EduSpark_v8i2_April-June 2026
June 30, 2026
EduSpark_v8i2_April-June 2026
June 30, 2026

Sparkling International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Studies

(A Quarterly Peer Reviewed/Refereed Multidisciplinary Journal)

Volume 9 Issue 2 April - June 2026

ANGADIVELA–THATHAMANGALAM: HOW THE FESTIVAL SUSTAINS INTERSTATE CULTURAL NETWORKS BETWEEN KERALA AND TAMIL NADU

Dhanyamol, S.

HSST History, Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi Higher Secondary School, Kollengode, Kerala, India.

Abstract

The Angadivela festival celebrated at Thathamangalam in Kerala represents one of the most significant cultural events fostering interstate cultural interaction between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the festival functions as a vibrant platform where religious beliefs, folk traditions, artistic performances, trade activities, and social relationships converge. Every year, thousands of devotees, artists, traders, and tourists from both states participate in the festival, strengthening historical ties and promoting cultural continuity across regional boundaries. The festival facilitates the transmission of shared customs, language, folklore, rituals, and indigenous knowledge while contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism, commerce, and employment generation. Beyond its religious significance, Angadivela has emerged as an important instrument for preserving intangible cultural heritage, encouraging interstate cooperation, and fostering communal harmony. This study examines the role of the Angadivela festival in sustaining interstate cultural networks by analysing its socio-cultural, economic, and heritage dimensions. The study also evaluates the factors contributing to the preservation of the festival and suggests policy measures for promoting sustainable cultural tourism and heritage conservation.

Keywords

angadivela festival, interstate cultural networks, cultural heritage, kerala, tamil nadu, folk traditions, cultural tourism.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

 GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY AND THE PROLIFERATION OF GIG EMPLOYMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

*Nitheesh S. Babu, **Vishnu, M., S. & ***Sreejith, B.

*Research Scholar, PG & Research Department of Economics, Fatima Mata National College, (Autonomous) Kollam, Kerala, India.

**Research Scholar, PG & Research Department of Economics, Mar Thoma College Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.

***Research Scholar, PG & Research Department of Economics, Fatima Mata National College, (Autonomous) Kollam, Kerala, India. 

Abstract

Indian Economy is a developing economy. During the pandemic period, extensive use of technology created a new labour market structure called the gig economy. The study examines how the knowledge economy and digitalisation promote the development of the gig economy.  The emergence of a technologically driven gig market place makes it easier for job seekers to connect with gig providing companies. The Niti Aayog report reveals that the gig economy is expected to grow by 2.35 crore by the year 2029-2030. Based on the BCG report, the gig economy contributes 1.25% of India’s GDP. In India, 47 % of gig work requires medium skills. According to the Niti Aayog report, retail trade and transportation are the major gig hiring sectors in India. This conceptual work gives an overview of the ‘gig economy’. The platform-based gig work plays a vital role in India’s labour market. The gig workers enjoy many benefits such as flexibility, autonomy and independence etc. On the other hand, gig workers suffer from various challenges such as lack of job security, lack of social security and income instability. It raises the importance of policy intervention by the government for the sustained and inclusive growth of the economy.

Keywords

gig economy, niti aayog, gig workers, gig work, knowledge economy, unemployment.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

ROLE OF ERANAD REGION IN MALABAR REBELLION

Saritha, K.

Guest Teacher, HSST History, Government VMC higher secondary school, Wandoor, Malappuram District, kerala, India.

Abstract

The Eranad region of present-day Malappuram district occupied a central position in the Malabar Rebellion, one of the most significant anti-colonial uprisings in the history of British India. As the principal centre of agrarian discontent, religious mobilisation, and nationalist sentiment, Eranad witnessed intense resistance against colonial authorities and the prevailing landlord system. The rebellion emerged from a combination of socio-economic exploitation, peasant grievances, the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements, and long-standing tensions between tenants and landlords. Several prominent leaders from Eranad mobilised local peasants and volunteers, transforming the region into the epicentre of the uprising. Although the movement initially reflected anti-colonial aspirations, it gradually assumed communal and violent dimensions, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction. Despite its controversial legacy, the rebellion remains an important episode in India’s freedom struggle and the socio-political history of Kerala. This study examines the pivotal role of the Eranad region in the Malabar Rebellion by analysing its historical background, socio-economic conditions, political mobilisation, major events, and long-term consequences. The study also evaluates the rebellion’s contribution to agrarian reforms, regional identity, and historical memory.

Keywords

eranad region, malabar rebellion, agrarian conflict, british colonial rule, khilafat movement, peasant resistance, kerala history.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE PALAKKAD GAP: TRADE, MIGRATION AND STATE FORMATION IN KERALA

Ajith, C.

HSST History (Contract-based Teacher), Ashramam Higher Secondary School, Malampuzha, Palakkad, Kerala, India.

Abstract

The Palakkad Gap, a nearly 30-kilometre-wide natural mountain pass through the Western Ghats, has played a decisive role in shaping the historical geography of Kerala and South India. Unlike the continuous mountain barrier of the Western Ghats, the Gap served as the principal corridor connecting the Malabar Coast with the Kongu region and the Tamil plains, thereby facilitating the movement of merchants, migrants, armies, religious communities, and political institutions for over two millennia. Its strategic geographical position transformed it into an important centre of inland trade, cultural interaction, migration, and state formation. Merchant guilds such as the Ayyavole Five Hundred (Ainnurruvar) and Manigramam extensively utilised this route to transport spices, textiles, horses, precious metals, and other commodities between the western ports and the interior markets of South India. Simultaneously, the corridor became an arena of political competition, contributing significantly to the emergence of the Palakkad Rajas and neighbouring polities that sought to control trade routes and administrative networks. This study examines the historical geography of the Palakkad Gap by analysing its influence on trade, migration, settlement expansion, and the evolution of political authority in Kerala. The research is primarily based on original historical evidence, including stone inscriptions, copper plate grants, temple inscriptions, palm-leaf manuscripts, archival records, historical maps, and colonial administrative documents preserved in repositories such as the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library (Mackenzie Collection), the British Library (Colin Mackenzie Papers), East India Company Records, Dutch archives, Mysore administrative records, and the Great Trigonometrical Survey. By integrating geographical analysis with epigraphical, cartographic, and archival sources, the study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between landscape, commerce, migration, and state formation in Kerala’s historical development.

Keywords

palakkad gap, historical geography, kerala, trade routes, migration, state formation, merchant guilds, ayyavole five hundred, manigramam, epigraphy.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

FEMALE WORKFORCE IN RURAL AREAS OF KERALA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THE WAY FORWARD

Sreekala, S.

Guest Teacher, HSST Economics, Sarvajana Higher Secondary School, Puthucode, Palakkad, Kerala, India.

Abstract

The participation of women in the rural workforce plays a vital role in promoting inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable rural development in Kerala. Although Kerala has achieved remarkable progress in literacy, health, and gender development, the labour force participation rate of rural women remains relatively low compared to their educational attainment. Rural women contribute significantly to agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries, cottage industries, micro-enterprises, self-help groups, and informal sector activities. However, they continue to face numerous challenges, including gender discrimination, wage inequality, limited employment opportunities, unpaid care work, lack of skill development, restricted access to credit, technological barriers, and inadequate social security. Recent economic transformations, migration, mechanisation, climate change, and changing agricultural practices have further influenced women’s employment patterns in rural Kerala. This study examines the status of the female workforce in rural areas of Kerala by analysing labour force participation, employment opportunities, occupational distribution, socio-economic challenges, and policy interventions. The study also investigates the role of education, skill development, entrepreneurship, Kudumbashree, and government employment programmes in promoting women’s economic empowerment. Furthermore, the study identifies emerging opportunities for improving women’s participation in the rural economy and proposes strategies for strengthening sustainable employment and gender-inclusive development. The findings contribute to a better understanding of rural women’s employment dynamics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and researchers working towards women’s economic empowerment and inclusive rural development in Kerala.

Keywords

female workforce, rural women, kerala, labour force participation, employment, women’s empowerment, kudumbashree, rural development.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

THE EVOLUTION OF KUDUMBASHREE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Ramya, R.

Guest Teacher, HSST in Economics, Sarvajana Higher Secondary School, Puthucode, Palakkad, Kerala, India.

Abstract

The evolution of Kudumbashree represents one of the most significant milestones in the history of women’s empowerment and community-based development in Kerala. Launched by the Government of Kerala in 1998 as a poverty eradication and women’s empowerment mission, Kudumbashree has transformed from a localised anti-poverty initiative into one of the world’s largest women’s self-help movements. Built upon the principles of participatory governance, social inclusion, collective action, and decentralised planning, the mission has enabled millions of women to become active participants in economic, social, and political development. Through its three-tier organisational structure comprising Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs), Area Development Societies (ADSs), and Community Development Societies (CDSs), Kudumbashree has strengthened women’s access to microfinance, entrepreneurship, livelihood opportunities, education, health, and local governance. The historical evolution of Kudumbashree reflects the broader transformation of Kerala’s development model, particularly in promoting gender equality and inclusive growth. Since its inception, the mission has expanded its activities beyond poverty alleviation to encompass financial inclusion, skill development, collective farming, micro-enterprises, social welfare, gender justice, digital literacy, and sustainable livelihoods. The programme has significantly improved women’s economic independence, decision-making capacity, leadership skills, and participation in local self-government institutions while contributing to household welfare and community development. This study examines the historical evolution of Kudumbashree by analysing its origin, institutional development, major policy initiatives, organisational expansion, and contributions to women’s empowerment in Kerala. The study also explores the socio-economic, political, and cultural dimensions of empowerment achieved through Kudumbashree while identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with sustaining women’s collective development. The findings contribute to a better understanding of community-driven development, gender-inclusive policymaking, and the role of grassroots institutions in promoting sustainable and equitable development.

Keywords

kudumbashree, women’s empowerment, self-help groups, poverty eradication, kerala, decentralised planning, community development, gender equality.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

Aswathi, T. U.

Teacher, St. Dominic Convent English Medium School, Vellani, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the twenty-first century, reshaping economies, governance, education, healthcare, employment, and public service delivery. As India accelerates its digital transformation through initiatives such as Digital India, AI for All, and the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the adoption of AI-driven systems has created unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery. However, alongside these advancements, AI has also generated significant concerns regarding social exclusion, digital inequality, algorithmic bias, unequal access to technology, and the widening socio-economic divide among marginalised communities. The unequal distribution of digital infrastructure, educational opportunities, technological literacy, and financial resources often prevents vulnerable populations—including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), women, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, rural households, and economically weaker sections—from fully benefiting from AI-enabled development. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to both reduce and reinforce existing inequalities. While AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, governance, and employment can enhance social welfare and expand opportunities for disadvantaged populations, algorithmic discrimination, automated decision-making, digital exclusion, surveillance, and labour market displacement may intensify existing forms of social and economic marginalisation. The benefits of AI are therefore unevenly distributed, making inclusive and ethical AI governance a critical policy priority for developing economies such as India. This study examines the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and social exclusion by analysing the socio-economic, technological, institutional, and policy dimensions affecting marginalised communities in India. It investigates how disparities in digital access, AI literacy, employment opportunities, access to public services, and technological infrastructure influence the inclusion or exclusion of vulnerable populations in the emerging AI-driven economy. The study further evaluates the opportunities created by AI in promoting financial inclusion, digital governance, healthcare accessibility, skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood enhancement while identifying the structural barriers that limit equitable participation. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing literature on digital inequality, inclusive technological development, and AI governance by providing evidence-based recommendations for promoting equitable access to Artificial Intelligence. The study emphasises the need for inclusive public policies, ethical AI frameworks, digital capacity building, algorithmic transparency, and institutional interventions that ensure technological progress contributes to social justice, inclusive development, and sustainable economic growth rather than reinforcing existing inequalities.

Keywords

artificial intelligence, social exclusion, digital divide, marginalised communities, inclusive development, digital inclusion, algorithmic bias, india, social justice, AI governance.

Abstract
References
Full Article
Article Pdf
Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial