasis enhances critical thinking or risks alienating learners. Evidence from global studies suggests these challenges are widespread yet context dependent. Student-cantered strategies, such as accessible texts and reader-response approaches, show promise but require further empirical testing. The study employs a parallel convergent mixed-methods design, collecting survey data from both instructors and students to quantify the prevalence of challenges, compare perceptions, and identify effective pedagogical strategies. Findings highlight the interplay of cognitive, motivational, and institutional factors and underscore the need for inclusive, adaptable approaches to teaching literary criticism. This research contributes to literature pedagogy by offering insights for enhancing student engagement, refining instructional practices, and promoting critical literacy in higher education. Keywords: Literary Criticism Pedagogy; Higher Education; Mixed-Methods Research; Reader-Response Theory; Critical Pedagogy Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 47-56 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.48 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/48 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/48/70 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:48 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Abhishek Panigrahi Author-Name: Mohd Faijullah Khan Author-Name: Mohd Shahzad Title: Humour as a Mediator of Academic Anxiety among Students with Learning Disabilities: A Thematic Analysis Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Elevated academic anxiety is common among students with learning difficulties (LD), which negatively affects their learning outcomes, involvement, and confidence. Although therapies have traditionally focused on cognitive rehabilitation, emotional aspects have received insufficient attention. To explore whether humour may serve as a mediating mechanism in reducing academic anxiety among students with LD, this study employs a thematic literature analysis of 26 national and international studies published between 2011 and 2025. The review summarises findings from experimental, qualitative, and intervention-based research using a purposeful, concept-driven selection method. Three interconnected themes emerged through inductive thematic analysis: (1) Humour as a mechanism for social facilitation; (2) humour as a facilitator of engagement and self-confidence; and (3) humour as an emotional regulator. According to the research, humour functions as a multifaceted mediating tool that lowers emotional barriers, encourages inclusive participation, and redefines challenging academic situations. In practice, the study highlights humour-informed interventions as accessible strategies for improving emotional well-being, engagement, and inclusive classroom environments. Conceptually, it positions humour as a bridge linking learning difficulties with academic anxiety. Keywords: Learning Disabilities; Humour; Academic Anxiety; Emotional Regulation; Inclusive Education; Thematic Literature Review Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 57-69 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.61 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/61 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/61/69 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:61 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Amit Mehra Author-Name: Suman Sharma Title: Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Touchscreen-Based Modern Home Automation System for Residential Energy Management Publication-Status: Published Abstract: The ever-evolving landscape of embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way homes operate. The aim of this research was to develop and construct a local home automation system that replaced traditional mechanical switches with a digital touchscreen interface. The system design employed an 8-bit 8051-family microcontroller as the control logic and a 4-wire resistive touch panel for user input. For power control and safety, a 4-channel relay module was used to achieve electrical isolation between the low-level control and high-level power loads. The system exhibited almost instantaneous response, with touch-to-load delay much shorter than human response time. The addition of a 16x2 alphanumeric LCD display enabled real-time monitoring, enhancing transparency. Compared to conventional manual switches, the proposed design provided greater convenience, monitoring and safety. The results of the study found that the proposed prototype is a cost-effective, reliable and scalable solution for home automation, especially where network connectivity is not essential and reliability is a critical requirement. This study suggests future work include the addition of wireless communication and sensor networks, to develop the system into a self-monitoring smart home. Keywords: Home Automation; Microcontroller; Touchscreen Interface; Real-time Monitoring Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 70-80 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.60 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/60 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/60/72 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:60 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rajendra Prasad Kumawat Author-Name: Rajesh Kumar M. Damor Title: Urban Morphology and Its Master Plan of Jaipur City Publication-Status: Published Abstract: An examination of Jaipur’s urban form reveals how the city’s geography, history, and planning philosophies have collectively shaped its unique spatial and cultural identity. Strategically located along the Aravalli hills and Banas River valley, Jaipur benefited from natural defenses, fertile soil, and water resources, influencing both its early settlement and ongoing urban development. The city’s evolution unfolded in three major phases: its founding in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, characterized by prominent public structures like Jantar Mantar and a gridiron street plan; the 19th-century expansion under Sawai Pratap Singh and Maharaja Ram Singh II, when development extended beyond walled limits with significant architectural projects; and a more recent phase marked by growth amid challenges. While initial planning emphasized environmental harmony, social hierarchy, and aesthetic considerations, modern issues such as urban sprawl, unregulated land use, and infrastructure deficits threaten its historic fabric. Addressing these concerns necessitates integrated urban management strategies that promote sustainable densification, heritage conservation, and inclusive governance. Leveraging advanced spatial technologies and socio-economic research will be vital in balancing rapid urbanization with heritage preservation. Jaipur exemplifies a deliberate, harmonious approach to urban planning that marries traditional wisdom with contemporary needs, offering valuable insights for similar historic cities worldwide. Keywords: Jaipur; Urban morphology; Historical urban growth; Urban sprawl; Land Use Change; Population Growth Journal: Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Pages: 81-93 Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 Month: March DOI: 10.63960/sp.2026.sijmds.3.1.87 File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/view/87 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://sijmds.com/index.php/pub/article/download/87/73 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ett:sijmds:v:3:y:2026:i:1:a:87