Acadmic Year 2025 - 26

Workshop on Design Thinking with AI

Date :  10th July, 2025

Name of the Resource Person :  Prof Gulshan kumar

Brief Description of the Workshop: The Department of Economics, in collaboration with Pearl Academy of Design, recently organized an innovative workshop on “Design Thinking with AI.” The session aimed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary approach of integrating creativity, problem-solving, and technology for real-world applications. Faculty experts and design professionals from Pearl Academy guided participants through the principles of design thinking, emphasizing empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. 

Students engaged in interactive activities where they explored how AI tools can assist in understanding consumer behavior, predicting market trends, and designing impactful economic and business solutions. By working in small groups, participants applied design thinking frameworks to hypothetical case studies, experimenting with AI-supported visualization and decision-making tools. This hands-on approach encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. 

The event proved to be a valuable learning experience as it demonstrated the growing relevance of AI across diverse disciplines. It also showcased the importance of innovation and adaptability for young economists and designers in addressing contemporary challenges.

Guest Lecture on Evolution of Centre State Relations in India

Date :  23rd July, 2025

Name of the Resource Person :  Dr. Vishakha Patil

Brief Description of the Workshop: The Department of Economics organized a distinguished guest lecture titled “Evolution of Centre-State Relations in India”, drawing an engaged audience of students, faculty, and policy enthusiasts. The speaker — a distinguished scholar in constitutional studies — traced the historical trajectory of centre-state relations from colonial India to the present day. The lecture examined the shifting contours of federalism, exploring landmark constitutional amendments, judicial pronouncements, and political practices that have shaped and reshaped the balance of power between the Union and the States. Emphasis was placed on key turning points such as the Emergency era, post-1991 economic reforms, and the recent debates around cooperative federalism. Participants appreciated the rigorous analysis of current challenges like fiscal federalism and centre-state coordination during crises. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, enabling students to probe deeper into dilemmas of autonomy, accountability, and intergovernmental relations in India’s vibrant democracy.

 Cinechat on the movie : The China Hustle

Date :  30th July, 2025

The Department of Economics  hosted a Cinechat on the film The China Hustle as part of its Community Engagement co-curricular initiative. The event brought together students, faculty, and interested community members for a screening followed by an interactive discussion. The China Hustle, a 2017 documentary directed by Jed Rothstein, exposes large-scale financial fraud by Chinese companies listed in U.S. markets via so-called “reverse mergers” and the role of investment firms in perpetuating misleading accounting and inflated valuations.

After the screening, the moderator led a discussion on the implications for global finance, regulatory oversight, and investor protection. Participants explored themes such as transparency, cross-border corporate accountability, and the risks of speculative investments. The session encouraged critical reflection, enabling students to draw connections between the film’s narrative and real-world challenges in financial markets. The Cinechat not only deepened understanding of complex economic issues, but also fostered active engagement and academic curiosity among attendees.The post-screening conversation cracked open with energetic debate: one student challenged the ethics of short selling as a profit-driven watchdog, while another insisted it’s a necessary corrective in flawed markets. Simultaneously, a lively exchange emerged around regulatory gaps and investor responsibility, as participants probed who really bears the burden when transparency fails.

Documentary Screening under the Har Ghar Tiranga Initiative

Date :  14th August, 2025

Brief Description of the Workshop: Department of Economics, successfully organized a Documentary Screening event under the patriotic initiative Har Ghar Tiranga. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across FY, SY and TY.

 The department conducted a special screening of the film Chittagong for students, aiming to deepen their connection with India’s legacy of patriotism and resilience. Chittagong focuses on the story of ordinary people, particularly a group of teenagers and a schoolteacher, who dared to challenge the British Empire. It emphasizes the ability of ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary feats and highlights the resilience of the spirit of freedom fighters. It vividly portrays the valour and sacrifice of Indian freedom fighters, creating a powerful cinematic experience that left students inspired.

The screening was followed by an engaging discussion, where participants shared reflections on courage, leadership, and the relevance of collective action in today’s world. Many students remarked on how the film's portrayal of youthful resolve mirrored the spirit of national unity the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign seeks to evoke. The event reinforced the Tiranga’s symbolism as not just a flag, but a living emblem of democratic ideals, contributing meaningfully to the campaign’s goal of fostering emotional bonds with the national flag. Overall, the initiative successfully combined cinematic storytelling with civic education.

Workshop under Continuing Connections Initiative - MPI Calculation

Date :  20th September, 2025

Brief Description of the Workshop: As part of the Continuing Connections initiative, the Department of Economics, V. G. Vaze College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), organized an engaging guest lecture on “Understanding Statistical Aspects of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).” This initiative aims to bring former faculty members of the college to share their experiences and insights with the students, regarding relevant topics of their expertise. Ms. Neha Satoliya who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the field of Developmental Economics conducted this session.

The session offered not just theoretical insights but also a valuable hands-on learning experience. Students were guided through the process of calculating the MPI, gaining first-hand exposure to the statistical techniques involved in identifying multidimensional deprivations across health, education, and living standards.

A unique highlight of the event was the use of real household data collected by TYBA Economics students as part of their recent field survey. Participants worked with this dataset to compute MPI values, analyze indicators, and interpret the results. This practical exercise helped them connect classroom concepts with real-world socio-economic challenges, making the session highly interactive and impactful.

By the end of the lecture, students had not only understood the methodology of MPI but also experienced how data-driven analysis can inform policy decisions and development strategies. The event successfully demonstrated the power of statistics in addressing poverty and left participants inspired to explore further research in development economics and social indicators.

Legacy Lives on  Initiative - From Campus to Career- What Next?

Date :  15th November, 2025

Name of the Resource Person : Ms. Sejal Rane (Alumna)

Brief Description of event :

The Department of Economics organized an interactive career-awareness session titled “From Campus to Career: What Next?” for SYBA and TYBA Economics students. Held on 15th November at 9:30 a.m. in Room 225, the session featured alumna Ms. Sejal Rane, who shared insights on transitioning from academic life to professional pathways. As part of the Legacy Lives On initiative, the talk aimed to guide students in understanding career options, industry expectations, and essential skills required after graduation. The event provided a motivating platform for students to clarify doubts, gain perspective, and prepare for future opportunities.

Constitution Day Celebration 2025 - Competitions Conducted

Date :  22nd November, 2025

Name of the Resource Person : Samvidhan Lokjagar Parishad (Ms. Vrushali Mane)

Brief Description of event :

The Department of Economics, in association with Sanvidhan Lokjagar Parishad, organized a special programme on 22 November 2025 to celebrate and honour Constitution Day of India. Held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room No. 102, the event aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the Indian Constitution and highlight its enduring relevance in shaping democracy, governance, and citizens’ rights.

To engage students meaningfully, a series of creative and interactive competitions were conducted, including Poetry Recitation, Elocution, One-Minute Reel Making, and Essay Writing. Each activity encouraged participants to explore constitutional values such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity through different expressive forms. Students showcased impressive talent and thoughtful perspectives, reflecting their awareness of India’s democratic framework and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Overall, the celebration successfully fostered constitutional literacy, civic responsibility, and a deeper appreciation of India’s democratic spirit among the student community.