ABSTRACT
The profound ecological or an environmental consciousness is always reflecting in Japanese folk tales which shows the harmonious relationship between human beings and the nature. The roots of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, express these narratives portray rivers, mountains, forests, animals, creatures, trees, and celestial bodies not only as physical entities but as sacred living presences deserving reverence and protection. This paper explores environmental awareness in selected Japanese folk tales and examines how ecological ethics are embedded within traditional narratives. The study analyzes tales such as The Grateful Crane, Momotarō, The Bamboo Cutter, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, Urashima Tarō, and several mountain and forest legends to understand the representation of environmental harmony, moral responsibility, sustainability, and respect for biodiversity. This paper adopts a qualitative and interpretative method for this study based on literary and cultural analysis. It investigates how Japanese folk literature communicates environmental values through symbolism, mythic imagination, and moral instruction. The study further examines the influence of Shinto animism and Buddhist philosophy on environmental thought in Japanese folklore. It argues that these tales function not only as entertainment or cultural memory but also as ethical frameworks promoting coexistence between humans and the natural world. In the contemporary age of environmental degradation, climate crisis, and ecological imbalance, Japanese folk tales offer valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental ethics. The paper concludes that traditional Japanese narratives continue to hold significant relevance for modern environmental discourse and ecological education.

ABSTRACT
Indian family structures provide mothers in a central yet under theorised position, contributing to the emotional, educational, cultural, managerial and social domains. The present study describes the development and psychometric validation of a 15-item measure measuring the multidimensional engagement of Mothers (N = 128). An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation produced five interpretable factors: (1) Psychosocial Resilience & Growth (given value = 9.566, 38.27% variance), (2) Cultural & Moral Stewardship (8.02%), (3) Social Capital & Community Engagement (6.54%), (4) Emotional Core & Foundation (5.49%), and (5) Managerial & Strategic Authority (4.74%), together accounting for 63.06% of total variance. The scale revealed very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .930). The sample adequacy was confirmed by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = .855) and the Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (χ2 = 1783, df = 300, p < .001). Findings highlight the irreplaceable socio-cultural and developmental contributions of Mothers in multigenerational Indian households, with implications for family science, Indian family system and intergenerational policy.

ABSTRACT
This paper examines female predicaments and matrimonial challenges in Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood, Mariama Bâ’s So Long a Letter, Flora Nwapa’s Efuru and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. The paper further argues that these novels expose the painful experiences of African women within marriage, motherhood, patriarchy and religious or cultural expectations. In addition, this paper focuses on how marriage, which is often presented as a source of dignity and social fulfillment, becomes a space of suffering, silence, sacrifice and emotional imprisonment. From a Feminist theoretical perspective, the analyses in this paper reveals that marriage is projected in these novels both as a cultural institution and a site for female oppression. However, the women are not presented only as victims but they also demonstrate endurance, resistance and the desire for self-definition. The paper concludes that Emecheta, Mariama Bâ, and Adichie use fiction to challenge patriarchal structures and call for women’s dignity, voice and freedom within African societies.

ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the Bamenda Grassfields regalia, a potent symbol of cultural identity in Cameroon’s North-West Region. This regalia has played a significant socio-cultural, political and economic role from inception. The paper therefore unveils its origin, distinctive characteristics, reasons for the observable transformational trends, implications of these mutations on the cultural identity of Bamenda Grassfielders and proposes sustainable strategies for safeguarding its authenticity and cultural integrity amid the growing influence of modern technology, contemporary fashion trends and globalization. The paper argues that although the Bamenda traditional regalia is undergoing numerous transformational trends, it has retained its historical authenticity which converges with the projection of Grassfields cultural identity while continuing to retain its strength as a symbol of national integration in Cameroon. To ensure a logical presentation of data, the chronological-cum thematic approaches were used in analyzing information gathered through qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results of our investigations revealed four main issues: That the regalia was well preserved until recently; that it witnessed changes in its designs and usage; that the transformational trends significantly affected the integrity of the attire; and that the regalia inspires and depicts cultural identity and national unity in Cameroon.