The Glimpses of Human Rights and Society in the Novels “Untouchable” and “The God of Small Things”

Daily writing prompt

Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?

Dr. Ravindra Ramdas Borse

B.P.Arts, S.M.A. Sci. and K.K.C. Com. College, Chalisgaon

Email: ravindraborse1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to observe the role of human rights in the societies before and after the independence India. It is studied through the novels of Indian writing in English. Here, it is an attempt to study, discuss and find out the reflection and violation of human rights in Indian society during pre-independence and post-independence period through the Indian fiction in English with reference to the selected novels of Mulk Raj Anand and Arunthati Roy. For this study two novels have been selected, first is “Untouchable” and another one is “The God of Small Things”. Selection of these writers and novels is based on the particular principles and thoughts. The basic criterion of selecting these writers and novels is the issue of “Human Rights”. Both the novels belong to two deferent periods of Indian history still they have a common theme that is humiliation of mankind and violation of human rights in the society. As we know that Mulk Raj Anand is the pioneer of Indian writing in English. He is an eminent writer in the history of Indian English Fiction. He is the first Indian writer who dared to write and raised the voice of deprived people in pre- independent India. On the other hand, Arundhati Roy is an author who belongs to post- independent period of India. In her novel, she tries to show the real picture and approach of Indian literate society and its people towards the poor and backward people through the depiction of Indian cultures and societies. In her novel “The God of Small Things”, she depicted the real picture of Indian people and their approach towards the illiterate and backward class people.

Above mentioned novels have been selected on the basis of following principles:

1. Both the novels focus on different cultures with common agenda.

2. The selected novels depict the plight and pathetic condition of downtrodden people in Indian society before and after the independence.

3. The writers of these novels have concern for underprivileged people.

4. Violation of human rights has been keenly depicted by these authors in above mentioned novels.

5. There is an ample scope for the study of human rights and its violation in India as shown in said novels.

KEYWORDS:

Deprived, underprivileged, downtrodden, human rights, backward, literate, illiterate, pre-independence, post-independence, plight, caste, creed, culture, multi-cultural, multi-lingual.

INTRODUCTION:

“Human Rights” are rights which have been offered to all human beings by birth with the purpose and aim of no discrimination. Without ‘Human Rights’ it’s impossible to the people to leave their life merrily. Each and every member in society needs of it. It helps all the human beings to live with freedom and peace. “Human Rights” can be considered as a basic rights or fundamental rights which have been offered to every individual. These rights are crucial in our life just like the ‘Food’,’ Cloths’ and ‘Shelter’ as the three basic needs of every human beings. Human rights have special significance in India and it also plays a vital role in the country like India. Role of ‘Human Rights” in a country like India is quiet complicated because it’s a large country in the world where people from different caste, culture and religion.

Role of ‘Human Rights” throughout a country like India is quiet complicated because it’s huge country within the world where people from different caste, culture and religion live together.

There are some other issues like population, poverty and lack of education which affect the proper implementation of human rights in India. The true beginning of “Human Rights” can be noticed on 10^th December 1948 at Paris. It is a year when United Nation’s General Assembly accepted and implemented the proposal of ‘Human Rights’ for world. But in India, it has been taken into consideration and implemented on 2^nd October 1993. An aim of ‘Human Rights Commission of India’ is to stop manipulation of Indians by the bureaucracy and safeguard the rights of common people.

As we know, India is multicultural and multilingual country in which people belongs to different caste, culture, community and creed still they live together. Above discussion makes it cleared that India is multi-lingual and multi-culture country. Due to these multi-culture and multi-lingual societies in India there is a chance and possibility to discriminate among the people of high caste and low caste. It has been noticed and observed from the past references that Indian society (in the context of Hinduism) had been divided into class / caste system (Vernas). The people were categorized into four classes / castes (vernas) such as: 1. Brahmin, 2. Kshatriyas, 3. Vaishyas, 4. Shudras. This class or verna system has at less or maximum level been continued in pre and post- independence India which we can notice in society and even in Indian writing as well. The incidents of ‘Human Rights violation in society’ are truly presented in the literary works of Mulk Raj Anand and Arunthati Roy. Number of words and sentences in “Untouchable” and “The God of Small Things” shows it in a cleared manner. For example, the words “Bhangis (Anand, p. 123), Chamars (Anand, p. 132), Harijans (Anand, p. 131) were used in contemporary period for deprived people of society to humiliate them by calling them with the use of their castes. To prove this point we can go through the novel “Untouchable” in which one can find number of examples of such discrimination among the people by the so called upper class society in Indian history from beginning to the present era by reading Indian literature. Indian literature is a mirror of society which reflects and represents Indian society, specially marginalized communities. In this context, the novel “Untouchable” and “The God of Small Things” are appropriate examples of deprived people. These writers shade lights on human rights’ violation in society through their respective novels. The characters sketch of the “Bakha” in ‘Untouchable’ and “Velutha” in ‘The God of Small Things’ are real depiction of underprivileged class in India. The themes of these novels move around these characters only. As we go through the reading of these novels it’s noticed that there is no life, freedom, peace and choice to lower class people in society as every incident in the novels present exploitation and humiliation of characters. Both ‘Bakha and Velutha’ are victims of caste system. Mulk Raj Anand and Arundhati Roy aim to reflect caste system and violation of human rights of these people in India in contemporary periods through the character sketches ‘Bakha and Velutha’. Mahatma Gandhi insisted and asked Mulk Raj Anand to give exposures to the plight of lower class communities in pre-independent India during 1930s. Casteism was a kind of disease in India. Even today, it has been continued in more or less amount directly or indirectly. Lower class people were suppressed by upper class not only by mental torture but also physically and socially. In this regard C.J. George says, “Casteism is a social practice and no Hindu religious leader of any merit and significance would admit it as part of his religion. Giving a place to casteism in Hindu religion is done by certain wolves in sheep’s skin for certain privileges and advantages” (p.40).

Human Rights and Literature (The novels under consideration):

Human rights and literature both are concerned to the human being and play crucial role in society. Progress and development of mankind is the common agenda of human rights and literature. Literature and human rights are age old concepts. The purpose of both of them is to shade light on human life and bring illiterate downtrodden people in to the flow. Thus, we can state that literature and human rights are two different things with same motto. Both try to develop and correlate to mankind. These two are the sources of the study and solutions to human challenges and issues of lower class such as exploitation and manipulation. Human rights and literature are the terms which harmonizing to one other. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss these terms simultaneously. Indian English literature has a tradition of raising issues of contemporary eras. Hereby, an attempt to study human rights perspective through the novels ‘Untouchable’ and ‘The God of Small Things’.

The novel “Untouchable is written by Mulk Raj Anand in 1935. It has been set in pre-independent India. The setting of the novel is of one day episode from morning to evening in which number of events can be observed in the life of low caste communities in colonial period of India. Mulk Raj Anand is one of the pioneers of Indian English Literature who often raised the point of subaltern people through all of his literary work. He is considered a champion of human rights as he depicted the true picture of human psyche in his literary pieces. The very first work of Mulk Raj Anand’s is ‘Untouchable’ where he pointed out the pathetic condition of marginalized people in society who have badly been treated in the Indian community by upper class. The story revolves around the prominent character ‘Bakha’. He is the man who has been fascinated by the upper class people in society. He just tries to imagine and imitate the upper class military officers life for oneself which highly impossible during the colonial India. We can notice the situation of it from the opening lines of the novel which gives us a vivid picture marginalized community and violation of their basic rights in the contemporary period. It can be cleared from the beginning lines of the novel “Untouchable”. The colony of these out caste people was settled in two rows near the cantonment in the town but out of the reach of upper class colony. The upper class people separated their colonies from the marginalised. There lived the scavengers, the grass-cutters and other outcastes from Hindu society” (Anand, p.1). Here, one can get an idea from the quote, how the place of living and the people who have been privileged were differentiated and poorly treated. During the pre-independence period lower class people were not allowed to join or sit with upper class people and it could be the reason of illiteracy and cause of lacking behind in lower class. Because they have never been allow to get an education or join the stream of knowledge which was the only right for upper class society. Education and performing prayers’ to God are the birth rights of upper class only. It was the tendency of upper class people towards lower class. Once Bakha was attracted by the worship “Sri Ram Chandarki Jai” (Long live the Great God Ram) (Anand, p.52). He was fascinated and moved at temple but was caught by the priest who shouted “Polluted, polluted, polluted”(Anand, p. 52). Lower caste people were not allowed to enter in the colonies of upper class. If he had to do so then must announce his arrivals.

“You be sure to shout now, you illegally begotten!” said a shopkeeper from a side, ‘if you have learnt your lesson!’ Bakha hurried away. He felt that everyone was looking at him. He bore the shopkeeper’s abuse silently and went on. A little later he slowed down, and quite automatically he began to shout: ‘Posh keep away, posh, sweeper coming, posh, posh, sweeper coming, posh, posh, sweeper coming!’ (Anand, p.42)

These lines appropriately express the plight and humiliation of Bakha in the novel Untouchable. Mulk Raj Anand in his novel clearly focuses on the treatment of upper class towards untouchables. Each and every page contains number of events that point out violation of human rights. In the novel ‘Untouchable’, it is noticed that even simple touch of untouchable impure the upper class man. “You’ve touched me, he had heard the Lalla say to Bakha, ‘I will have to bathe now and purify myself anyhow. Well, take this for your damned irresponsibility, you son of a swine!” (Anand, p.41). These lines show the mentality of so called upper class during colonized India. Untouchables were supposed to do all the menial work for upper class that is the only thing. In this way, Anand not only tries to sheds light on the upper class people’s attitude towards the lower class but also it is the violation of human rights of untouchables. On the other hand, though Arunthati Roy is a writer of post-independence era but reflection of downtrodden still observed in her novel “The God of Small Things”. The novel has been written in 1997 after the four years of establishment of ‘Human Rights Commission in India”. As we understand the background and professional life of Arundhati Roy it seems quite different to the way she has deal with the theme of “The God of Small Things”. The novel first published in the month of April of 1997 and received “Booker Prize” in the month of October of the same year. Within a short period of six months’ time she got an award for her novel. This is a rarest case in Indian history. It shows the prominence of the theme and her writing. By profession she is architecture and worked as a production designer. The theme and issues of Arundhati Roy’s novel are quite different from the other Indian writers in English. She began her writing carrier after getting separated from her husband after the four years married life. The novel “The God of Small things has its own place in Indian English literature. In the novel, she shades light on the current social issues of marginalized people. Through this novel, she provides exposure to these people and gives a platform to such people. She often tries to bring them in main stream of society as it has been noticed in the novel “The God of Small Things”. The plot of the novel begins with oppressive system of the society. There are two prominent issues we can notice here: one is caste exploitation in the contemporary period after the post-independent India and the second is the love story of a woman of upper caste who fallen in love with untouchable man. The setting of the novel is of Ayemenem, a small city in Kerala. The aim of the writer is to fight for equality and dignity of lower castes and classes in the society. Number of issues of human rights been discussed by her in the novel such as: children’s right, rights of women, rights of Dalit, right to select life partner for marriage and domestic violence.

Conclusion:

To sum up, the present paper is an attempt to sheds light on ‘Human rights and Literature’. Both the elements play crucial role in the life of people and society as well. “Human Rights and Literature” are interconnected and effective elements to understand psychology and traditionally biased mind set human being. At the one side, ‘Human rights’ is the study and guideline for people of society to live their life happily. On the other hand, ‘Literature’ can be strongly considered the manifesto of people in society. Apart from this, one can study, read and observe these novels for the better understanding of human rights and its violation. One can consider these novels as documents of human rights study and also the mirror which shows the real picture of upper class society and their tendency towards lower class. Reading of both the novels helps us to know ‘human rights and violation of it’ through literature as an outcome of society. Thus, it is noticed that the aim of Mulk Raj Anand and Arundhati Roy’s writing is to bring awareness among people of the society about the violation of human rights in real life situations.

REFERENCES:

Agnihotriet al. Trends in Indian English: A Sociolinguistic Perspective. New Delhi: Bahari Publications Pvt. Ltd., 1988.
Anand, Mulk Raj. Untouchable. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2001.
Basu, Tapan, Translating Caste. New Delhi: Katha 2002.
Baxi, Upendra. The Future of Human Rights.Third Edition. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Baxi, U.Voices of suffering and the future of human rights.Transnat’l L. & Contemp. Probs., 125, 1998.
Benedek, W..Understanding Human Rights: Manual on Human Rights Education.BWV, Berliner Wiss.-Verlag, 2013.
Boggards, P. Dictionaries for Learners of English.International Journal of Lexicography, Vol.9, No.4. 1996.
.Chakrabarty, Koyel and Beniwal, Anup.“Human Rights and Literature: A Complementary Study in Indian Fiction in English.”International Journal of the Arts in Society.Vol.3. No.5. Common Ground Publishing Ltd. Melbourne: 2009:23-33.
Chakrabarty, Koyel. The Problematics of Human Rights in Indian Fiction in English.Unpublished Ph. D. Thesis. New Delhi: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, 2011.
Choondawat, P. S. “Untouchability and Untouchable Youth: A Study in Urban Context” in Singh R. (ed.) The Expressed Classes of India: Problems and prospects. New Delhi: B.R., 1986.
George, C. J. Mulk Raj Anand: His Art and Concerns. New Delhi: Atlantic, 2000.
Hudson, R. Socio-linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
Iyengar, K. R. S. Indian Writing in English. Bombay: Asia Publishing House, 1962.
Roy, Arundhati.The God of Small Things. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2002.

Semantic Analysis of the Determinologization of Coroneologisms in the Uzbek Language

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Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?

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Citation

Shuhratovna, O. I., & Fernando, R. S. (2026). Semantic Analysis of the Determinologization of Coroneologisms in the Uzbek Language. International Journal of Research, 13(2), 118–124. https://doi.org/10.26643/ijr/2026/37

Ortiqova Iroda Shuhratovna

Uzbekistan State World Languages University

Rosell Sulla Fernando

University of exact and social sciences

ABSTRACT

The 2020–2023 COVID-19 pandemic functioned as a global natural experiment in lexical innovation, rapidly generating emergency-driven terms—coroneologisms—such as lockdown (lokdaun), immunity (immunitet), and remote education (masofaviy ta’lim). Bypassing traditional lexicographic channels, these initially specialized terms quickly spread into everyday discourse, humor, and social media, exemplifying determinologization—the loss of technical specificity as terms enter common usage. Drawing on determinologization theory, Ullmann’s (1962) semantic-change taxonomy, and cognitive semantics within a corpus-assisted framework, this study analyzes the semantic evolution of coroneologisms in Uzbek. It identifies four key mechanisms—broadening, narrowing, metaphorization, and evaluative coloring—and outlines a five-step trajectory from media emergence to institutional codification. The findings show that the pandemic compressed decades of lexical change into just three years, transforming emergency terminology into stable, stylistically versatile elements of the Uzbek lexicon.

Key words: determinologization, coroneologisms, COVID-19, semantic change, Uzbek language, corpus linguistics, broadening, narrowing, metaphorization, evaluative coloring, lexical innovation, crisis communication, lockdown, immunity, remote education, pandemic discourse

The COVID-19 pandemic, which unfolded between 2020 and 2023, is widely recognized not only as a global public health crisis but also as a significant natural experiment in the development of language. In various societies around the world, the overwhelming urgency to name and describe new phenomena – such as lockdowns, PCR testing, remote education, and social-distancing measures – triggered a remarkable wave of ad-hoc lexical formations. These formations often circumvented the conventional processes of approval associated with traditional lexicography. In the context of the Uzbek language, this surge resulted in a cluster of emergency-driven coinages that scholars and journalists have referred to as “coroneologisms” [4], a term that represents a hybrid of “coronavirus” and “neologism.” Many of these newly minted terms began their lives as highly specialized medical or administrative jargon – terms like “ventilator,” “antigen test,” “lockdown,” and “immunity.” However, within a remarkably short span of time, they began to diffuse widely across social media platforms, appearing in hashtags, memes, humorous posts, and even informal conversations among the general public. This rapid transition of specialized terminology into popular discourse serves as a clear example of determinologization—the gradual erosion of a technical term’s limited meaning once it becomes integrated into the fabric of national language [2],[5]. This article seeks to explore the semantic pathways of determinologized coroneologisms in the Uzbek language. It specifically investigates (a) the primary modes of meaning shift – namely broadening, narrowing, metaphorization, and evaluative coloring – that accompanied these terms, and (b) the communicative and social processes that catalyzed or accelerated these transitions. Our analysis is grounded in corpus-assisted evidence derived from media and online discourse, allowing us to describe how a three-year emergency compressed decades of lexical development into a condensed historical timeframe.

Determinologization—a concept originally defined in the field of terminology [2] and further elucidated by L’Homme [3] – describes the process by which a technical or scientific term migrates out of its specialized context and into ordinary language. This movement is rarely neutral; as a term transitions “outside of its domain,” it often loses its precise denotation, acquires additional affective or ideological weight, and undergoes stylistic shifts across both formal and informal registers. To effectively characterize these semantic pathways, this paper employs Ullmann’s [6] framework for classifying semantic change, which is augmented by contemporary research insights regarding cognitive semantic evolution. Four mechanisms of semantic change emerged as particularly salient in this context:

Broadening (Widening): This mechanism refers to the expansion of a technical term’s referential scope, extending far beyond its original definition. For example, the medical term immunitet (biological resistance to disease) developed metaphorical uses signifying any kind of protection or resilience, as in iqtisodiy immunitet “economic immunity” or “institutional immunity to corruption”.

Narrowing (Specialization): This mechanism occurs when a term’s meaning contracts to a more limited subset of its earlier referents. For instance, the English loan lokdaun (< lockdown) originally denoted a range of industrial or security-related shutdowns, but in Uzbek pandemic usage it came to mean only “legally imposed stay-at-home order.” The term ventilator, widely used in headlines as ventilyatsiya qilmoq “to ventilate”, narrowed to refer exclusively to “connecting a patient to artificial lung ventilation.”

Metaphorical Transfer and Re-conceptualization: This mechanism involves projecting concrete imagery from one domain onto other, often more abstract, targets. A notable example is the everyday noun to‘lqin (“wave of water”) was repurposed to describe successive “waves of infection”, producing widely used expressions such as 1-to‘lqin, 2-to‘lqin.

Evaluative Coloring: In this mechanism, terms acquire positive or negative attitudinal elements, often imbued with humor or irony. Combinations such as “Kovidiot” (a blend of “covid” and “idiot”) and the compound antiniqobchi (anti + niqob + -chi) designated “anti-mask activists”, marking not only behaviour but also an ideological position.

These mechanisms collectively illustrate that the transition from specialized phrases to common vocabulary is not a linear process; rather, meanings may expand or contract, take on metaphorical nuances, or become evaluative in response to communicative needs and societal contexts.

The methodology employed in this research is rooted in a corpus-driven descriptive model [1], which emphasizes the analysis of real speech as the primary source of evidence for semantic change. To this end, we constructed a custom corpus comprising a diverse range of Uzbek language news sources, official announcements, online forums, and prominent social media platforms spanning from March 2020 to December 2023. This methodological approach facilitated the investigation of the following dimensions:

– The chronological diffusion of newly coined words across the three-year span of the pandemic;

– The distinguishing differences in register among official media, informal posts, and colloquial speech patterns;

– The profiles of collocations that unveiled new senses and figurative applications of emerging terms;

– Pragmatic signals that indicated humor, stance, or judgment, further elucidating instances of semantic change.

By liberating the analysis from an overreliance on prescriptive dictionary definitions – which have proven inadequate in capturing the dynamism of language evolution – the study aims to articulate what vocabulary has come to signify in public communication, contrasting this with the more static definitions prescribed by traditional dictionaries.

An in-depth analysis of the Uzbek linguistic data reveals that a significant number of high-frequency coroneologisms underwent a five-stage lexical evolution, a process that was notably expedited during the pandemic due to the prevailing sociolinguistic conditions:

Stage 1 – Media Seeding: In the initial shock phase of the pandemic (March–May 2020), the urgent need for communication led to the borrowing of English terms such as “lockdown,” “PCR test,” “ventilator,” and “mask regime.” These terms were rapidly integrated into Uzbek headlines, hashtags, and memes, where the immediacy of communication took precedence over adherence to orthographic or morphological consistency.

Stage 2 – Morpho-Phonemic Adaptation: As the usage of these borrowed terms began to stabilize, a process of nativization ensued. This involved alterations to stress patterns to conform to Uzbek linguistic standards, the simplification of consonant clusters, and the adoption of Latin script conventions in spelling. For instance, “RT-PCR” became simplified to “PZR,” and “lockdown” was adapted to “lokdaun.”

Stage 3 – Semantic Dilution and Metaphorization: During this stage, common words began to expand or mutate either metaphorically or in terms of their general application to biomedical contexts. The term “to’lqin,” for example, began appearing in headlines describing “a wave of layoffs,” while “karantin” evolved into shorthand for any form of restrictive regulation.

Stage 4 – Lexicographic Recognition: From 2021 to 2022, several key terms, including “lockdown,” “distance learning,” “PCR test,” and “immunity,” were officially recognized and included in the COVID-19 Explanatory Dictionary.

Stage 5 – Pedagogical / Institutional Stabilization: Ultimately, these terms found their way into educational materials such as school textbooks, teachers’ guides, and civil-service style manuals, as well as journalistic glossaries. This integration reflected a full incorporation of these expressions into the Uzbek lexical system. A key finding of this research is that the shift from impromptu borrowing to institutionally codified lexis was accomplished within a mere three-year timeframe. This indicates that the exigencies of crisis-driven speech have the potential to accelerate lexical development that would typically unfold over decades. The pathway also highlights that determinologization is not only structural but also emergent, influenced by local communicative urgency, institutional acceptance, and societal prominence.

Beyond merely structuring the semantic transformations discussed, the Uzbek coroneologisms exhibited four reiterative communicative and pragmatic roles that account for their swift proliferation within the language:

Economy of Expression: The newly introduced forms, which were predominantly borrowed, provided concise and readily comprehensible labels for concepts that may have been unfamiliar to the general public. Terms that required longer descriptive phrases, such as “online schooling” and “PCR diagnostic test,” were efficiently replaced with these shorter alternatives, thereby facilitating effective public communication within both media narratives and healthcare discussions.

Stance-Marking and Evaluation: Several terms adopted pejorative or ironic connotations during the politically charged periods of the crisis. For example, “covidiot” (a fusion of “covid” and “idiot”) became associated with individuals who disregarded safety protocols. Additionally, the slang term “remotka” (meaning “remote work”) emerged with a mildly humorous or dismissive tone, while “anti-niqobchi” explicitly indexed ideological opposition to mask mandates.

Group Identity and Solidarity: Some terms evolved into in-group codes that reflected the collective experiences of lockdown, distance learning, and online communication. The productive phrase “meeting up on Zoom” transformed into a rallying cry among social groups, encapsulated in expressions like “zumlashmoq” This development fostered conversation and unity among individuals navigating the challenges of isolation.

Humor and Coping: Lexical blends such as “quarantini” (a combination of “quarantine” and “martini”) and the incorporation of slang terms like “doomscrolling” provided a playful linguistic outlet for navigating anxiety and boredom. These terms thus served as coping mechanisms, contributing to stress-relief strategies in an otherwise challenging context.

These pragmatic functions underscore that the determinologized pandemic vocabulary was not merely a referential identity but also a valuable resource for stance-taking, community-building, and coping mechanisms amidst the crisis.

Table 1

№	*Term*	*Expansion on the meaning*
	Pandemiya	Shifted from strictly medical to any globally spreading phenomenon (“infodemic”, “pandemic of fear”).
	Koronavirus	Became a generic label for any contagious trouble; often used metaphorically (“a coronavirus of bad habits”).
	COVID-19	Extended to denote cause, blame, or time-marker (“because of covid”, “covid generation”).
	Vaksina	Metaphorised into “silver-bullet solution” for non-medical crises (“education vaccine”, “economic vaccine”).
	Imunitet	Broadened to any system’s defensive capacity (“tax immunity”, “bank immunity”).
	Karantin	Re-semanticised to mean any restrictive measure or even punitive isolation.
	Izolyatsiya	Moved from clinical isolation to everyday social distancing and on-line modes (“isolation lessons”).
	Lockdaun	Imported as-is; now also describes total shutdowns in business or mental states (“mental lockdown”).
	Antitela	Used figuratively for ideological or emotional resistance (“antibodies to negativity”).
	Epidemiya	Generalised to any rapidly spreading trend (“epidemic of errors”, “epidemic of selfies”).
	Masofani saqlash	Physical distance became a metaphor for emotional coolness in relationships.
	Gigiyena	Hygiene concept expanded to information & mental spheres (“info-hygiene”, “sleep hygiene”).
	Dezinfektsiya	Disinfection now covers cleansing of fake news or toxic content.
	Simptom	Clinical sign → any visible indicator of systemic problems (“symptoms of economic crisis”).
	Test	Narrow lab procedure turned into generic verb “to test” and synonym for any quick check.
	Immunitet pasayishi	Immunological drop re-interpreted as weakening resilience in economics or organisations.
	PCR	Acronym became a household verb meaning “to swab-test” regardless of method.
	Antigen	Technical term now stands metonymically for rapid-test devices themselves.
	Ventilyator	Life-support machine → metaphor for any critical external support (“financial ventilator”).
	Post-pandemiya	Temporal phase converted into a cultural label for “new normal” behaviours and policies.
	To‘lqin	Originally “wave” of water; pandemic discourse turned it into numbered surges (“third wave”) and now any periodic spike (“price wave”, “jobless wave”).
	Zumlashmoq	Pure Uzbek verb “to accelerate”; during the crisis it shifted from physical speeding-up to rapid scaling of remote work, vaccination drives, or digital services (“business zumlandi”).

The findings derived from the Uzbek data demonstrate that the process of lexical borrowing, catalyzed by a crisis, can significantly accelerate the phenomenon of semantic and pragmatic diversification. This process enables the transformation of technical medical terminology into broadly stylistic and affectively expressive components of everyday vocabulary. The outlined five-step trajectory, which encompasses the initial seeding of terms in media and their subsequent institutional codification, illustrates the complex nature of this social mediation process. It becomes evident that determinologization is not merely a function of lexical evolution but is socially mediated through communicative urgency, varying attitudes, and policy decisions. By combining determinologization theory, Ullmann’s semantic-change taxonomy, and a corpus-assisted methodology, this study presents a condensed lifecycle of lexical evolution that would typically require decades to develop. The results underscore the necessity for dynamic lexicographic practices and language-planning methods that are capable of responding swiftly to future public health or technological emergencies. An organized record of rapid lexical evolution, such as the analysis presented here, contributes to our understanding of how and why national languages maintain their flexibility and functional resilience in the face of global crises.

References

Baker, M. (2011). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation (2nd ed.). Routledge. 353 p.
Felber, H. (1984). Terminology Manual. UNESCO. 457 p.
L’Homme, M.-C. (2020). Lexical Semantics for Terminology: An Introduction (3rd ed.). John Benjamins / De Boeck.
Nasirova, M. F. (2023). COVID 19 pandemiyasi davrida vujudga kelgan neologizmlar Oriental Renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences . Volume 3. Issue11.
Sager, J. C. (1990). A Practical Course in Terminology Processing. John Benjamins.
Ullmann, S. (1962). Semantics: An Introduction to the Science of Meaning. Blackwell.

Indian Women’s Historical Role in 21st Century

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Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.

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Prof. Dr. Yogesh Jagannath Korde (Associate Professor, Dept.of History)

Uttamrao Patil Arts and Science College, Dahiwel, Tal. Sakri, Dist. Dhule.

Email: kordeyj10@gmail.com Mob. 7588735543 / 9423906366

Introduction:

In Indian culture, women have been considered symbols of respect, honor, and maternal power. From the Vedic period to the modern era, women have been given an important place in the formation of family, society, and culture. However, looking at the actual socio-political reality, women have often been given a secondary position. Although women are respected in the religious and cultural spheres, their participation in the social, economic, and especially political spheres has remained limited, which is a significant contradiction facing Indian democracy.

The contribution of women to the Indian freedom struggle is invaluable and inspiring. Many women like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Vijayalakshmi Pandit actively participated in the freedom movement. They not only participated in movements and satyagrahas but also played a crucial role in the dissemination of national ideology, organization building, and leadership. However, in the post-independence period, especially in parliamentary politics, the representation of women has not increased as expected. A review of Indian politics over the approximately seven decades since independence shows that political power and decision-making processes are still primarily male-dominated. With a few notable exceptions, most women leaders in politics are connected to a family political background. Many women have risen to prominence due to the political legacy of their fathers, husbands, or other influential male leaders in their families. This raises questions about the independent leadership capabilities of women.

Although reservations have been provided for women in local self-governing bodies, in practice, concepts like ‘Sarpanch’s husband’ and ‘Councillor’s husband’ are prevalent in many places. This makes women’s political participation merely formal, and men continue to dominate the actual decision-making process. This situation is alarming from the perspective of gender equality in Indian democracy. Men and women are considered two equal wheels of the chariot of society. To achieve the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to provide equal opportunities, equal rights, and equal responsibilities to both these components. However, even today, women do not receive political representation proportionate to their population. Therefore, the subject of ‘women and politics’ becomes a crucial research topic, not only socially but also politically, constitutionally, and in relation to democratic values. Against this backdrop, this research attempts to study the position, participation, contribution, and current status of women in Indian politics. The main objective of this study is to underscore the importance of women’s political participation in making Indian democracy more inclusive, egalitarian, and robust.

Research Goal:

The main objective of this research is to conduct an in-depth and critical study of the status, participation, leadership opportunities, and role of women in the decision-making process within Indian politics. By analyzing the contributions of Indian women to the political field since independence, the opportunities they have received, and the patriarchal mindset that still exists, this research aims to clarify the current state of women’s political empowerment.

Research Objectives:

1) To review the historical contributions of women in Indian politics and analyze their participation from the freedom movement to the present day.

2) To study the representation of women in Parliament, state legislatures, the cabinet, and top constitutional positions (President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, etc.).

3) To examine the influence of family political legacy and patriarchal power structures on women’s entry into and progress in politics.

4) To review the work and leadership qualities of prominent women political leaders in Maharashtra and India.

Research Methodology:

Historical Method: The historical method has been used to trace the journey, contributions, and changing roles of women in Indian politics from the pre-independence era to the present day.

Data Collection Tools:

For this research, data has been collected based on primary and secondary sources. Primary sources: Constitutional provisions, parliamentary proceedings, and government reports. Secondary sources: Books on political science and sociology, research papers, journals and magazines, newspapers, articles, and reliable websites.

Importance of the Subject:

Equal participation of men and women is crucial for the robustness of the Indian democratic system. Despite women constituting nearly half of the Indian population, their participation in the political decision-making process is disproportionately low. Therefore, the subject of “Women and Politics” is not merely limited to academic study but is of paramount importance from the perspective of social, political, and democratic values. Men and women are the two inseparable wheels of the chariot of society, and if one wheel is neglected, the nation’s journey becomes unbalanced. Increased active participation of women in politics can lead to greater sensitivity in policy-making, giving more priority to social justice, education, health, women and child welfare, environment, and grassroots issues. This helps in making democracy more inclusive, representative, and effective. The contributions of women in the freedom struggle, as well as the leadership demonstrated by women like Indira Gandhi, Pratibha Patil, Jayalalithaa, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati in high positions after independence, clearly show that women’s capabilities are in no way inferior to those of men. Yet, the fact that women are still given a secondary role in Indian politics is a matter of concern. Studying this inconsistency and investigating the underlying social, cultural, and political reasons is essential. Although the reservation system in local self-governing bodies has increased women’s participation, in many places, the indirect dominance of men in actual power is still evident. Therefore, this research underscores the need for not just quantitative representation, but also meaningful and independent political empowerment of women. The main objective of this research is to present the current situation of women in Indian politics from a realistic perspective, to highlight the inequalities based on data, and to stimulate positive policy discussions for increasing women’s political participation in the future. Therefore, this research proves useful in creating social awareness and encouraging policymakers, scholars, and political parties to introspect.

Overall, women’s participation in politics is not merely a matter of women’s rights, but a fundamental basis for the quality of democracy, national progress, and social balance. Hence, the topic of women and politics is of paramount importance and remains highly relevant and necessary in the context of contemporary Indian society.

Despite women’s valuable contributions at the political, social, and national levels from the freedom movement to modern times, their participation in decision-making processes appears to be limited. The reality that women’s representation is extremely low at all levels of the highest positions in Indian democracy—President, Prime Minister, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chief Minister—cannot be denied. With a few notable exceptions, it is observed that the majority of women leaders have emerged based on their family’s political background. This highlights the patriarchal mindset and structural obstacles in Indian politics.

Although reservations have been provided for women in local self-governing bodies, in reality, women’s representation remains formal in many places, and their independent participation in decision-making is limited. Social customs, lack of education, economic dependence, and lack of political training are important reasons behind this.

However, women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Pratibha Patil, Jayalalithaa, Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Sushma Swaraj have proven through their efficiency, leadership qualities, and decisive roles that Indian women can capably handle the highest responsibilities. Their work has helped dispel misconceptions about women’s leadership abilities. Overall, this research clearly shows that despite women’s undeniable contribution to Indian politics, they do not receive representation proportionate to their population. If we want to improve the quality of democracy and achieve the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to give women equal participation in the decision-making process, rather than limiting them merely to reservations. Providing women with political education, leadership training, and independent opportunities will make Indian politics more balanced, sensitive, and inclusive. Therefore, considering women and men as two equal wheels of the chariot of society, implementing concrete policy measures for the political empowerment of women is the need of the hour. Only then will it be possible to build a truly egalitarian and robust democracy.

References:

1) Diwan, Mohan; Devdhar, Jayant; Diwani, Vivek (2004), Politics of States in India.

Nagpur: Vidya Prakashan,

2) Government of Maharashtra (2017), Maharashtra Yearbook. Produced by Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Mumbai–32,

3) Palshikar, Suhas; Birmal, Nitin, Politics of Maharashtra: Local Context. Pune: Pratima Prakashan,

4) Shinde, Sahadev; Chogule, Sahadev Patheya (Part–3). Kolhapur: Diksha Publication,

5) Mehendale, Vishwas, Yashwantrao Chavan to Prithviraj Chavan. Anubandh Prakashan,

6) Patil, Amritrao, Khandesh Lok Sabha. Jalgaon: Prashant Publication,

7) Women and Political Issues Jaipur: ABD Publication,

Myth and Folklore in Naga-Mandala by Girish Karnad

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Vijay Tulshiram Jadhav

Department of English

Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir, Karamveer Bhausaheb Hiray Arts, Science and Commerce College, Nimgaon, Tal–Malegaon, Dist.–Nashik

Email: vjadhav8390@gmail.com

Abstract

Girish Karnad is a major figure in modern Indian English theatre, known for his effective use of Indian myths, history, and folklore to examine contemporary social issues. Rather than merely retelling traditional stories, Karnad reshapes them to address problems related to marriage, gender relations, and individual identity. His play Naga-Mandala (1988), which is based on two Kannada folktales, is a clear example of this creative method.

This paper examines how myth and folklore function as important narrative devices in Naga-Mandala. Through symbols such as the serpent (Naga), magic roots, the anthill, and the Raat-Rani flower, Karnad brings attention to the suppressed emotional and sexual experiences of women within a patriarchal social system. These symbolic elements expose the emotional distance, moral weakness, and hypocrisy that often exist within male-dominated institutions, especially marriage. The contrast between the socially respected but emotionally indifferent husband and the caring mythical lover highlights the failure of patriarchal masculinity to provide emotional fulfilment.

The paper argues that Naga-Mandala uses folklore as a means of feminist expression by giving space to women’s inner experiences and desires. At the same time, it also reveals the limitations of traditional belief systems, as women’s acceptance depends on social and ritual approval. By combining oral folk traditions with modern theatrical form, Karnad shows that myth continues to be a meaningful and effective medium in contemporary Indian English drama.

Keywords: Girish Karnad, myth, folklore, patriarchy.

Introduction

After India’s independence, Indian English drama gradually moved away from Western dramatic models and began to draw inspiration from indigenous cultural sources. Playwrights started using myths, history, and folklore to express social tensions, psychological conflicts, and postcolonial concerns. Among these playwrights, Girish Karnad holds an important place because of his ability to reinterpret traditional stories in a modern and critical manner.

Karnad does not simply retell myths; he questions them. His plays examine the power structures and social values hidden within traditional narratives. Naga-Mandala (1988) is a strong example of this approach. The play is based on oral folktales that are usually told by women within domestic spaces. By transforming these stories into a modern play, Karnad explores issues of patriarchy, marriage, and female desire. Unlike classical myths that focus on male heroes, the folktales used in Naga-Mandala arise from marginal voices, especially those of women, and therefore challenge dominant cultural traditions.

Research Objectives and Methodology

Research Objectives

The objectives of this paper are:

To examine how myth and folklore operate as narrative tools in Naga-Mandala.
To study the symbolic meaning of elements such as the serpent, magic roots, anthill, and the Raat-Rani flower.
To explore how Karnad uses women-centred folktales to question patriarchal marriage systems.
To establish Naga-Mandala as a feminist reinterpretation of folklore in modern Indian English drama.

Methodology

This study follows a qualitative method of textual analysis. It makes use of:

Myth criticism, especially Northrop Frye’s ideas about archetypes,
Feminist literary criticism focusing on gender, power, and sexuality, and
Folklore studies, particularly the oral traditions discussed by A. K. Ramanujan.

The primary text for analysis is Naga-Mandala. Secondary sources include critical writings on Karnad, Indian theatre, mythology, and feminist theory.

Girish Karnad and the Use of Myth and Folklore

Girish Karnad’s plays regularly use myths, legends, and folktales to explore modern human problems. In Tughlaq, he presents the conflict between political idealism and failure. In Hayavadana, myth becomes a means to explore questions of identity and completeness. In Naga-Mandala, however, Karnad shifts his attention from classical myths to folktales that come from women’s oral traditions.

These folktales are often seen as simple or insignificant, but they express deep emotional truths about women’s lives. By presenting them on the modern stage, Karnad gives importance to voices that are usually ignored. Folklore thus becomes a medium through which suppressed experiences are expressed and social norms are questioned.

Literature Review

Many critics have discussed Karnad’s use of myth and folklore. Aparna Dharwadker explains that Karnad’s plays create a balance between tradition and modernity, using myth as a space for social and ideological debate rather than mere cultural revival. Meenakshi Mukherjee points out that Indian English writers often adapt traditional narratives to address contemporary social issues.

K. Ramanujan’s work on Indian folktales is particularly important for understanding Naga-Mandala. He observes that folktales often preserve women’s suppressed emotions and experiences, especially in relation to marriage and sexuality. While earlier studies recognize the role of folklore in Naga-Mandala, they pay limited attention to how women’s desire and agency are expressed through symbols. This paper attempts to focus on this aspect.

The Serpent (Naga) Myth and Patriarchal Masculinity

In Indian mythology, the serpent or Naga is commonly associated with fertility, renewal, and masculine power. Karnad reshapes this symbol to question traditional ideas of masculinity. The Naga, who takes the form of Appanna at night, shows affection, care, and sexual sensitivity—qualities missing in the real Appanna.

Appanna enjoys respect in society but lacks emotional depth. His cold behaviour towards Rani reveals the emptiness of patriarchal authority, which values control over emotional connection. The Naga’s presence brings emotional and physical fulfillment into Rani’s life, showing how patriarchal systems deny women genuine intimacy.

Magic Roots, Anthill, and Transformation

Magic roots are common in Indian myths and usually symbolize fertility and change. In Naga-Mandala, the blind woman Kurudavva gives Rani a magic root to awaken Appanna’s desire. When it fails, it exposes Appanna’s emotional weakness. Rani throws the root into an anthill, which leads to the awakening of the Naga.

The anthill acts as a symbol of birth and transformation. Rani’s accidental action leads to a major change in her life. This suggests that nature and folklore offer possibilities of change that rigid social rules do not allow.

Marriage and Patriarchy: A Critical Reading

Marriage in Naga-Mandala is shown not as a sacred relationship but as a social system that supports male dominance. Appanna’s good reputation in society hides his cruel behaviour at home. Rani’s silence in the beginning reflects how women often accept oppression as normal.

The Naga’s role challenges the belief that marriage alone ensures happiness. By presenting an alternative emotional relationship, Karnad exposes the emotional emptiness of patriarchal masculinity.

Folklore as Feminist Resistance

Rani does not openly rebel against her situation, yet folklore works as a silent force that empowers her. At the end of the play, her transformation into a goddess shows how myth validates women’s experiences even when logic and reality fail to do so.

At the same time, Karnad remains critical. Rani’s acceptance by society depends on a test of purity, showing that folklore can support patriarchal values as well. This double nature of folklore makes the play complex and realistic rather than idealistic

Conclusion

Naga-Mandala clearly shows Girish Karnad’s skill in using myth and folklore to examine social realities. By focusing on women’s oral narratives, the play highlights the emotional suffering caused by patriarchy and the neglect of women’s desires. Myth becomes both a means of resistance and a reflection of social contradictions.

Karnad neither blindly supports tradition nor completely rejects it. Instead, he questions its values and power structures. Through Naga-Mandala, he connects the past with the present and confirms the importance of myth in modern Indian theatre. The play establishes Karnad as a major voice in Indian English drama who successfully combines tradition with critical insight.

References

Karnad, Girish. Naga-Mandala: Play with a Cobra. Oxford University Press, 1990.

Dharwadker, Aparna. Theatres of Independence: Drama, Theory, and Urban Performance in India since 1947. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Mukherjee, Meenakshi. The Twice Born Fiction. Heinemann, 1971.

Ramanujan, A. K. Folktales from India. Pantheon Books, 1991.

Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism. Princeton University Press, 1957.

Beauvoir, Simone de. The Second Sex. Vintage, 1989.

Analytical Study of Taxpayers towards Faceless Assessment under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and Its Evolution in the New Income Tax Act, 2025

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Nitin Manakchand Zawar and Dr. Rahul Anant Kulkarni

Nakshatra, Housing Society, B. P. Arts, S.M.A Science, K. K. C. Shahu Nagar, Commerce College, Chalisgaon

Email: nitinmzawar@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Faceless assessment represents a watershed shift in Indian tax administration — from traditional, physical, and often discretionary tax officer interactions to a digitized, transparent, and process-driven system. Initiated under the Income-tax Act, 1961, this reform has sought to eliminate geographical jurisdiction, reduce taxpayer harassment, and infuse accountability into the tax assessment process. With the Government of India introducing the Income Tax Act, 2025 to replace the nearly six-decade-old 1961 Act from 1 April 2026, significant structural and procedural changes have been proposed in the assessment regime, including refinements to faceless assessments.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Faceless Assessment Scheme, tracing its legislative evolution, institutional architecture, procedural mechanics, and technological backbone. It examines the scheme’s legal foundation under Section 144B of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and its proposed continuation under Section 273 of the incoming Income Tax Act, 2025. Drawing on judicial pronouncements, academic insights, and stakeholder feedback, the article critically evaluates the operational challenges such as procedural delays, over-engineering of units, and the dilution of natural justice that threaten to undermine the scheme’s original vision.

Further This article highlights the transformative potential of faceless assessment in improving efficiency, and fostering taxpayer trust. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations advocating for structural simplification specifically, the abolition of redundant Technical and Review Units to restore accountability, improve assessment quality, and ensure that the faceless regime fulfils its promise of a fair, efficient, and justice-oriented tax administration.

Keywords: Faceless Assessment, Income Tax Act 1961 (Section 144B), Income Tax Act 2025, Section 273, Section 532, NeAC, Tax Transparency, Digital Governance, CBDT, Tax Reform, Finance Budget.

Introduction: Tax Law and Administrative Reform in India

India’s taxation system has evolved over decades, anchored for the last sixty years in the Income-tax Act, 1961. Despite periodic amendments aimed at modernizing the system, the legacy Act accumulated complex language, procedural inefficiencies, and litigation challenges. Recognizing the need for a revamped statutory framework, the legislature introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, designed to replace the older law with a streamlined, modern, and digitally oriented statute. Among its key reforms is the embrace and enhancement of the faceless tax regime, a flagship reform initiated under the 1961 Act but carried forward and embedded within the 2025 Act’s procedural architecture.Faceless assessment seeks to augment transparency, reduce human discretion, and leverage technology for efficient tax administration. This article analyses the current law’s faceless assessment regime and juxtaposes it with the approach under the new statutory framework.

Background: The Concept of Faceless Assessment

Stakeholders widely agreed that India’s income tax system was once crippled by a rigid, location-based structure, which bred chronic inefficiency, a profound lack of transparency and entrenched unfair practices. The reliance on face-to-face dealings between taxpayers and tax officers often gave rise to prolonged delays and subjective bias.In the annual conclave of Tax Administration Authorities, “RajaswaGyanSangam”, held in June 2016, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji advocated tax administration reforms through the ‘RAPID’ approach standing for Revenue, Accountability, Probity, Information, and digitization. To transform age-old manual assessment methods, enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, and curb malpracticesthe E-Assessment Scheme 2019 was launched on 7 October 2019. The Finance Ministry launched the “Transparent Taxation – Honouring the Honest” platform on August 13, 2020, to ease taxpayers’ burdens and rebuild their trust in India’s tax system. This initiative rests on three key pillars: Faceless Assessment, Faceless Appeal, and the Taxpayers’ Charter. The heart of this reform lies the Faceless Assessment Scheme (FAS). It replaces from a system where tax assessments were conducted by a known officer in a known jurisdiction to one where both the assessing authority and the taxpayer remain anonymous throughout the process. The scheme was conceived not merely as a procedural upgrade but as a cultural and institutional transformation that rebuilds trust between the government and honest taxpayers

What is Faceless Assessment Scheme (FAS)?

Faceless assessment marks a significant evolution in India’s income tax administration, where the complete evaluation of a taxpayer’s income tax return occurs electronically, without any physical interaction or personal interface between the assessee and tax officials. Launched via the Faceless Assessment Scheme (FAS) in 2020 and integrated into the Income Tax Act, 1961 (as amended), this system aims to minimize discretionary authority of assessing officers, remove territorial jurisdiction limitations, and prevent instances of harassment or undue interference.

The process powered by the use of sophisticated advanced digital platforms, primarily the Income Tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in), which facilitates seamless operations. These include automated generation and issuance of notices under sections such as 143(2) or 142(1), secure online uploading of documents and responses by taxpayers, prompt handling of queries or show-cause notices, and electronic delivery of final assessment orders. Officers, based at faceless National e-Assessment Centres (NeACs) and Regional Faceless Centres (RfCs), are assigned cases randomly through algorithmic selection to uphold uniformity and objectivity. This shifts their role from traditional territorial adjudicators to streamlined, technology-enabled processors emphasizing data analysis and regulatory adherence.The rationale and Objectives for faceless assessment Scheme includesAll digital interactions are logged and traceable, reducing scope for arbitrary actions.Centralized processing and AI-assisted case allocation expedite handling which may reduce jurisdictional Bias and enhanced taxpayers experience.

Faceless Assessment under the Income-tax Act, 1961:

Statutory Legal Basis: Under the Income-tax Act, 1961, faceless assessment was introduced through Section 144B, empowering the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to define the faceless assessment process and procedures. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) operationalized the scheme through Notification No. 60/2020 dated 13^th August 2020, which laid down the procedural and structural framework for faceless assessments. This notification along with subsequent amendments, established the institutional architecture, communication protocols, and operational guidelines. The provision mandated digital issuance of notices and electronic submissions of responses, including through video conferencing when needed. The key components in Faceless Assessment scheme includes:
Electronic Notices: Initiation of assessment by the officers should be by issuing digitally served notices.
Digital Responses: Taxpayers must furnish responses and documents through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Random Allocation: The system automatically allocates assessment cases to assessing officers outside territorial jurisdictions except the cases of Search and survey.
Video Conferencing:Wherever Taxpayers feel that he wishes to explain the things orally as it is difficult to explain on paper he may seek personal hearings online through video conferencing if necessary. In this process also identity of the officer is not disclosed.
Audit Trail: Comprehensive logging ensures accountability and traceability.

Operational Workflow

The faceless assessment workflow under the 1961 Act generally involved:

Notice Issuance: The e-filing system issues assessment notices (e.g., under Sections 142(1), 143(2), or 148 etc.).
Document Submission:After receipt of the notice taxpayers upload his submission along with supporting documents and respond to queries online.
Assessment Draft order:Assessing officer prepare draft assessment order based on various submission made by the taxpayers and data collected by him by issuing notice U/s. 133(6) of the Income Tax Act 1961.
Submission against Draft order: Taxpayers can either object the draft order or accept the order after verification of the draft order.
Video Conferencing: Assessee can opt for the Video conferencing for argue the case orally.
Revised or Final order: After verification of submission to draft order Assessing officer prepare final order and send it for approval.
Quality Review: Independent review panels ensure quality and fairness of the order.
Final Assessment Order:After all this process the final Assessment order is issued electronically in compliance with statutory timelines.
Limitations and Challenges of the 1961 Faceless Assessment Scheme:

While faceless assessment marked a significant improvement, several limitations under the 1961 Act emerged. Major limitations are:

Technological Adaptation: Older provisions were adapted to digital procedures but not inherently drafted for modern technology.
Procedural Complexity: Notices and responses under the 1961 Act require interpretation of multiple sections and cross references which could complicate digital automation.
Limitation of Space and size for document upload: The submission and relevant document uploaded through income tax portal is having limited space. At a time only 10 attachments can be upload and single attachment should not be more than 5 MB in size. It creates difficulty to taxpayers while submitting the submission.
Limited Scope for Clarification: Some taxpayers faced delays when seeking online hearings or clarifications.
Litigation Bottlenecks: Despite digital procedures, disputes continued due to ambiguities in language and procedural overlaps.

These concerns set the stage for a reimagined legislative approach under the Income Tax Act, 2025, which aims to build a more coherent digital assessment framework.

Overview of the Income Tax Act, 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 represents a comprehensive overhaul, replacing the fragmented 1961 law. It aims to achieve simplicity, efficiency, and taxpayer clarity. Key features include:

Reduced Length and Complexity: Sections are reduced from over 800 in the 1961 Act to 536, and the overall legislative language is simplified.
Unified Tax Year Concept: The traditional previous year and assessment year are eliminated, replaced by a single tax year concept.
Digitization Emphasis: Enhanced digital compliance tools, including faceless assessments and digital notice systems.

Importantly, the new Act will come into force on 1 April 2026, with new Income Tax Return (ITR) forms and rules notified prior to implementation. New Income tax rules are yet to be notified.

Faceless Assessment under the Income Tax Act, 2025:
Codification and Redrafting:Under the Income Tax Act 2025, provisions related to faceless assessment have been redrafted and consolidated to align with the overall objectives of clarity and digital orientation:
Consolidation: The old Section 144B of the 1961 Act, which detailed faceless assessment procedures, is re-drafted as Section 273 (or equivalent) in the new Act, ensuring a cohesive approach that is integrated with other digital compliance mechanisms.
Scheme Power: Section 532 empowers the Central Government to frame faceless schemes eliminating interface with taxpayers, a structural enhancement reinforcing the digital approach across procedures.
Procedure Clarity: Notices, responses, and procedural steps are consolidated and clarified, aiming to reduce ambiguity and streamline compliance.
Key Changes and Enhancements:

The new Income Tax Act 2025 approach includes Broader Digital Integration. Faceless assessments are deeply integrated with the Act’s digital infrastructure. Enhanced tools includethe statutory design envisions algorithmic distribution of cases to reduce bias and improve turnaround, Digital service of notices and assessment outcomes remain core components and use of Artificial intelligence for assessment procedure.These reinforce the objective of zero physical interface between the taxpayer and tax officials. The new Act expands what constitutes information for the purpose of issuing notices including directions from approving panels and findings from judicial or tribunal orders. This is procedural but critical in digital notice scenarios.

Procedural Simplification

By removing redundant procedural provisions and presenting faceless assessment provisions in a consolidated format.The Income Tax Act 2025 Act aims to Reduce confusion arising from historical cross-referencing of multiple sections, simplify notice issuance requirements and timelines and importantly harmonize digital process steps across assessment, reassessment, and appeals.

Comparative Analysis: Faceless Assessment in 1961 vs 2025 Act:

The transition from the Income-tax Act, 1961, to the Income Tax Act, 2025, blends continuity with significant transformation across key aspects of tax administration. Under the 1961 Act, the statutory base for faceless assessments relied on Section 144B, which tied provisions to the Act’s procedural context, whereas the 2025 Act integrates these into a native digital procedural architecture with consolidated provisions under newer sections and scheme-making powers.

The digital interface evolved from gradual adaptations of existing e-filing systems in the 1961 framework to a fully cohesive, native digital orientation in 2025, supported by streamlined statutory rules. Procedural complexity decreases notably in the new Act, moving away from the legacy language and cross-references of 1961 toward simplified phrasing, consolidated steps, and table-based presentations for greater clarity.

Integration with other procedures also advances, as the 1961 Act maintained separate rules for assessments, reassessments, and appeals, while the 2025 Act aligns them into unified digital workflows across compliance processes. Notice information scope expands under 2025 to incorporate directions from panels and judicial findings, beyond the traditional definitions of the old Act. Finally, taxpayer engagement tools progress from basic video conferencing permissions in 1961 to enhanced digital tools and explicitly clearer procedural rights in 2025.

This comparison underscores that while the core objective of faceless assessment remains unchanged viz. transparency, efficiency, and non-discriminatory processing.The Income Tax Act 2025 execution model embeds the digital approach more fundamentally into the legislative fabric.

Benefits of Faceless Assessment Regime:

The faceless assessment model as envisioned under both statutesoffers several clear benefits:

Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Digital logs and audit trails ensure that every action is recorded, reducing scope for arbitrary decisions and subjective influence.
Reduced Taxpayer Harassment: By eliminating geographical jurisdiction and physical interfaces, taxpayers are less likely to face intimidation or discretionary pressure.
Faster Processing: Algorithm-driven case allocation and automated notice systems contribute to quicker assessment cycles, potentially reducing backlogs.
Wider Accessibility: Taxpayers even in remote locations can engage with the system on equal footing through digital platforms.
Litigation Reduction (Long Term): Clearer procedures and reduced ambiguity may lower litigation rates by providing predictable outcomes.

Challenges and Considerations:

Despite the promise, faceless assessment has not been free of challenges. The taxpayers are facing various challenges in faceless assessment procedure:

Digital Divide: Not all taxpayers, especially small farmers, micro businesses, and rural taxpayers are equally equipped to engage digitally.
Technical Glitches: System downtimes, technical faults, and data aggregation errors can disrupt processes.
Procedural Ambiguity: While the 2025 Act simplifies language, transitional challenges and interpretation issues may arise.
Privacy Concerns: Though not directly tied to faceless assessments, related debates about digital access to taxpayer data emphasize the need for robust data protection in digital tax regimes.
Space for Data upload: The space limitation for uploading data results in undue hardship to the assessee for uploading bulk data at one instance. It results in time consumption and harassment of assessee.
Analysis of Taxpayers view about the Faceless Assessment scheme:

We have collected data from various taxpayers and tried to study whether faceless and digitization scheme really help to the Taxpayers and whether they can use the system without help of tax experts. The detail analysis is as under:

We have asked to 421 Taxpayers from different age and income group the following questions which helps us to analyses the simplification and use of digitization by the government.

Whether Taxpayers have to consult Tax practitioners for e filling?

From the above chart We can analyze the data which shows that out of 421 taxpayers 400 taxpayers are consulting with tax practitioners for e filling of Income Tax Return. Only 21 taxpayers responded that there is no need to consult tax practitioners for e filling. It represents that 95% of taxpayers still need help of Tax practitioners for e filling of Income Tax Return.

Does the Tax practitioners handle portal navigation?

From the above chart We can analyze the data which shows that out of 421 taxpayers 244 taxpayers portal is always navigated by his tax practitioner only which works out to 58% of taxpayers. 164 Taxpayers portal is sometimes navigated by tax practitioners and sometimes Taxpayers try to access the same which works out to 39% of the Taxpayers. Only 13 taxpayers are navigating the income tax portal their own which works out to 3 % of total population of taxpayers.

Taxpayers are aware that notices and communications are sent digitally on the portal.

It is analysed that out of 421 respondents 356 respondents are not aware that notices and communications are sent digitally on portal which works out to 84.6% of the population. Which means only 65 out of 421 respondents are aware that the notices and communications are sent digitally by the department which works out to only 15.4% of the population.

Technical Glitches / errors make it difficult to use the portal.

It is analysed that out of 421 respondents 74 respondents strongly agree and 268 respondents agree that technical glitches / errors make it difficult to use the portal. Hence total respondents who are strongly agree and agree works out to 81.3% of the population. 13.5% (57 respondents) are neutral and 5.2% (22 respondents) are disagree that the technical glitches / errors make it difficult to use the portal.

Conclusion:

Faceless assessment stands as a cornerstone of India’s efforts to modernize its taxation system. Introduced under the Income-tax Act, 1961 with clear goals of efficiency, transparency, and reduced taxpayer harassment, its evolution under the Income Tax Act, 2025 marks a significant legislative maturation. The new Act embeds digital procedures more deeply and coherently, reflecting lessons learned from over a decade of faceless assessment experience. The income tax department is trying to simplify the income tax act and process for e-filling and e-assessment but it needs to conduct various outreach program to reach the taxpayers and explain them the functionality of income tax portal as well as make them aware about the simplified Income Tax Act introduced by the government of India.

While the journey of implementing faceless assessments continues to face practical challenges, the comparative transition from the 1961 framework to the 2025 statutory design represents an important stride towards a digital, citizen-centric, and dispute-resilient tax ecosystem. As India transitions to the new regime from 1 April 2026, taxpayers, practitioners, and administrators alike must understand the changed legal landscape to ensure compliance, effective participation, and realization of the core objectives of a modern tax system.

References:

Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 144B.
Website of Income Tax Department: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
CBDT Notification No. 60/2020, dated August 13, 2020.
Income Tax Act, 2025 (as proposed), Section 273 and Section 532.

Dr. Piyush Sharma–Moving Forward with the Times, a Pioneer in Finance

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What were your parents doing at your age?

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Dr. Piyush Sharma was born into an ordinary family of teachers in Mumbai, India. His father was a mathematics teacher. Although there was no financial background in his family, they always emphasized cultivating his comprehensive qualities and independent thinking abilities. As a child, his parents didn’t deliberately expose him to numbers. Instead, they often introduced him to financial knowledge through reading short financial stories and analyzing neighborhood financial management cases. Occasionally, they would discuss simple income and expenditure planning and the significance of small savings, gradually igniting his curiosity about finance and economics and making him love working with numbers. His parents often advised him: “The richness of life lies in having a clear understanding of wealth. Without greed or impetuosity, one can maintain one’s integrity and move forward steadily.” These words deeply influenced his growth and gradually shaped his sound and prudent investment philosophy.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Piyush Sharma won a scholarship to pursue advanced degrees in the United States, ultimately graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D. in Finance. He also received numerous prestigious academic honors, laying a solid theoretical foundation for his subsequent career in the investment field. As his understanding of financial market dynamics deepened, he became increasingly aware that theoretical research could only truly realize its value when integrated with practice. Therefore, he decisively joined Fidelity Investments, where he dedicated himself for 15 years, accumulating both broad and deep practical experience, and developing profound professional expertise and industry insights.

Through long-term industry observation and practical research, Dr. Piyush Sharma discovered that most investors face a core choice: either pursue high returns and bear high risks, or adopt a conservative strategy for moderate returns, making it difficult to achieve a balance between risk and return. Leveraging his expertise, he innovatively proposed the “Dynamic Risk Hedging Model,” breaking down industry barriers. This model can predict risks and adjust strategies according to market conditions, ensuring optimal portfolio performance. Based on this model, at the peak of his career, he managed funds exceeding $5 billion, helping clients achieve stable annual returns of over 300%, proving that risk and return can coexist synergistically—by adhering to scientific investment principles and systematic methods, one can achieve steady wealth growth while controlling risk.

Dr. Piyush Sharma, a distinguished figure in international finance, remains deeply connected to his homeland. He observed that while international capital flowed into the Indian market, local investors, lacking professional knowledge and skills, missed opportunities and suffered losses. Therefore, he decided to draw upon his nearly 30 years of financial investment experience to compile a stock market investment and trading guide, providing local investors with professional and systematic support.

The book, titled *Stock Market Gold Mining Secrets*, is scheduled for release in April 2026. It eschews obscure jargon and encapsulates Dr. Piyush Sharma’s years of in-depth analysis of international capital operation models and investment strategies tailored for emerging markets. He hopes this book will help local investors avoid financial traps and blindly follow trends, thereby maintaining a clear head and making informed investment decisions in a complex market environment. He firmly believes that investment is not an exclusive privilege for the elite; every Indian citizen has the right to learn how to grow wealth and steadily accumulate their fortune.

In his efforts to help investors achieve wealth growth, Dr. Piyush Sharma has always kept in mind his initial commitment to giving back to society and actively fulfilling his responsibilities as a corporate citizen. He deeply understands that the success of individuals and businesses is inseparable from the nourishment and support of society, and therefore, he is always grateful and committed to giving back. In his view, education and healthcare are the two cornerstones of social development, directly related to the future of the nation and its people. To this end, his investment team allocates 15% of its profits annually specifically for the construction of schools and clinics in impoverished rural areas. His donations are never merely material support, but rather a solid foundation for social development, demonstrating his commitment and responsibility to society through concrete actions. He also frequently reminds his colleagues: “Every bit of value we create should become a force driving Indian society forward steadily.”

Dr. Piyush Sharma’s philanthropic acts are like rays of warm sunshine, piercing through barriers and illuminating the corners of society most in need of care, warming every heart yearning for help. Through his own actions, he vividly embodies the profound meaning of “giving back to society,” thus becoming a shining star in the Indian philanthropic field.

For many years, Dr. Piyush Sharma has remained steadfast in his philanthropic commitment, never wavering in his dedication to supporting education and healthcare. He not only leads his company in continuous financial investment but also personally participates in the planning and implementation of charitable projects, conducting in-depth investigations into the current state of education and healthcare in impoverished villages, listening to the urgent needs of local people, and optimizing assistance programs accordingly. Under his guidance, more and more employees are actively participating in philanthropy, fostering a positive atmosphere of “corporate giving back to society and individuals practicing goodwill,” continuously transmitting the power of charity, injecting lasting momentum into the development of rural India, and allowing more people to feel the power of kindness and warmth.

Today, more and more investors are inspired by Dr. Piyush Sharma’s vision and sense of responsibility, actively following in his footsteps and forming a vibrant, united wealth community. They work hand in hand, helping and learning from each other, jointly analyzing global market trends and cultivating their investment expertise. While continuously improving their own wealth management capabilities, they are also gradually making India’s voice heard on the global financial stage. As Dr. Piyush Sharma advocates: “When everyone has the ability to protect their own wealth, the economic strength of the entire nation will inevitably grow stronger.”

This visionary and benevolent commitment has made Dr. Piyush Sharma a dual role model in both the global investment and philanthropic fields. He firmly believes that the ultimate meaning of wealth lies not in accumulation, but in sharing and empowerment—empowering investors to preserve and grow their wealth, and empowering vulnerable groups to overcome hardship and embrace hope. Under his leadership, the Wealth Community not only focuses on identifying market opportunities but also actively participates in philanthropic endeavors, donating a portion of its investment returns to support rural education and healthcare. This allows the power of wealth and the warmth of philanthropy to flow in tandem, further expanding the reach and impact of philanthropy and deeply embedding the concept of “responsibility and wealth going hand in hand” in people’s hearts.

Dr. Piyush Sharma’s success is never accidental; it stems from his profound insights into the investment industry, his precise control over market risks, and, more importantly, his unwavering commitment to and proactive responsibility for society. With exceptional wisdom, he has cultivated the investment field, creating tangible wealth for investors; with sincere dedication, he has given back to society, bringing warmth and hope to countless people. Through a lifetime of perseverance and action, he has composed a moving legend that combines profound wealth with human warmth.

Dr. Manish Pandit: A Visionary Leader of the Wealth Alliance Team

Daily writing prompt

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

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Returning from Wall Street to India financial markets, Dr. Manish Pandit is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of India financial rise through his upcoming book, The Logic of Profitable Markets.

Dr. Manish Pandit

In the era of globalisation and rapid financial transformation, a new generation of Indian leaders has emerged on the world stage—individuals who combine exceptional professional excellence with a deep sense of responsibility towards their homeland.

Dr. Manish Pandit stands out as one of the most distinguished among them.

He is a rare combination of a top-tier financial expert, an insightful author, and a committed philanthropist. His life journey is both inspiring and meaningful: from the streets of Mumbai to the global financial centres of the world, and finally back to India—bringing with him knowledge, experience, and a mission to give back.

Where the Dream Took Shape

Dr. Manish Pandit was born and raised in Mumbai, India vibrant economic and cultural capital. Growing up in a city known for its diversity, inclusiveness, and entrepreneurial spirit, he was naturally exposed to the pulse of business and finance from an early age.

Mumbai shaped his sharp commercial instincts and global outlook. Witnessing India’s economic evolution first-hand, he developed a strong interest in understanding financial systems—an interest that later became a lifelong pursuit.

Academic Excellence at Columbia University

Driven by his passion for finance, Dr. Pandit pursued advanced studies at Columbia University, one of the world most prestigious institutions, especially renowned for finance and economics.

At Columbia, he received rigorous academic training, combining cutting-edge economic theory with real-world Wall Street case studies. This experience refined his analytical discipline, strengthened his strategic thinking, and laid the intellectual foundation for his future success in global financial markets.

Leading Global Investments – Managing Over USD 4 Billion

After completing his education, Dr. Pandit spent more than 15 years at Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s leading asset management firms.

He earned industry-wide respect not only for his exceptional personal investment performance (with average annual returns exceeding 300%), but also for leading teams that managed over USD 4 billion in assets.

Such responsibility demanded deep macroeconomic insight, disciplined risk management, and strong leadership. Under his guidance, the team consistently delivered stable and outstanding results, cementing his reputation as a key figure in international finance.

A Labour of Passion: The Logic Behind Profitable Markets

With decades of experience and real-world success, Dr. Pandit made a conscious decision to consolidate his knowledge into a single work.

He is currently finalising his first major financial book,

The Logic Behind Profitable Markets: From Theory to 300% Returns,

which is set for publication soon.

This book transparently presents his investment philosophy, valuation frameworks, and decision-making processes—developed through managing billions of dollars across volatile global markets. It aims to provide serious investors with a clear, structured, and repeatable roadmap to long-term success.

Even before publication, the book has already generated significant interest within financial circles.

Philanthropy and Financial Empowerment

Despite his achievements, Dr. Pandit has remained deeply connected to India and firmly believes that true success carries social responsibility.

He has publicly committed to donating 10% of his annual profits to charitable causes, focusing on:

Education development

Healthcare improvement

Financial inclusion initiatives in India

Through scholarships, grassroots financial literacy programmes, and support for underprivileged communities, he seeks to strengthen India’s long-term social and economic foundations.

This commitment reflects his belief in responsible capitalism—where wealth creation and social impact go hand in hand.

A Journey with Purpose

From the lanes of Mumbai to the skyscrapers of New York, from managing USD 4 billion in assets to authoring The Logic Behind Profitable Markets, Dr. Manish Pandit’s journey exemplifies the ideals of modern leadership.

He is:

A global financial leader who has earned international respect

A thinker and educator whose work will guide future investors

A patriotic philanthropist dedicated to India progress

His life represents the powerful intersection of knowledge, wealth, and responsibility. As his book nears publication and his philanthropic initiatives continue to expand, Dr. Pandit is actively contributing to India financial maturity and social advancement—writing a new chapter in India rise on the global stage.

Holiday Jewelry Trends 2026: The Gemstones Shaping This Festive Season

The holiday season has long been the most influential period for the fine jewelry industry, setting the tone for both gifting and personal style in the year ahead. As consumers prepare for Christmas and end-of-year celebrations, gemstone choices are increasingly driven not only by tradition, but also by symbolism, individuality, and emotional resonance. In 2026, jewelry trends reflect a clear shift toward meaningful pieces that tell a story while still delivering visual brilliance.

According to an article on Yahoo Finance, which explores the latest Most Popular Gemstones for Luxury Jewelry 2026 Report by Gems, the holiday period generates approximately 24% of all annual fine jewelry sales, making it the single most important season for gemstone demand and trend formation.

A Data-Driven Look at Holiday Gemstone Preferences

Using national live-shopping performance data alongside consumer insights, Gems has identified the twelve gemstones that are defining holiday jewelry preferences for 2026. The list blends enduring classics with colored stones that have surged in popularity as shoppers seek jewelry that feels personal and expressive.

Diamond continues to hold the top position as the ultimate symbol of celebration, commitment, and luxury. Its timeless appeal ensures it remains a centerpiece of holiday gifting. Close behind is sapphire, prized for its regal color and durability, making it a favorite for both statement pieces and everyday elegance.

Opal has emerged as one of the most eye-catching choices this season, thanks to its unique play of color that makes every piece one of a kind. Pearls, once associated primarily with tradition, are now being reimagined in contemporary designs, positioning them as one of the most fashion-forward holiday gifts of the year.

Among colored gemstones, tanzanite stands out for its rarity and vivid blue-violet hue. With its limited geographic origin, it is increasingly viewed as a future heirloom. Ruby remains a seasonal favorite, its deep red tones aligning perfectly with festive symbolism, while emerald continues to represent renewal, vitality, and timeless sophistication.

The list is rounded out by stones that offer versatility and emotional appeal, including tourmaline with its wide color spectrum, turquoise for its calming sky-blue tones, amethyst for its refined purple elegance, aquamarine for its serene ocean-inspired clarity, and garnet, valued for its warm, rich hues that feel especially fitting for winter celebrations.

Why Meaning Matters More Than Ever

Industry experts note that modern consumers are becoming more intentional in their jewelry purchases. Rather than focusing solely on material value, buyers are prioritizing gemstones that reflect personal milestones, values, or stories.

“Shoppers are clearly leaning into color, symbolism, and individuality,” says Mike Burnette, Vice President of Jewelry Operations at Gems. He highlights that opals and tanzanite are experiencing significant growth, while pearls have undergone a complete transformation into contemporary statement pieces.

This evolution reflects a broader trend within luxury retail: authenticity and emotional connection now play a central role in purchasing decisions.

Key Holiday Jewelry Trends to Watch

Several clear patterns are shaping the 2026 holiday jewelry landscape:

Meaning over materialism: Consumers favor gemstones that represent personal stories or emotional significance.
Color as a modern classic: Sapphire, tourmaline, opal, and aquamarine continue to gain momentum as alternatives to traditional neutrals.
Rarity and longevity: Limited-origin gemstones such as tanzanite are increasingly gifted as long-term keepsakes rather than seasonal accessories.

Insights for Brands and Gift Guides

For retailers, editors, and content creators developing holiday gift guides, these trends offer valuable insight into what resonates with today’s audience. Jewelry that balances beauty, symbolism, and authenticity is far more likely to capture consumer attention during the competitive holiday season.

About Gems

Gems is a leading fine jewelry live-shopping platform, offering 24/7 access to diamonds, gemstones, and designer jewelry through television, streaming, and digital channels. With nearly 30 years of industry expertise and a legacy of more than one million pieces sold, Gems combines education, transparency, and exceptional value for modern jewelry consumers.

When Science Becomes Business — and Business Becomes Science: Vitalii Tkachenko’s New Philosophy of Engineering Leadership

Written by: Michael Turner

In today’s world, where the line between science and entrepreneurship is vanishing, there are rare individuals who manage to unite the two into a single system. One of them is Vitalii Tkachenko — an engineer, entrepreneur, and author of “Rebuilt, Not Replaced”, a book that has already drawn the attention of both business and scientific communities. His journey is a living example of how engineering logic and business intuition can not only coexist but merge into a new discipline — the science of action, where every experiment becomes a result, and every idea turns into a practical solution.

From Formula to Strategy

“Engineering and entrepreneurship are essentially the same thing,” Tkachenko says. “Both begin with one question: How can we make it better?”

He built his first “laboratory” as a teenager — in his father’s garage in Donetsk, where they spent hours taking apart Soviet-era engines. Later came formal education: a degree in automotive engineering, another in finance, and a defining success — his hydraulic tricycle, which won second place at a national engineering competition. Even then, he was thinking like an entrepreneur: not just to invent, but to find real-world application for every idea.

Today, years later, that logic remains unchanged. His company, The Guaranteed Best Choice, is not just a business restoring vehicles. It’s an applied research platform, where every process is tested for efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

When the Laboratory Is the Marketplace

“I see business as a laboratory,” Tkachenko says. “Only here, instead of test tubes, you have people, data, and results.”

In his company, engineering solutions are tested as rigorously as scientific hypotheses. Each vehicle undergoes dozens of diagnostic scans and structural evaluations. Internal quality protocols and standards are developed with the precision of lab procedures — but the outcome must work not on paper, but on the road.

That discipline has made his company a model within the industry. The Guaranteed Best Choice operates in more than twenty U.S. states, with a network of twelve specialized subcontractor teams and dozens of suppliers. Despite such scale, the company has achieved 100% positive feedback on eBay Motors — a result that even industry giants rarely match.

“In science, reproducibility is everything,” Tkachenko notes. “It’s the same in business. If you can consistently deliver excellent results, you’ve built a system. And a system — that’s science.”

The Science of Restoration

Tkachenko’s philosophy goes far beyond engineering. He is shaping what might be called the science of restoration.

“We tend to think progress means creating something new,” he explains. “But true innovation lies in improving what already exists.”

Producing a new car releases up to 20 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Restoring an existing one generates only 2–3 tons. These aren’t just numbers — they’re measurable, evidence-based data that Vitalii tracks and presents as part of his sustainability advocacy. He believes that the United States could become a global leader in sustainable restoration — if the process is recognized as not just craftsmanship, but a national scientific and economic strategy.

A Book That Connects Engineering and Human Values

Tkachenko’s book, “Rebuilt, Not Replaced”, now distributed across 49 countries and more than 40,000 outlets — including Amazon, Walmart, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble — is a synthesis of twenty years of engineering, research, and business experience.

The book merges precision with philosophy. It’s not a memoir and not just a business manual — it’s a study of resilience, expressed through mechanics, economics, and ecology.

“This book isn’t about cars,” Vitalii explains. “It’s about how engineering thinking can improve life itself. Science isn’t just laboratories, and business isn’t just profit. True value emerges where the two meet.”

The Formula for Sustainable Success

Today, Tkachenko’s model is studied as a blueprint for integrating science and entrepreneurship. His work creates jobs, reduces emissions, strengthens public trust, and inspires a cultural shift — from consumption to conscious restoration.

“My approach is simple,” he says. “If you can fix it — don’t throw it away. If you can improve it — don’t copy. If you can inspire — share it.”

That principle applies not only to cars but to the economy, to the environment, and to life itself. Experts increasingly view his philosophy as a rare blend of engineering precision and human purpose — a bridge between innovation and integrity.

Science That Improves Everyday Life

Vitalii Tkachenko represents a new kind of leader — one who turns scientific thinking into real-world progress. His innovations make transportation more affordable, create skilled jobs, empower small businesses, and reduce environmental impact.

He doesn’t simply combine science and business — he proves that one cannot exist without the other.

“I don’t separate myself into engineer and entrepreneur,” he says. “They’re two sides of the same mission: to make people’s lives better and the world more sustainable. If my book or my company inspires even a few people to rebuild instead of discard — that’s success.”

This is not just a story about a businessman. It’s a story about how science can step out of the laboratory and into everyday life, making it cleaner, fairer, and smarter. And Vitalii Tkachenko is one of the few who has shown that the future doesn’t always need to be built from scratch — sometimes, it simply needs to be rebuilt.

Link to the book: https://a.co/d/2JDs1zX
Link to Vitalii’s company website: https://gbchoice.com

The Engineer of the Future. From a Hydraulic Tricycle to a National Industry Leader

When a young Vitalii Tkachenko assembled the parts for his first invention in a school workshop in Donetsk, few could have imagined that this project would symbolize the beginning of a remarkable journey. At the time, it was merely a competition prototype — a hydraulic tricycle built from improvised materials, designed with a system that enabled movement with minimal energy expenditure. Yet even then, the qualities that would later define his career as an engineer and entrepreneur were already visible: the ability to combine technical boldness with practical results.

Today, the name Vitalii Tkachenko is recognized in professional circles across the United States as a symbol of innovative thinking in automotive engineering and vehicle restoration. He is ASE-certified, the founder of The Guaranteed Best Choice, an entrepreneur with annual revenues exceeding $5 million, and a figure whose work fuses advanced mechanics, digital technologies, and environmental responsibility.

From Inventor to Systems Engineer
The hydraulic tricycle, which earned him second place in a national engineering competition, was far more than a school project. It was proof of his ingenuity, his capacity for systemic thinking, and his ability to propose solutions ahead of their time. “I was always searching for ways to use energy as efficiently as possible,” Tkachenko recalls. “With the tricycle, my goal was to show that it is possible to design a vehicle that combines structural simplicity with energy performance disproportionate to its size.”

This early experience laid the foundation for his later path: the ability to see not just a “problem” but the “potential for restoration and improvement.” It would ultimately shape his approach to vehicles that many discard as scrap but which he views as resources for a second life.

ASE Certification and New Standards of Quality
In the United States, Tkachenko pursued a path of structured development. Obtaining ASE certification was a milestone, representing not only professional competence but also adherence to a high standard of engineering culture. For him, it was confirmation that his methods of repair and restoration met global benchmarks. “Certification gave me not only access to advanced technologies but also the confidence that my practices aligned with international standards,” he notes.

Innovation in the Digital Era: AI for Auctions
A true challenge arose as the automotive market underwent digital transformation. Online auctions, digital catalogs, and data repositories reshaped the industry but also introduced new risks: counterfeit VIN numbers, outdated photographs, and hidden damage records. Tkachenko was among the first to propose technological solutions that extended beyond traditional engineering: the integration of artificial intelligence to analyze images and diagnose vehicle damage.

His idea is both simple and profound: if machines can be trained to detect defects on assembly lines, they can also be trained to identify flaws in auction photographs. The AI system he envisions can assess image quality, detect concealed damage, and produce objective reports for buyers. “Technology is not a threat. It is a tool that can restore fairness and transparency to the market,” Tkachenko emphasizes.

Patents and Engineering Developments
Over the years, he has accumulated not only the experience of restoring more than a thousand vehicles but also a portfolio of engineering innovations. These include projects to optimize hydraulic systems, prototypes for diagnosing hybrid and electric vehicles, and concepts for integrating “smart” monitoring modules into vehicles throughout their operational life cycle. His patents and applications reflect a persistent drive to merge traditional mechanics with modern digital technologies, making transportation safer, more reliable, and more durable.

An Engineer of the Future and an Industry Leader
Tkachenko today is more than an entrepreneur. He is the architect of a new engineering philosophy: restoration instead of disposal, transparency instead of opacity. His company now operates in more than twenty states, supported by a network of subcontractors, inspectors, suppliers, and logistics providers. This is no longer a local business but a model of the future automotive industry — one driven by knowledge, technology, and responsibility.

His formula for success blends several elements: a foundation in engineering education, practical inventiveness, a readiness to embrace innovation, and an uncompromising ethical stance. This unique combination transforms him from an “ordinary engineer” into a visionary who can rightly be called an engineer of the future.

Looking Ahead
Today, Tkachenko speaks not only of business but of mission. He envisions a future where vehicle restoration becomes an official, certified component of the U.S. automotive ecosystem. A future where federal programs support not only the production of new EVs but also engineering initiatives to bring existing assets back to life. A future where young engineers are trained not only to invent the new but also to perfect the existing.

“I believe America can become the global leader in sustainable vehicle restoration,” he says. “For that, we need standards, we need technology, and we need integrity. I want to be part of this story. And I know we are capable of writing it.”

The story of Vitalii Tkachenko illustrates that the engineer of the future is not someone waiting for the next breakthrough technology, but someone who creates it today — combining ingenuity, science, and responsibility. This is why his name is increasingly present not only in business discussions but also in scientific and environmental debates.

https://gbchoice.com/

Author: David Mitchell

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A Data-Driven Look at Holiday Gemstone Preferences

Why Meaning Matters More Than Ever

Key Holiday Jewelry Trends to Watch

Insights for Brands and Gift Guides

About Gems

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From Formula to Strategy

When the Laboratory Is the Marketplace

The Science of Restoration

A Book That Connects Engineering and Human Values

The Formula for Sustainable Success

Science That Improves Everyday Life

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Public

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