A two-day national seminar on ‘India’s Economic Development and Self Reliance Since 1947’ started at the University of Hyderabad on March 18, 2022. Prof. Ramanamurthy, Dean School of Economics welcomed the dignitaries and introduced the theme of the seminar gave a glimpse of the school’s activities in recent times, including during the Covid lockdown period.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao, inaugurated the national-level seminar, organised by School of Economics as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav series.In his presidential address, Prof Rao referred to the growth trajectory of Indian economy and its thrive for self-reliance and said that academic events like the present seminar have contemporary relevance where different branches of learning, including science, social sciences and humanities have to work together on a single platform to address the burning issues which are common to all, particularly the related to basic needs of common people.. Prof. N. R. Bhanumurthy, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics University, Bengaluru guest on the occasion and delivered the keynote address. Prof Bhanumurthy stressed on the importance of developing databases pertaining to each domain of economics which will enhance research and policy making process. Prof. S. Indrakant, Visiting Professor, Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad, was the Guest of Honor on the occasion who spoke about process of agricultural development in India since Independence and highlighted the importance of economic freedom in the holistic idea of freedom. Prof. L Venkatachalam, Professor, Madras Institute of Development Studies, who was also a guest of honor talked about the environmental concerns in developmental practices across the country who emphasized special attention needed for agrarian questions in the country with quality of life.
Prof. Ashwani Mahajan, Delhi University, who gave the special address in the seminar explained the theme of Athma nirbar bharat with special focus on trade and development. Prof. Mahajan deciphered the idea of self-reliance in the economic policies over the years under different governments. The speaker argued that Covid 19 pandemic reiterated the need of economic self-reliance for countries like India. Dr Krishna Reddy Chittedi, Coordinator of the seminar conducted proceedings of the inaugural session and Dr. Prajna Paramita Mishra proposed a formal vote of thanks.