ABSTRACT
The profound ecological or an environmental consciousness is always reflecting in Japanese folk tales which shows the harmonious relationship between human beings and the nature. The roots of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, express these narratives portray rivers, mountains, forests, animals, creatures, trees, and celestial bodies not only as physical entities but as sacred living presences deserving reverence and protection. This paper explores environmental awareness in selected Japanese folk tales and examines how ecological ethics are embedded within traditional narratives. The study analyzes tales such as The Grateful Crane, Momotarō, The Bamboo Cutter, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, Urashima Tarō, and several mountain and forest legends to understand the representation of environmental harmony, moral responsibility, sustainability, and respect for biodiversity. This paper adopts a qualitative and interpretative method for this study based on literary and cultural analysis. It investigates how Japanese folk literature communicates environmental values through symbolism, mythic imagination, and moral instruction. The study further examines the influence of Shinto animism and Buddhist philosophy on environmental thought in Japanese folklore. It argues that these tales function not only as entertainment or cultural memory but also as ethical frameworks promoting coexistence between humans and the natural world. In the contemporary age of environmental degradation, climate crisis, and ecological imbalance, Japanese folk tales offer valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental ethics. The paper concludes that traditional Japanese narratives continue to hold significant relevance for modern environmental discourse and ecological education.

ABSTRACT
Indian family structures provide mothers in a central yet under theorised position, contributing to the emotional, educational, cultural, managerial and social domains. The present study describes the development and psychometric validation of a 15-item measure measuring the multidimensional engagement of Mothers (N = 128). An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation produced five interpretable factors: (1) Psychosocial Resilience & Growth (given value = 9.566, 38.27% variance), (2) Cultural & Moral Stewardship (8.02%), (3) Social Capital & Community Engagement (6.54%), (4) Emotional Core & Foundation (5.49%), and (5) Managerial & Strategic Authority (4.74%), together accounting for 63.06% of total variance. The scale revealed very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .930). The sample adequacy was confirmed by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = .855) and the Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (χ2 = 1783, df = 300, p < .001). Findings highlight the irreplaceable socio-cultural and developmental contributions of Mothers in multigenerational Indian households, with implications for family science, Indian family system and intergenerational policy.