A PARADIGM SHIFT IN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA

This volume is the result of my research work and interest in women-related issues. Women empowerment is a global issue, which has gained momentum in recent decades as the development of society. A nation depends on the social as well as economic wellbeing of women. Without gender equality and women empowerment, a country could not be a balanced society. The main objective of this work is to understand the empowerment of women in the changing society. Concentrations have been given to draw the extent and nature of changes and challenges of women in socio-economic, socio-cultural and philosophical perspectives. It also includes empirical perception and attitude of women towards development and empowerment. The work has analyzed the changing scenario in the position of women throughout the ages. And to make India a great nation, let us work towards giving the respect that women deserve in society.

In carrying out this work, I have received invaluable co-operation and guidance from a number of people.  I am ever grateful to them with my deepest sense of gratitude.

I avail the opportunity with great pleasure to express my deep sense of gratitude and respect to my teachers, supervisors and mentors, Retired Professor Sabujkoli Sen, Former Director of Studies, Educational Innovations and Rural Reconstruction, Visva-Bharati, and Professor, Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion, and Professor Sujit Kumar Paul, Former Head and Professor, Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension (REC), Visva-Bharati, for their sincere and illuminating supervision along with constant encouragement and guidance during the entire period of the work.

I express my sincere gratitude to Professor Amit Hazra, Adhyaksa, Palli Samgathana Vibhaga (Institute of Rural Reconstruction), Visva-Bharati, and Head, and all other respected teachers, and staff members of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension (REC), Visva-Bharati, for providing me all necessary facilities and support while pursuing the study.

I am indeed very grateful to all my respected teachers of Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Visva Bharati, and to all my respected teachers of Department of Philosophy, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, for their kind co-operation and valuable suggestions in many ways. I am also very grateful to our Principal, Dr. Swapan Kumar Pan, of Gushkara Mahavidyalaya for his spontaneous and handful support.

Collection of all the relevant books, materials and other necessary documents were not so much easy. In this regard, I am fortunate enough to get cordial help from staff of Central Library, Palli Samgathana Vibhaga Library and Palli Siksha Bhavana Library, Visva-Bharati. Thanks are also due to the staff members of Central Library, Burdwan University and Gushkara Mahavidyalaya Central Library, Gushkara who have supplied valuable documents, information and reading materials related to my work.

A number of scholars and friends have helped me in various ways during my work, particular mention is necessary for Brojendra Nath Adhikari, Debjyoti Singha Roy, Sumantra Chanda, Manisha Mondal, Siddhartha Sadhu, Krishnapada Pal, Anindya Mitra, Anindita Gupta. I shall be ever grateful to all of them.

I express my deep regards to my father, Dr. Aminul Haque, Retired Professor of Philosophy, Burdwan University, for his inspiration, blessings, unconditional love and support throughout my life. I am thankful to my only son, Aman, for his association during the tough time of my study. I also express my gratitude to my sister and all other family members. Without their inspirations and blessings, I simply could not be able to complete my work.

I am humble to state that I have prepared this work with the best of my knowledge and efforts. Despite my sincere efforts in the preparation of this work there may have some mistakes for which I am solely responsible.

Finally, I wish to express my appreciation to the publisher in bringing this volume on time.