Generally, the development involves mobilization of natural resources, augmentation of trained manpower, capital and technical knowledge how and their utilization for the attainment of constantly rising national goals, higher living standards and the change over from a traditional to a modern society.

Since the 1970s, the international disability rights movement, the United Nations and national governments across the world have attempted to ameliorate the status of the disabled population through a range of legislative and policy measures primarily in the areas of health, education, employment, accessible environments and social security. While the discourse in the disability sector in India has shifted from charity and welfare to human rights and entitlements, disability studies — as an interdisciplinary academic terrain that focuses on the contributions, experiences, history and culture of persons with disabilities — has not yet taken root. This volume collates some of the most recent pioneering work on disability studies from across the country. The essays presented here engage with the concept of disability from a variety of disciplinary positions, sociocultural contexts and subjective experiences within the overarching framework of the Indian reality. The contributors — including some with disabilities themselves — provide a well-rounded perspective, in shifting focus from disability as a medical condition only needing clinical intervention to giving it due social and academic legitimacy. This book outlines key issues that would be germane to any disability studies endeavour in India and South Asia, and will appeal to academics, activists, institutions, laypersons and professionals involved in social welfare, sociology, disability studies, women’s studies, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and social and preventive medicine.

Examines the United Progressive Alliance-led government's (2004-14) agenda for the religious minorities in India.

In Book 2, Author's Note, Kathamuthu's daughter Gowri, traces the circumstances and events of her novel. The result is a fascinating exploration of the disjunctures between what happens in the author's family and community, and her fictional interpretations of those happenings.

This book explores the role of communication in development using the framework of communication designed for behaviour change. The author emphasizes the role of communication in advocacy, social mobilisation, training, research and programme support. The first section provides a historical perspective on communication and development, outlining how communication has evolved from a system of delivering messages to one consciously designed to elicit the participation of the people in development initiatives. Section two presents case-studies from the Indian perspective, which provides an analytical look at new approaches in the fields of elementary education and adult literacy, rural development and primary health care. The concluding section recommends a research-based professional approach to communication for behaviour change and suggests various crucial areas where strategic communication can play a pivotal role in development.

Women and the Law.