Latest news with #AnirbanChakraborty
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Hans India
Birdwatching can promote environmentally responsible behaviour, says IIM Lucknow study
Hyderabad: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow is conducting research that explores the consequences of avi-tourism (birdwatching) experiences on tourists and examines whether these experiences can promote Environmentally Responsible Behaviour (ERB). This study, published in the prestigious journal Tourism Recreation Research, was co-authored by Dr Anirban Chakraborty, Associate Professor of Marketing at IIM Lucknow, and Dr Debankur Saha, Assistant Professor at IFMR Graduate Business School, Krea University. It investigates how birdwatching creates an immersive experience in nature, motivating individuals to act in an environmentally conscious manner. The research is vital for stakeholders aiming to design policies that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. The key research findings of the study claim that birdwatching activities allow tourists to witness the beauty of avian species in their natural habitats, creating lasting and memorable impressions. The sense of adventure within serene natural environments, combined with the joy of spotting rare bird species, contributes to immediate feelings of discovery, happiness, and contentment. This positive emotional state encourages individuals to recognise the value of the natural environment and fosters a moral obligation to preserve it for future generations. 'However, the quality of the birdwatching experience – including guidance, informativeness, and service – directly relates to the motivation for exhibiting ERB,' the study says. Thus, well-informed guides, who can explain the intricate interconnectedness of local ecosystems, are essential for delivering an impactful experience. The presence of eco-friendly and comfortable hospitality facilities enhances the overall experience for tourists. To arrive at these findings, the research team utilised the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework to develop a conceptual model and analyse the responses of over 300 birdwatching tourists. Commenting on the significance of this study, Prof Anirban Chakraborty stated, 'India is home to more than 1,300 species of birds, representing over 12 per cent of the world's total bird diversity. This presents tremendous potential for avi-tourism. The growing interest in experiential tourism can be leveraged to promote this sector. A sustainable and eco-friendly approach to tapping this potential will generate funds necessary for the conservation of these often-neglected habitats. A well-designed avi-tourism encounter can provide a transformative experience for participants, fostering appreciation for complex ecosystems and empathy towards local communities. Even if a small fraction of these avi-tourists become environmental advocates, the wider societal interests will be served. The proposed framework offers valuable guidance for tourism operators seeking to enhance tourist experiences, resulting in more environmentally conscious visitors. Additionally, these insights can assist policymakers in designing tourism activities and policies that promote environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to the overall welfare of society, the study said.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Japanese Scholarship MEXT 2025-2026: Important dates, expert tips to get selected
Important dates for MEXT 2025-2026: The Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) scholarship, offered by the Japanese government, has begun the online application process for the academic year 2026. Through the scholarship international students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Japan with full financial support. For Indian students aspiring to study in Japan, the 2025 MEXT scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to pursue quality higher education, while promoting international exchange and mutual understanding. Funded by the Japanese government, the scholarship supports foreign students at various academic levels including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes as well as specialised training and research studies As announced by the Embassy of Japan in India, the application window for MEXT 2025 (for admissions in 2026) is open across four categories. Below are the details: To be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship, applicants are required to meet the following general requirements: – Applicants must be nationals of countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan. – For research students, applicants should be born on or after April 2, 1990. – Applicants must have the necessary academic qualifications to enter the desired program in Japan. For research students, this typically means having completed a bachelor's degree or higher. – Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to pursue studies in Japan. – While not always mandatory, proficiency in Japanese or English is often required, depending on the program. Aspirants planning to apply must know that the application process for the MEXT Scholarship generally involves the following steps: Application submission: Applicants submit the required documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulates in India. Document screening: The Embassy reviews the applications to shortlist eligible candidates. Written examination: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to appear for written tests in subjects relevant to their proposed field of study. Interview round: Candidates who qualify in the written exam are interviewed by embassy officials. University allotment: Shortlisted candidates are recommended to MEXT, which then communicates with Japanese universities for final admission. Final selection and confirmation: MEXT confirms final selections and issues scholarship offers. Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents before they begin applying — academic transcripts, graduation certificate or degree, letters of recommendation, medical certificate, research proposal or study plan (for research applicants), proof of language proficiency (if required), However, note that this is not an exact list of documentation requirements. Additional submissions may be required while applying via the Embassy's portal. According to a former MEXT scholar, Anirban Chakraborty, who is now an Associate Faculty at the Hosei University in Tokyo, Japan, shares tips that can help aspirants apply successfully. Start early: Begin document collection and research planning well in advance Stay informed: Regularly check embassy notifications and updates Be precise: Tailor your application for the program you're applying to Seek mentorship: Reach out to past MEXT scholars or mentors for feedback Proofread and polish: Ensure error-free, professional presentation of all materials Communicate purpose: Clearly outline your academic and professional goals For candidates applying in research domains, he says that crafting a strong research proposal is an essential part of of the application process. According to him, a well-structured proposal should include: –A concise and descriptive title reflecting by our research focus –Background and significance of the problem, literature, and importance of the topic –Specific goals and the research questions you aim to answer –Your approach, techniques, and tools to be used –Expected outcomes and potential contributions to the field –Justification for pursuing this research in Japan, linking it to the Japanese academic environment For more details, aspirants can visit the official website for the Embassy of Japan in India at
