Mental illness - an illness to well-being towards children: Reference to socio-political violence in literature

• Published in: Asia Pacific journal of health management Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 12 - 19
• Main Authors: S, Sri Sakuntala, Srinivas, Sarakanam, Murthy, D. Sudarsana, Gadre, Monika, Masih, Jolly
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: North Ryde, N.S.W Australasian College of Health Service Management 01.03.2024; ACHSM
• Subjects: Diagnosis; Ethnic conflict; Ethnic conflict, socio-political turmoil, psyche of children, psychological trauma, historical incidents, weaker sections; Evaluation; Mental health; Mental illness; Political aspects; Statistical methods; Well-being
• ISSN: 1833-3818; 2204-3136
• DOI: 10.24083/apjhm.v19i1.2759

This research paper explores the adverse impact of socio-political turmoil that has long been in existence in Assam society on the psyche of children with reference to Aruni Kashyap's The House with a Thousand Stories. The ethnic conflicts between the natives and the immigrants from other parts of India have caused several problems: loss of life and property, extra-judicial killings, and their resultant adverse impact on the socio-economic, cultural, and psychological spheres of the social lives of weaker sections in Assam. This research aims to identify and understand the various psychological issues that children are subject to in a society when it is afflicted with socio-political turmoil and its consequent violence unleashed on people due to the armed struggle of the ULFA and the repressive administration of the state. The objectives of this research are (i) to study the characterization of Mamoni and Mridul, (ii) to understand and analyse the impact of socio-political turmoil on the psyche of children with reference to the above-chosen characters, (iii) to explore the connectivity between the narrative and the author's political inclination in the novel, and (iv) to understand how objectively the historical incidents were reflected in the novel. The research is carried out by studying the chosen primary source against the pragmatic concepts of psychologists, journalists, social activists, and significant historical facts that appeared in reliable data sources such as journals, web studies, newspapers, and other publications. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the profound psychological repercussions experienced by children in Assam society amidst socio-political turmoil, as exemplified in Aruni Kashyap's "The House with a Thousand Stories." By delving into the characters of Mamoni and Mridul, analyzing the intricate interplay between narrative and political inclinations, and objectively examining historical incidents reflected in the novel, this study not only enhances our comprehension of the multifaceted impact on the psyche of children but also contributes valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and communities striving to address and mitigate the enduring consequences of such tumultuous environments on the younger generation.