Pune: SPPU Experts Call for ‘Economics Laboratory’ to Bridge Theory and Practical Learning
Pune, 18th May 2026: The Department of Economics at Savitribai Phule Pune University organized an “Alumni Talk Session” on Friday under the theme “Career Options for Economics Students.” The session aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expertise by inviting distinguished alumni to share their experiences and insights from the corporate, industrial, academic, and public policy sectors with current students.
The programme began at 11 am with a welcome address by programme coordinator Dr. Manasi Gore, followed by an introductory speech by Head of the Department Prof. Surabhi Jain.
Prof. Jain highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of economics as a discipline and discussed the diverse opportunities available to economics graduates in both the public and private sectors. Prof. Dhanamanjari Sathe attended the event as the guest of honour.
Chief guest Prof. Vilas Adhav, Director of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension at Savitribai Phule Pune University and former Head of the Department of Economics, addressed the students and stressed the importance of lifelong learning in remaining competitive in a globalized economy.
Speaking about future academic developments, Prof. Adhav expressed optimism about establishing an “Economics Laboratory” to support advanced education and research. He emphasized the need for faculty members and students to work collectively to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.
He also underlined the importance of incorporating the contributions of Indian economists and thinkers such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Dadabhai Naoroji, Justice M.G. Ranade, Mahatma Gandhi and Mahatma Phule alongside Western economists such as Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes and Arthur Pigou in the curriculum to provide students with a deeper understanding of Indian economics and its practical relevance.
The programme also featured special sessions on various career pathways.
In a session on “Excellence in Academia and Research,” Dr. Pravin Jadhav, Associate Professor and Head of Department at the Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management (IITRAM), discussed the challenges and rewards associated with careers in higher education and infrastructure technology research.
During the “Public Policy and Governance” session, Rashmi Shitole, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, shared her experiences working with the Government of India and explained how economic principles contribute to environmental sustainability.
Suleiman Fatty, a Social Safeguard and Gender Specialist associated with a World Bank project, presented an international perspective on using economics to promote social equity and gender-inclusive development.
The department also paid tributes to former Head of the Department of Economics Dr. S.V. Bokil and former Director of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Dr. Vikas Chitre, following their recent demise.
Dr. Amita Yadwadkar delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Sandeep Upam, Prabhavati Kamble, Lakhan Yenke and Sushma Patil played key roles in organizing the event.
The session was anchored by Sujit Bhosale, a student of the department, who conducted the programme smoothly and engagingly.
