The Muslim Other: The Animal as a Demonizing Tool in Biriyaani

Dr. Adarsa A K

Abstract 

Islamophobia in India manifests as a product of Brahminism and its caste structure, the oppressive order which colonizes the Indian society. Positioned as the other to the hegemonical power, representation of the Muslim in Indian cinema has mostly been stereotyped, demonized, and misinterpreted. This study aims at probing into the sociological and political manifestations of how aspects of animal ethical philosophy have been manipulated to suit the dominant Brahminical interests in Indian context, especially that of Kerala, with reference to internationally acclaimed Malayalam movie, Biriyaani. Vegetarianism in India carries the brahminical supremacist notions of purity and superiority than the ethical notions of reducing animal abuse. The dominant brahminical hegemony has posited the Muslim as its other and has tried to create distaste towards almost everything related to the culture of this community. The paper tries to analyse how the Malayalam movie, Biriyaani, which tells the story of a Muslim woman, seeks to use the animal as a prop and projects its Islamophobic elements.

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Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]

Upskilling and Reskilling of LIS Professionals

Anindita Sandilya, Rajashree Bordoloi, Bandita Bora

Abstract 

This study investigates the current landscape of upskilling and reskilling practices among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in the context of rapid digital transformation. With traditional roles evolving due to the rise of web-based technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital repositories, LIS professionals are increasingly expected to acquire new competencies. Using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, this paper analyzes the role of soft skills in professional development, evaluates the use of SWAYAM and NPTEL as learning platforms, identifies institutional and infrastructural barriers, and forecasts future skill demands in the LIS sector. The findings highlight that technical adaptability, communication, and digital literacy are the most emphasized soft skills, while infrastructure challenges, limited training opportunities, and low technology integration act as primary barriers. The study also reveals that while SWAYAM offers valuable LIS-specific content, a majority of courses remain general or indirectly applicable. The paper concludes that for LIS professionals to thrive in this evolving environment, a coordinated effort is necessary to integrate continuous learning, promote emerging skills, and address structural limitations.

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Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]