Planning Forum

Department of Economics

About the Department & Its Activities

The Planning Forum of the Department of Economics at Nagindas Khandwala College organizes a diverse range of academic, research-oriented, career-focused, experiential, and co-curricular initiatives designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Through workshops, career-guidance sessions, economic awareness activities, budget discussions, inter-collegiate research competitions, seminars, and student-led festivals, the Forum provides students with opportunities to strengthen their economic understanding, research skills, analytical abilities, communication, leadership, and practical engagement with contemporary economic issues.

Key Activities & Events

• PROSPERA: PROSPERA is the annual intra-collegiate Economics festival organized by the Planning Forum of the Department of Economics. It provides students with a vibrant platform to explore economics through academic, financial, creative, and interactive activities. The festival promotes learning beyond the classroom, teamwork, healthy competition, creativity, leadership, and the practical application of economic concepts.
• Workshop on Data Analysis: Organized by the Planning Forum and conducted by Dr. Madhukar Dalvi, the workshop focused on developing practical skills in data interpretation and economic analysis. It enabled participants to understand how analytical methods can be applied in academic research and professional settings.
• Career Opportunities & Future Pathways in Economics: The session was conducted by Dr. Nandini Katti, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Business Economics at K. E. S. Shroff College. It introduced students to higher-education opportunities, career prospects, industry expectations, and the essential skills required for professional growth in Economics and related fields.
• Know Your Economy: The examination assessed students’ knowledge of fundamental economic concepts, government policies, current economic developments, and emerging trends. It encouraged students to remain informed about changes taking place in the national and global economy.
• Live Budget Session: The Department of Economics organized a live Union Budget session in the Smart Room. Students and faculty members observed and discussed significant budget proposals and their likely impact on different sectors of the economy. The activity provided real-time insights and enhanced students’ understanding of fiscal policy and budgetary developments.
• International Economics Convention: The 32nd International Economics Convention was held at MMK College, Bandra, on 12, 13, and 14 December 2024. The College participated in this research-oriented competition for the first time and represented Australia under the theme “Flowing Forward: Global Strategies for Water Security & Sanitation.” Eleven colleges participated in the Convention.
  • Students from TYBA Economics, TYBCom, and SYBA represented the College.
  • Faculty convenors Dr. Monikantan Nair and Dr. Saswati Mohanty were honoured for their contribution and guidance.
  • Ms. Vibha Dave of TYBA Economics received the awards for Best Overall Speaker of the Competition, Outstanding Contributor at the College Level, and Best Speaker at the College Level.
• National Seminar – “The Shift from Numbers to Narratives: Rethinking Economic Development”: The seminar brought together contemporary themes from Economics, Commerce, Accountancy, Environment, Technology, and Socio-Economic Studies. It encouraged multidisciplinary discussion and research on significant issues affecting economic and social development.
  • Comparison of economic growth across Indian states
  • Changing role of different sectors in the Indian economy
  • Gig workers and labour rights
  • Infrastructure development in India
  • Rural finance and the role of microfinance

Values & Holistic Development

• Research & Data Skills: Providing practical exposure to data interpretation, economic analysis, research methodology, and research-oriented academic activities.
• Economic Awareness: Strengthening students’ understanding of economic concepts, government policies, current trends, financial developments, and the Union Budget.
• Career Readiness: Introducing students to higher-education opportunities, career pathways, industry expectations, and essential professional competencies.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Encouraging evidence-based analysis, logical reasoning, argument development, and meaningful engagement with contemporary economic issues.
• Communication & Leadership: Strengthening presentation, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, and event-management skills through academic competitions, interactive programmes, and student-led festivals.
• Entrepreneurial & Financial Awareness: Activities such as financial market-based games and the Entrepreneurs’ Arena provide students with an interactive platform to explore financial concepts, entrepreneurship, risk assessment, and decision-making.
• Inter-Collegiate & Academic Engagement: Providing opportunities for students to participate in wider academic communities, exchange ideas, present research, and interact with peers from other institutions.
• Multidisciplinary Learning: Connecting Economics with Commerce, Accountancy, Environment, Technology, Finance, Labour Studies, and wider socio-economic concerns.

Event Impact

The activities organized by the Planning Forum created meaningful opportunities for students to connect economic theory with practical applications. Through workshops, examinations, budget discussions, festivals, research competitions, career-guidance sessions, and multidisciplinary seminars, students strengthened their analytical abilities, research competence, communication, leadership, and economic awareness. These initiatives encouraged informed participation in contemporary economic discussions and prepared students for higher education, research, entrepreneurship, and professional opportunities.

Event Gallery