“From Conflict to Cohesion: Identity and Social Dynamics in Contemporary India” consists of 14 chapters exploring topics ranging from identity politics and interreligious dynamics to gender-based violence and the impact of neoliberal policies. It critically examines how ideologies and practices can divide or unite communities. This collection of essays is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the forces that shape and challenge the fabric of Indian society, while also providing practical insights for fostering unity and empathy in a diverse nation.

This book is a humble attempt to honor Fr. Anthony da Silva, SJ (Fr. Tony), and his legacy of critical thought and collaborative spirit. Fr. Tony, a distinguished scholar and educator, has been a pivotal figure in integrating social sciences with theology and philosophy at JD since the 1980s. For over three decades, he served JD in multiple capacities, including as its president from 1993 to 1999. A visionary leader inspired by Vatican II and the aggiornamento spirit of Pope John XXIII, he consistently advocated for interdisciplinary collaboration to address issues relevant to both the Church and society in India.

Contents

Foreword
Preface

Part I: IDENTITY AND POLITICS

Chapter 1: Maintaining and Bridging Identities: The Path from Destructive Division to Creative Cohesion
                Kuruvilla Pandikattu

Chapter 2: Memory, Identity and Resistance
                Joel Dsouza

Chapter 3: The Phenomena of Passionate Politics in the Indian Public Sphere
                 V. Sebastian

Part II: INTER-RELIGIOUS AND COMMUNAL DYNAMICS

Chapter 4: Communal Harmony and Conflict: Analyzing India’s Inter-Religious Dynamics
                 Midhun J. F. Kochukallan

Chapter 5: Gandhi in Post-Consecration Ceremony of Ram Temple
                 Rajeev Ranjan

Chapter 6: The Hawala Parallel Economy: A Cultural Marker Provoking Othering
                 Nirmal Savio Paul

Part III: VIOLENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Chapter 7: Addressing Gender-Based Violence
                Patricia Santos

Chapter 8: State Terrorism and Human Rights Violations: The Unsettling Facts Exposed by the Human Rights Defender Fr Stan Swamy
                Benny Chiramel

Chapter 9: Dictates of Neoliberal Capitalism: Exploring the Discourses of India’s NEP 2020
                 Vincent Pereppadan

Part IV: PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Chapter 10: Development of God Image as Understood Through Object Relation: Approach from the Viewpoints of Donald Winnicott and Ana-Maria Rizzuto
                  Arokiaraj Patrick

Chapter 11: Dynamics of Rumors: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Perspectives
                  Dolichan Kollareth

Chapter 12: Competency Crisis in Higher Education: Youth Unemployment and Marginality
                  Ranjit George

Part V: DEMOCRACY, POPULISM, AND RATIONAL DISCOURSE

Chapter 13: Majoritarian Politics and the Suppression of Freedom in Democratic India
                  John Karuvelil

Chapter 14: Populism, Scientific Temper, and Peacebuilding
                  Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu

A Message from Anthony da Silva SJ

Publications by Anthony da Silva SJ

Contributors

Dr. Dolichan Kollareth is a Jesuit priest of the Kerala Province. Dr. Kollareth holds a licentiate degree in Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. He currently serves full time as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Jnana Deepa Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune, India.