Patna University Faculty Member Secures Prestigious ICSSR Research Grant
In a significant academic achievement, Supriya Krishnan, a faculty member in the Personnel Management and Industrial Relations (PMIR) department at Patna University, has been awarded a prestigious two-year research project by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The project, which comes with a substantial grant of Rs 15 lakh, is set to explore the Indian family system as a vital source of cultural capital.
Comprehensive Study Across Four Bihar Districts
Providing detailed insights into the project, Krishnan explained that the research will delve into the Indian family system as a socio-spiritual institution. This institution is noted for its remarkable ability to sustain unity and resilience in the face of modern-day challenges. These challenges include widespread migration, evolving livelihood patterns, and increasing mental health stressors that affect familial structures across the nation.
The extensive two-year study will be conducted across four strategically selected districts in Bihar: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Chhapra, and Bhojpur. This geographical focus aims to capture a diverse and representative sample of family dynamics within the state, offering a microcosm of broader Indian familial experiences.
Documenting Cultural Resources and Assessing Family Well-being
Krishnan highlighted that the study has an ambitious goal to document approximately 60 distinct cultural resources. These resources encompass a rich tapestry of elements such as Maithili folk narratives, Bhojpuri migration songs, traditional rituals, and shared family practices that profoundly shape everyday life and community bonds.
The research methodology will employ a multifaceted approach, utilizing surveys, in-depth interviews, and culturally adapted research tools. This comprehensive strategy is designed to assess family well-being among 120 households, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of women and migrant families. These groups are often at the forefront of navigating the pressures brought about by social and economic transformations.
Developing a Culture-Sensitive Model and Policy Tools
A key objective of the project is to integrate timeless Indian philosophical concepts, such as the Grihastha stage of life, with contemporary family psychology. This synthesis aims to develop a culture-sensitive model of family resilience that is both rooted in tradition and relevant to modern contexts.
Furthermore, the research will pioneer the creation of a District-level Family Systems Index (DFSI). This innovative tool is intended to provide quantifiable data and insights to support evidence-based social policy planning. By offering a measurable framework, the DFSI could guide policymakers in crafting interventions that strengthen family units and community support systems.
University Leadership Hails the Achievement
Patna University Vice-Chancellor Namita Singh extended her congratulations to Supriya Krishnan for securing this prestigious award from the ICSSR. She expressed that it is a moment of immense pride for the state's academic community.
"The findings of this research are expected to shed new light on the enduring relevance of the Indian family system in the contemporary world," stated Singh. "This work has the potential to significantly aid our policymakers in understanding and supporting familial structures that are central to our social fabric."
This grant not only underscores the academic excellence at Patna University but also emphasizes the growing recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and their importance in addressing contemporary social issues. The project stands as a testament to the value of interdisciplinary research that bridges cultural heritage with modern sociological inquiry.
