It is with great pride that I present this issue of our journal, which brings together a diverse range of scholarly contributions drawn from different regions of our country. The breadth of perspectives represented here reflects the vitality of academic inquiry in contemporary India and demonstrates how researchers, educators, and practitioners engage critically with the social, cultural, technological, and political issues that shape our times.

The articles in this volume are from multiple disciplines and intellectual traditions. The opening paper foregrounds the lived experiences of the transgender community in India, highlighting persistent struggles for justice and inclusion. This is followed by incisive discussions on the political implications of memes, the integration of artificial intelligence and robotic devices into everyday domestic life, and the growing influence of social media algorithms in constructing echo chambers. Such studies point to the urgent need to interrogate the intersections of technology, communication, and society.

Equally compelling are the contributions that engage with culture, history, and law. From comparative explorations of courtesan traditions across cultures to analyses of censorship in Indian theatre before and after Independence, these works underline the dynamic interplay between artistic expression and sociopolitical forces. The admissibility of psychological autopsies, examined through a legal lens, further underscores the interface between law, justice, and human complexity.

The issue also foregrounds the role of education and empowerment in building a more inclusive society. Papers on media literacy among children, the digital transformation of classrooms, and the educational empowerment of Dalit women in Kerala highlight how knowledge systems can serve as tools of liberation. In addition, studies on caregivers’ help-seeking behaviour, nationalism in contemporary Hindi cinema, and the search for self and identity enrich this volume with perspectives on individual and collective resilience.

I express my deep appreciation to all contributors for their valuable work, and to the reviewers and editorial team for their dedication in shaping this issue. It is my sincere hope that the articles herein will provide both scholars and readers with fresh insights, critical frameworks, and meaningful engagements with the contemporary world.

Prof Neelima BN
Editor