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Review Article
Construction of ‘Self’: An Upanishadic Interpretation
Tania Ghosh*
,
Sribas Goswami
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-5
Received:
15 September 2025
Accepted:
25 September 2025
Published:
29 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aja.20260101.11
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Abstract: As the cornerstones of later Indian philosophical thinking, the Upanishads are collections of Indian philosophical writings written in late Vedic Sanskrit. In contrast to earlier writings of the Vedas that mostly concentrate on mantras (hymns), blessings, sacraments, sacrifices and rites, this section represents the most recent part of Hinduism's ancient texts. The fields of meditation, consciousness, philosophy, and ontological examinations are all explored in these complex Upanishads. As they explain a wide range of subjects like rituals, incarnations, and esoteric knowledge, they have a central place in the history of Indian faiths and culture. Significantly, the Upanishads depart from the older Vedic traditions' emphasis on rituals, opening the door for a variety of interpretations in later commentarial traditions. In order to comprehend human existence and personality development, the Taittiriya Upanishad describes the Pancha Kosha, or five sheaths of the self. By nurturing and understanding the idea of Koshas (sheath), individuals can accomplish a more holistic and balanced personality development, moving towards a state of self-realization and higher-level consciousness. This article focuses on the personality development of human in a very subtle way through the model of five sheaths as described in various Upanishads.
Abstract: As the cornerstones of later Indian philosophical thinking, the Upanishads are collections of Indian philosophical writings written in late Vedic Sanskrit. In contrast to earlier writings of the Vedas that mostly concentrate on mantras (hymns), blessings, sacraments, sacrifices and rites, this section represents the most recent part of Hinduism's a...
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Research Article
Generations of Care: An Ethnographic Account of Youths' Social Generativity and Civic Engagement in Shashemene, Ethiopia
Awraris Girma*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
6-14
Received:
22 November 2025
Accepted:
8 December 2025
Published:
29 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aja.20260101.12
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Abstract: This ethnographic study investigates how youths in Bulchana Woreda of Shashemene city, a place affected by volatile conflict, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting, actively regenerate social cohesion through everyday practices of care, cooperation, and morality. The paper argues that youths are relational social actors, arguing that the dominant narratives of youth as an active demographic category are associated with violence. It conceptualizes youths as social subjects whose agency is fundamentally shaped by and defined through their ongoing interactions, connections, and interdependence with other society members. Drawing on Giardiello’s social generativity and Kearns and Forrest’s dimensions of social cohesion, the study analyzes how youth-led activities are produced through care amid persistent social tension rather than through shared identity or consensus. The findings reveal that generativity operates as moral labor of emotional efforts, not given consistent attention or credit, and is structurally restricted rather than just participation. Youth activities also temporarily eradicate ethnic, religious, and political divisions, and their capacity to sustain cohesion was limited by unemployment, politicization, bureaucratic mistrust, and gender inequality in recognizing and giving them authority. Foregrounding youths’ fragile nature of generativity, relational and procession, this study contributes to the anthropological debates on youth civicity, social cohesion, and moral agency in the urban context of Africa. It argues for rethinking youth as active producers of moral and social life under conditions of uncertainty rather than a social problem to be managed.
Abstract: This ethnographic study investigates how youths in Bulchana Woreda of Shashemene city, a place affected by volatile conflict, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting, actively regenerate social cohesion through everyday practices of care, cooperation, and morality. The paper argues that youths are relational social actors, arguing that the domin...
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Research Article
Impacts of Urban Sprawl and Land Use/Land Cover Change on Socio-economic and Environmental Dynamics in Bole, Yeka, and Lemi-Kura Sub-cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Melaku Bayu,
Kenate Worku*,
Teshome Tamirat,
Bizuayehu Alemu
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
15-26
Received:
3 December 2025
Accepted:
24 December 2025
Published:
29 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aja.20260101.13
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Abstract: Expansion urban sprawl and land use/cover change has profoundly impacts socio-economic and environmental dynamics. This study investigates the impact of urban sprawl and land use/cover transformation on socio-economic and environmental impacts on sub-cities of Bole, Yeka, and Lemi-Kura in Addis Ababa from 1991 to 2022. Descriptive and explanatory research design was applied using a survey data of 138 residents across six districts within the three sub-cities. The result reveal significant land use and cover transformations occurred over the period, with built-up areas increasing from 2,382.12 hectares (10.96%) to 11,291.31 hectares (51.95%), while non-built-up areas decreased from 19,349.19 hectares (89.04%) to 10,441.89 hectares (48.05%). Notably, Bole, Yeka, and Lemi-Kura experienced substantial urban expansion, reflecting broader urbanization trends in Ethiopia. The study reveals that urban sprawl in Bole, Yeka, and Lemi-Kura imposes substantial economic burdens, with a majority of respondents reporting high congestion costs for businesses (75%) and high costs for extending urban infrastructure (71%). Administratively, (29%) of respondents perceive the management of urban-rural relations as poor, highlighting governance gaps. While these negative impacts are evident, the findings also underscores emerging efforts toward sustainability, (50%) rating the implementation of long-term integrated strategies as high, and (62%) noting strong measures to protect greenfield land, indicating an acknowledged need for better planning despite the ongoing challenges of unplanned expansion. Respondents' perceptions indicate that urban sprawl exacerbates social and economic divisions, with 37.68% and 25.36% reporting high or very high levels of social stratification. Economic repercussions are evident, with 45.65% of respondents noting increased commuting costs due to urban sprawl, driven by longer distances between residences and workplaces. Additionally, perceptions of high congestion and infrastructure costs (42.03% each) emphasize the mounting strain on municipal budgets. Effective management of urban-rural relationships is deemed crucial, with mixed views on the implementation of collaborative strategies for sustainable urban development. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between urban sprawl and socio-economic variables in Addis Ababa. The challenges and present experience posed by unplanned urbanization and weak governance necessitate targeted policy interventions, emphasizing the need for strategic urban planning and enhanced community engagement to promote sustainable growth and mitigate adverse impacts on livelihoods, social cohesion, and economic stability in rapidly urbanizing settings.
Abstract: Expansion urban sprawl and land use/cover change has profoundly impacts socio-economic and environmental dynamics. This study investigates the impact of urban sprawl and land use/cover transformation on socio-economic and environmental impacts on sub-cities of Bole, Yeka, and Lemi-Kura in Addis Ababa from 1991 to 2022. Descriptive and explanatory r...
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