PUBLISHED BY:

RESEARCH CENTRE

V. T. CHOKSI SARVAJANIK LAW COLLEGE

 SPECIAL ISSUE ON Multidisciplinary International Conference on

Designing Identities: Intersections of Art, Architecture, Culture, Religion, Science, Technology & Society. (February-2026)

  VOLUME 3  ISSUE: 1  MAY, 2026

EDITOR

DR. ERAMALA DAYAL

CHIEF PATRON

ADVOCATE SHREYAS DESAI

CHAIRMAN, ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

V.T. CHOKSI SARVAJANIK LAW COLLEGE

EDITOR

 Dr. Eramala Dayal

Principal I/C

V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College

Mobile no.: 9879107798

E-mail address: ermala.dayal@gmail.com,  vtc_law@yahoo.com

Address: V. T. Choksi Campus,

Opp. LalBunglow, Athwalines, Surat-395001, Gujarat

Profile: https://www.vtclaw.ac.in/staff/#home

https://www.vtclaw.ac.in/pages/dr-eramala-d-dayal/

EDITORIAL BOARD

First Provost of Sarvajanik University

Principal, Faculty of Architecture

Mobile no.: 9825147653

E-mail address: persi.engineer@scet.ac.in

Address: Institute of Design, Planning & Technology SCET, Surat. R. K. Desai Marg, Athwalines, Surat-395001
Profile: https://scetarch.ac.in/Team.aspx?SubCategoryID=39

Dr. Sunny Hasani

Associate Professor

NTVS SHRI BATESING BHAIYA RAGHUWANSHI COLLEGE OF LAW INSTITUTE OF LEGAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Mobile no.: 9422288083

E-mail address: ntvslawndb@gmail.com

Address: NTVS SHRI BATESING BHAIYA RAGHUWANSHI COLLEGE OF LAW INSTITUTE OF LEGAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH NANDURBAR -425412 Maharashtra

Profile: https://ntvslawcollege.org/teaching-staffs/

Dr. Manisha Shukla

Principal In-Charge

1. S. K. Law College

Mobile no.: 9824716235

E-mail address: manishavshukla2007@rediffmail.com, msklawcollege@yahoo.co.in

Address: Mahamandleshwar Shri Krishnandji Law College

Old N. H. no.8, Bholav, Bharuch-    392001, Gujarat

Profile: https://msklaw.ac.in/principal.php

Dr. Shehnaz Billimoria

Principal In-Charge

Dinshaw Daboo Law College

Mobile no.: 9825631114

E-mail address: billimoriashehnaz@gmail.com, ddlawcollegenavsari@yahoo.co.in

Address: Fuwara, Tower Road,

Asha Nagar, Navsari-396445, Gujarat.

Profile: https://ddlawcollegenavsari.com/our-staff/

  Dr. Anisha Sahuwala

Dean & Principal, I/C.

Vidyadeep University, Surat

Mobile no.: 9016960148

E-mail address: annu.agrawal31@gmail.com,

Address: Anita, Kim-Olpad Highway, Taluka Olpad, Surat - 394110, Gujarat, India. Anisha.sahuwala@vidhyadeepuni.ac.in

Dr. Nikunj Rathod

LecturerV. T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law CollegeMobile no. 9979983806E-mail address: nikunj.rathod11@gmail.com,vtc_law@yahoo.comAddress: V. T. Choksi Campus,Opp. LalBunglow, Athwalines, Surat-395001, Gujarat

Profile: https://www.vtclaw.ac.in/staff/#home

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SARVALOKUM - Law and Society: Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal

SARVALOKUM - Law and Society: Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal stands as a beacon of intellectual discourse at the intersection of law and society. A multidisciplinary national peer-reviewed journal, SARVALOKUM - Law and Society: A Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal is dedicated to fostering nuanced dialogues and critical analyses of legal phenomena within broader societal contexts. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, SARVALOKUM - Law and Society: Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage with pressing issues shaping contemporary legal landscapes.

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Foreword:

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of academic purpose that we present this special issue of “SARVALOKUM: LAW AND SOCIETY” – MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATIONAL PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL on the theme “Designing Identities: Intersections of Art, Architecture, Culture, Religion, Science, Technology & Society.” This issue emerges from a multidisciplinary international conference that brought together a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, designers, and thinkers to engage with one of the most pressing and evolving questions of our time the construction and transformation of identities within an increasingly interconnected world.

In contemporary discourse, identity is no longer viewed as fixed or singular. It is dynamic, layered, and continually shaped by spatial practices, cultural narratives, technological transformations, and social structures. The intersections explored in this issue reinforce the understanding that identity is actively designed and negotiated across disciplines. Art and architecture give tangible form to identity, culture and religion embed it within collective memory and belief systems, while science and technology expand its possibilities and redefine its boundaries within society.

This special issue is closely aligned with the objectives of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project, InEq-SL (Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education to Stimulate Lifelong Sustainable Learning Opportunities for Higher Education Institutions in India). As a capacity-building initiative, InEq-SL aims to develop a comprehensive framework for promoting equity and inclusion within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India. It addresses critical challenges faced by educators and learners by strengthening teaching–learning processes and recommending policy measures that support more inclusive and equitable academic ecosystems. A key dimension of the project is its emphasis on accessibility through digital technologies and e-learning pathways, enabling outreach to vulnerable and underrepresented student communities and fostering sustainable, lifelong learning.

The project is led by MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, India, and reflects a strong model of international academic collaboration. It brings together two European partner institutions Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Spain and Riga Technical University, Latvia alongside Indian partner institutions including MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, Charutar Vidhya Mandal University, Ganpat University, and D.Y. Patil College of Engineering & Technology. This collaboration exemplifies the value of cross-cultural exchange in generating knowledge that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.

The articles featured in this journal issue build upon the intellectual exchanges initiated during the conference and reflect a wide spectrum of themes. Organized across three interrelated tracks, the contributions engage deeply with the first track on Socio-Cultural Praxis, examining sacred and cultural spaces, artistic expressions, memory and heritage practices, sustainability rooted in spiritual and vernacular traditions, and the socio-political dimensions of identity including gender, caste, race, and diaspora. The second track on Science, Technology & Media explores the evolving role of digital technologies such as AI and immersive environments in shaping cultural experiences, alongside advancements in conservation science, material innovation, and the design of therapeutic and healing spaces. The third track on Business, Management & Education highlights cultural industries and creative economies, while also foregrounding Policy, Governance & Law as critical parameters that shape identity through cultural policy, heritage legislation, restitution debates, and institutional frameworks of decision-making. These dimensions are further complemented by the integration of culture, heritage, and religion into pedagogical models and professional education. Collectively, these themes encompass the role of built environments in shaping identities, the influence of cultural and religious narratives, the implications of technological advancements on selfhood, and broader societal transformations. The diversity of contributions both in content and methodology underscores the importance of multidisciplinary engagement in addressing complex contemporary challenges.

Importantly, this issue also foregrounds the role of education as a critical site for designing inclusive identities. Higher education institutions are not merely spaces of knowledge transmission but active agents in shaping values, perspectives, and social belonging. By integrating the principles of equity, accessibility, and inclusivity as emphasized by the InEq-SL project such institutions can contribute meaningfully to more just and responsive societies.

At the same time, the discussions presented here do not shy away from the complexities and tensions inherent in designing identities. Questions of power, representation, equity, and ethics emerge as central concerns. Who has the authority to design identities? How do we ensure that identity formation processes are inclusive and just? What are the implications of technological mediation on authenticity and agency? These are critical questions that demand sustained engagement, and this issue marks an important step in that ongoing dialogue.

The success of this journal issue is a testament to the collaborative efforts of its organizers, academic partners, contributors, and participants. Their collective commitment has enabled the creation of a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange and innovation. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this endeavour.

It is our hope that this special issue will serve not only as a repository of scholarly work but also as a catalyst for continued dialogue, research, and practice. By engaging with the intersections of disciplines and embracing inclusive frameworks, we move closer to designing identities that are equitable, adaptive, and reflective of the diverse realities of our world.

Editorial:

The special journal issue of “SARVALOKUM: LAW AND SOCIETY” – Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal on the theme “Designing Identities: Intersections of Art, Architecture, Culture, Religion, Science, Technology & Society” emerges from a timely and critical need to re-examine how identities are constructed, represented, and transformed in a rapidly evolving global context. As societies become increasingly interconnected through technological, cultural, and spatial networks, identity itself has become fluid, negotiated, and deeply influenced by interdisciplinary forces.

This issue builds upon the intellectual exchanges from the multidisciplinary international conference of the same theme and is situated within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project, InEq-SL (Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education to Stimulate Lifelong Sustainable Learning Opportunities for Higher Education Institutions in India). The project focuses on strengthening equity and inclusion in Indian Higher Education Institutions by addressing teaching–learning challenges, enhancing faculty capacity, and informing inclusive policy frameworks. It also promotes the use of digital technologies and e-learning to expand access for vulnerable groups, supporting sustainable and lifelong learning. Led by MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, InEq-SL brings together European and Indian partner institutions, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The contributions in this issue reflect a wide range of perspectives that collectively underscore the multidimensional nature of identity. Several articles examine how architecture and urban environments shape social and cultural identities, while others explore the role of heritage, memory, and religious narratives in constructing collective meaning. Emerging technologies and scientific advancements are also critically engaged with, particularly in relation to their impact on self-representation, agency, and societal structures.

A key editorial emphasis of this issue is the recognition that identity is not only a subject of theoretical exploration but also a matter of practice and policy. Educational institutions, design practices, and technological systems all participate in shaping identities often in ways that can either reinforce or challenge existing inequalities. In this regard, the alignment with InEq-SL is particularly significant, as it foregrounds the need for inclusive frameworks that ensure equitable participation and representation across all domains.

At the same time, this issue does not overlook the complexities and tensions inherent in designing identities. Questions of power, authorship, cultural appropriation, and digital ethics remain central to the discourse. The articles presented here engage critically with these concerns, offering insights that are both reflective and forward-looking, while opening avenues for continued research and dialogue.

As editor, I view this issue as more than a collection of scholarly contributions; it is a platform for interdisciplinary engagement and critical reflection. It seeks to bridge gaps between disciplines, geographies, and epistemologies, fostering a more inclusive and holistic understanding of identity in contemporary society.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, and collaborators for their invaluable contributions. Their work not only enriches this publication but also strengthens the ongoing conversation around identity, inclusion, and the role of knowledge systems in shaping a more equitable future.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Eramala Dayal, Principal of V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College, along with her dedicated team, for their visionary initiative “SARVALOKUM: LAW AND SOCIETY” – Multidisciplinary National Peer-Reviewed Journal. Their commitment to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and meaningfully connecting law with broader societal discourse has provided a strong and credible academic platform for this publication.

It is our hope that this special issue will inspire further inquiry, collaboration, and innovation, encouraging scholars and practitioners alike to continue exploring and shaping identities that are inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the diverse realities of our world.

Prof. Persi Engineer,
Principal,
MS-IDPT,
Sarvajanik University &
Chair, International Conference on
“Designing Identities”

About the Guest Editor

Professor Persi Engineer is a distinguished architect, urban planner, educator, and academic administrator whose professional journey spans more than three decades of remarkable contributions to architecture, planning, higher education, and institutional development. Widely respected for his visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence, he played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and initiating the establishment of Sarvajanik University and was subsequently appointed as its First Provost. At present, he serves as the Dean and Principal of MITRAJ Sarvajanik Institute of Design, Planning and Technology.

Professor Engineer completed his degree in Architecture from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and pursued postgraduate studies in Town and Regional Planning from South Gujarat University. His academic background, combined with professional training in India and the Netherlands, enabled him to develop a multidisciplinary and globally informed perspective towards architecture, urbanism, and planning.

Since establishing his private architectural practice in 1991, Professor Engineer has successfully undertaken a wide range of residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and urban design projects. As Chief Architect of the SCET Research and Design Cell, he has led several prestigious assignments, including the master planning of the Tapi Riverfront Development, heritage conservation projects in Surat, tourism development initiatives in Dangs District and Saputara, and major urban design proposals commissioned by various government agencies and municipal bodies.

In the field of academics, Professor Engineer has made outstanding contributions to architectural education in Gujarat and beyond. Beginning his teaching career in 1995, he rose through various academic positions to become Professor and Head, and later Principal of the Faculty of Architecture at SCET. Under his dynamic leadership, the institution witnessed remarkable academic growth, including the introduction of the pioneering M.Arch. (City Design) programme under Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. He has also served in several important academic positions such as Dean, Chairman of the Board of Studies, Senate Member, and Academic Council Member, contributing significantly to curriculum development and academic policy formulation.

A strong advocate of internationalization in higher education, Professor Engineer has been instrumental in establishing academic collaborations and Memoranda of Understanding with leading universities across Europe and other countries. Under his leadership, the institution actively participated in major European Union funded research and capacity-building projects, which strengthened international academic partnerships, encouraged faculty and student exchange programmes, and promoted the adoption of global best practices in teaching and research.

Professor Engineer is also nationally recognized for his contribution to earthquake-resistant architecture and disaster risk reduction. As a Resource Person associated with initiatives of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Home Affairs, he has collaborated with premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee for training architects and educators across India in seismic design and disaster management.

An inspiring mentor, globally exposed academic leader, and practicing architect, Professor Persi Engineer has devoted his career to advancing architectural education, urban development, heritage conservation, institutional innovation, and international academic collaboration. His enduring contributions continue to shape generations of architects and planners while strengthening the academic and professional landscape of India and beyond.