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Book Reviews

Dr. Panch. Ramalingam must be congratulated for bringing together a sizable body of
scholars whose contributions provide insights in different areas of teacher education. The thrust
of the study is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. The present compilation will be very useful
to professional teachers, educators and laymen interested in the problems/issues of higher
education in India.
Reviewed by: Prof. V. T. Patil
Former Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University,
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, USA.

Sibnath Deb (2006): Contemporary Social Problems In India, Anmol Publication Pvt. Ltd,
New Delhi. Rs.900, Pages:xx+352.
Population explosion in terms of present population in India, its fast growth rate, urban
and rural population status, density of population, sex-ratio, literacy status, trend of population
growth have been well covered and discussed in the book. Besides, the author nicely dealt
with the problems namely underage of marriage, illiteracy, poverty and non-availability of
contraception in rural areas and misconceptions about family planning methods prevailing
among high bulk of illiterate Indian population both in rural and urban areas. In this connection
the author very meticulously highlighted the adverse effect of population growth in social and
political fields. The book has other very important and relevant discussions on current scenario
of HIV/AIDS in Indian vis--vis global HIV/AIDS scenario with the prevailing remedial measures
specifically mentioning counseling models.
The other two worth mentioning chapters are social stigma/misconceptions and its impact
on social life and health. In this connection the author with all scientific precision covered the
problems associated with social stigma attached with physical and mental health problems,
leprosy and HIV/AIDS. The other important aspect of burning problem in India is illiteracy. The
author, in details, depicted the current scenario of the problem and its consequences. For
each problem, the author very prudently suggested remedial measures.
The book is an important asset for the policy makers. The authors penetrating observation,
methodological objectivity and precision in dealing with the above mentioned socio-psychological
and reproductive health problems deserve appreciation. The authors presentation and lucid
expression is also a unique quality reflected in the book.
I am sure the book will be in a position to guide researchers and social activities in the field
of social sciences, particularly in the field of social and health psychology.
Reviewed by: J. Mondal
Professor and Head (Retd.), Dept of Applied Psychology
and Ex. Dean, Faculty Council for Post Graduate Studies in Science
University of Calcutta