IOSR-JHSS   Volume-19 ~ Issue-10 ~ Oct-2014

Abstract: Religion and Environment are presented as vital aspects of the life of a nation. This is because they both affect the life of the people of the nation. Religion has to do with the spirit of humankind as well as the god he believes in. Religions come into being as a result of the search by humankind to have a link between him and his god. In Nigeria, Christianity and Islamic religions are the two prominent religions, even though a large number of other traditional religions exist among the people of diverse tribes. Five major environments are recognized, with the natural environment being in the prominence for meeting both the basic needs of people in other environments besides providing a large number of other useful services. It came into being with the existence of the planet earth. Other environments such as the socio-economic environment, the built environment and the political/governmental environments, are the creations of humankind, made possible by his unique endowments. The spiritual environment is the environment within which the spirit being of humankind operates, in the process of accessing the Almighty God. Religion influences all the diverse environments in diverse ways. Christian religion in particular, teaches about the consequences of greed, corruption, violence and injustice in the environment. It also makes it clear to humankind that the Almighty God frowns against them. Instances abound in the bible where He has punished them. It therefore behooves humankind, to remember that he will one day give an accountof his actions in the environment within the planet earth, to his maker – the Almighty God. Key Words: Religion, Environment, Humankind, Almighty God, Sustainability

[1]. Adeboye, E. A (2012),KeynoteAddressat the 2012 Annual Convention of Redeemed Christian Church of God on theTheme of Signs and Wonders.
[2]. Adelagan, A (2009), Life in the 21st Century: Maximizing Your Potentials to Prosper. Lecture delivered at the special convocation week of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, IkejiArakeji, 6.
[3]. Adesiyan S. A. (2005), Man and His Biological Environment.Ibadan: IbadanUniversityPress, 196.
[4]. Bellamy, P. (2007), Dictionary of Environment. EPP Books Series Nigeria Ltd., 483.
[5]. Fatubarin, A. (2003), Applied Biology. Ilorin: Decency Printers and Stationeries Ltd., 124.
[6]. Fatubarin, A. (2008). Evolution. Ilesa: Keynotes Publishers Ltd., 81

Abstract: Problems of urban environmental degradation and inadequacy of housing and basic infrastructural facilities in the Niger Delta cities are well known. The discovery of petroleum oil in the Niger Delta region in the 1950s, is particularly remarkable for very rapid growth of the population of the region, which has increased and greatly intensified problems arising from the inadequacy of urban infrastructural facilities. The rapidity of overall population growth arises from a combination of a high rate of natural increase and a much higher rate of migration. This paper attempts an empirical analysis of slum characteristics in four leading cities in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Findings reveal that slum dwellers in these four cities live in subhuman conditions-substandard dwelling units and protracted lack of community amenities and services. "Upgrading" rather than "clearance", among others, were recommended for sustainable management of slum areas in the Niger Delta cities in particular and Nigerian cities in general.

Keywords: Urban, slum, characteristics, Nigeria, improvement

[1]. Aboribo, R.O. and Umukoro, N. (2008) ―Conflict of Globalization and the Globalization of Niger Delta Conflict‖, Nigerian Sociological Review, Vol.8.
[2]. Abrams, C. (1996). Squatter Settlements: the Problem and Opportunities, Wastington, D. C.: Division of International Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development.
[3]. Afeikhena, J. (2005) ―Managing Oil Rent for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction in Africa‖, UNWIDER Jubilee Conference 2005, available at http://www.wider.unu.edu/conference/conference-2005-3/conference-2005.htm.
[4]. Ahmed-Hammed, A. (2006) ―The Implications of Rising Oil Prices and Environmental Concerns for Oil Exporting Countries‖, Nigerian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 32, No.2.
[5]. Casasco, J. A. (1969). ―The Social Function of Slums in Latin America: Some Positive Aspects‖, American Latin, vol. 16, pp. 87-111.

Abstract: Children are universally regarded as the most important asset of any nation. The future of the nation depends directly on how they are brought up and developed. This is why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted way back in 1948 had proclaimed that childhood was entitled to special care and assistance. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child adopted in1989 proclaims in article 6 that every child has the inherent right to life and that the State parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible for the survival and development of the child. In article 32, the convention mandates the States parties to recognize the rights of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child‟s education or to be harmful to the child‟s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. The United Nations conventions on the Rights of the child, 1989 was the first international treaty to state the full range of civil, political, economic and cultural rights belonging to children. Legally binding on States parties,

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Abstract: The history of rise and fall of human civilization assures us that masculinity is the summumbonum of the modern culture. The secular and scriptural literature never discriminate femininity against masculinity yet the history reveals that in the beginning of social evolution the basis of marriage was romantic sexual attraction, harmony of tastes and interests. The consent was a closed phenomenon like being vested in female but scarcely to be used by her. This was the cause of subservience and subjugation of women to man. No sooner the free choice of man and woman in marriage was recognized and gained momentum the masculine grip began to loosen but this time with a difference. Man vigorously followed the dictum – dominate the woman peacefully if possible, forcefully if necessary. The classical liberalism was a political bluff which woman took easily because she never read in political / private coronation of man. Though it proved a turning point in the sense that women organisations in the West fought against discrimination as a result the period between sixteenth and seventeenth century is marked with liberalization and emancipation of woman where "free consent assumed significance in marriage, yet it gained strength with woman‟s right to suffrage being recognized one major achievement has been that the problems relating to women began to precipitate and masculinity in all its forms was subjected to scathing criticism. Women begin to see through the vicious game of man disempowerment at all levels and hence the institutions of impoverishment became the focal point of criticism.

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Abstract: This paper will deal with the traumatic effect caused by the society towards gender. Gender role is vital in the successful progress of a society. Male and female are the two genders which instantly come to our mind when we talk of gender. The word 'gender identity' too might lead us towards Feminism. Of course, this gender identity is not in terms of feminism but it is about the identity or recognition sought after by the third sex – the transgender. The memory of a traumatic experience, which is either caused by natural disaster, social apathy or betrayal by caregivers or trusted partners, has become a kind of obsession. There are no words to highlight the inner turmoil caused by such traumatic experiences. The inclusion of transgenders into society is an issue which is still unsolved. The role of transgenders in any genre of literature is a big question and it is definitely not at par with other genders. These three - literature, trauma narrative and transgender - have to be intertwined and this is right now possible only by transgender writers like Vidya, Priya Babu, Revathy, Paula Greig and so on. This paper will deal with the insights shared by Vidya regarding the struggle of the transgenders' recognition and inclusion.

Keywords: Gender, Identity, Inclusion, Literature, Transgender, Trauma

[1]. Vidya, Living Smile. I am Vidya. Rupa Publications: New Delhi, 2007.

[2]. WILHEM, AMARA DAS . ―TRITIYA-PRAKRITI: PEOPLE OF THE THIRD SEX." SCRIBD. XLIBRIS, N.D. WEB. 20 DEC. 2013.
[3]. http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/no-life-vain/ , 07-08-2013 Journals referred
[4]. Gagne, Patricia, Richard Tewksbury and Deanna McGaughey. ―Coming out and Crossing over: Identity Formation and Proclamation in a Transgender Community‖ Gender and Society, Vol. 11, No. 4 (Aug., 1997), pp. 478-508. Sage Publications. http://www.jstor.org/stable/190483 .
[5]. Hickey, Darby. Transgender Women‖. Off Our Backs, Vol. 34, No. 1/2 (january-february 2004), p. 61 . http://www.jstor.org/stable/20838005

Abstract: The social reform movements in India have consistently championed the cause of oneness of Indian Society and the under privileged. Dr. Ambedkar, as Father of the Constituent Assembly provided significant constitutional safeguards to SC/ST with a view to ensuring equality of opportunity and preemption of discrimination. However, inclusive growth interms of equal access to nutritious food, education and meaningful employment has remained a chimera. The tribals who constitute 23% of Odisha's population have the added disadvantage of being alienated. The fruits of liberalization have not impacted tribals Below Poverty Line (BPL) compared to the general category. The paper analyses the various facets of inequity viz. educational opportunity, employment etc. in different segments of our society and brings out a case study of remarkable reform movement for the tribals in Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Odisha by ensuring a better livelihood prospect, special focus on girl child education, reduction in Gender Inequality Index (GII), improving Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and significant employment opportunities through international collaboration with UNFPA & UNICEF.

Keywords: BPL, KISS, GII, GER, UNFPA, UNICEF

[1] Altbach, G.P.(2009). The Giants Awake: Higher Education Systems in China and India. Economic & Political Weekly, June 6, 2009 VOL XLIV No 23
[2] Annual Report, Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, 2010-11 & 12-13
[3] Dreze, J. & Sen, (2013) A. An Uncertain Glory India and its Contradictions. Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi [4] Economic Survey 2013-2014, Government of India

[5] Human Development Report, 2014-Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience-UNDP

[6] India‟s Budget Document 2014-2015

Abstract: Marriage has always been regarded as the most important institution in our society. It is a chord that binds two people (husband & wife) and their families in such a way that though not bonded by blood or being strangers for ages they become closest of relatives. But after marriage there comes a new set of expectations, responsibilities and duties along with rights not only for the couples but also for the families involved & here the problem begins. If the couples and their families are able to cope up with the new emerging set of life, the marriage turns into bliss but if they fail, it leads to marital maladjustment which ultimately leads the couple to the court for divorce. The institution of divorce is still recognized as a social stigma in Indian society. It leads to a change in all the social relations, a man has been enjoying in his life. The family, friends, neigbours & relatives who generally form the social circle of an individual mostly choose to back out or avoid when it comes to providing support in one way or the other to the couple under divorce process. The couple also avoids being part of the social gatherings for the fear of being queried by the people.

[1]. BERNARD, JESSIE, "The Distribution of Success in Marriage," American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 39, No. 2, September 1933, pp. 194-203.
[2]. CHESSER, EUSTACE, The Sexual, Marital and Family Relationships of English Woman. Great Britain, Hutchinson's Medical Publications Ltd., 1956.
[3]. CHRISTENSEN, H.T., Marriage Analysis: Foundations for Successful Family Life, New York, Ronald Press Co., 1950
[4]. CORMACK, MARGARET, The Hindu Woman (Ist Indian Edition), Bombay, Asia Publishing House, 1961.
[5]. ELLIOTT, MABEL A. AND MERRILL, FRANCIS, E., Social Disorganization (3rd Edition), New York, Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1950.

Abstract: Shobhaa De a true artist, a fearless novelist and columnist who portrayed the life of urban elite people to bring in focus the dark view of their lives in front of the society .As a feminist she writes different than other female writers Anita Desai, Shashi Deshpande, Bharati Mukherjee, Jhumpa Lahiri, Manju Kapur and others. She provides complete freedom to her female characters to overcome their difficulties whether they had to sell their souls. The protagonist Amrita‟s life, her predicaments and the passion to achieve the power is been described in this article. The circumstances in her life were so adverse but she accepted the unalterable facts of life confidently. She strives against the ravenous male-dominated society. She was Sethji biggest asset used by him in politics. She was influenced by her mother and adopted her mother‟s belief and values and psychologically copies her mother how she had struggled and married twice for the sake of money and survival and regain power. She breaks down all restricted unlawful boundaries by compromising her virginity with the lustful manoeuverstoSethjiandassumeshergoaltobecomeapowerfulwoman.

Keywords: Ravenous,empowerment,opponent,accountable,incestuously,disenchanted,restlessness,manoeuvers,stubbornness, exquisiteness, womanhood ,epilepsy

[1]. De, Shobhaa.1993.Uncertain Liaisons: Sex, Strife and Togetherness in Urban India. New Delhi:Penguin Books, p.12.xxxv.
[2]. De, Shobhaa.2012.Sethji.New Delhi: Penguin Books, p.31.
[3]. Ibid., p.32.
[4]. Ibid., p.34.
[5]. Ibid., p.36.
[6]. Stephens, D.C and et.al.2007.This is Not the Life I Ordered:50 ways to keep your head above water when life keeps dragging you down.San Francisco:Conari Press.

Abstract: Being the prolific writer that he is, Gimba's collection of Short Stories, A Toast in the Cemetery, brings out the themes of decay and corruption in the urban setting through the use of images, symbols, setting and character. He seeks through these media to reveal the decay and corruption in the society. Gimba uses aesthetics to convey his message, thus making a call for change in the fabrics of society. Keywords: corruption, decay, character, setting, symbolism, images, society

[1]. Adegbija E. ed. The English Language and Literature in English: An Introductory Handbook. Ilorin; Tim Sal Nig. Ent., 1999.
[2]. Adewoye E. Sam "Rudiments of Literary Appreciation" Criticism, Theory and Ideology in African Literature Ed. OluObafemi Ilorin: Hytee Press and Publishing Company Nigeria Limited, 2003.
[3]. Bacon A. Wallace. The Art of Interpretation 2nd Edition. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1979.
[4]. Chinwezu et al. Towards the Decolonization of African Literature; African fiction and Poetry and their Critics. London: KPI, 1985.
[5]. Fowler Alastair.A History of English Literature. Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1989.
[6]. GimbaAbubakar. A Toast in the Cemetery. Enugu: Delta Publications Nig. Ltd., 2002.