The Department of Economics, Central University of Kashmir, organised a special lecture titled “Viksit Bharat: Shaping India for Tomorrow” as part of the University’s ongoing academic lecture series aimed at promoting meaningful discussions on India’s long-term development and emerging economic challenges. The lecture brought together faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students of the Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences, providing a platform for academic engagement on India’s structural and macroeconomic transformation.

The keynote speaker for the session was Prof. P. Arunachalam, a distinguished economist and Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. His current research focuses extensively on “Amrit Kaal: A Plan for the Next Twenty-Five Years to Achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat Targets.” Drawing upon his academic expertise and research, Prof. Arunachalam highlighted various dimensions of India’s development trajectory and the structural changes required to achieve long-term national development goals.

The session commenced with a welcome address by the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Prof. D.K. Madaan, who emphasised the importance of engaging students and researchers with macroeconomic frameworks that shape longterm national policies. He highlighted the significant role of universities as centres of knowledge, innovation and critical thinking in contributing to India’s transition towards a developed economy.

During the lecture, Prof. Arunachalam discussed several contemporary socio-economic issues associated with India’s development process. Particular attention was given to the need for balancing rapid industrialisation with environmental sustainability, especially in ecologically sensitive regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. He also discussed the structural transformation required in sectors such as agriculture and traditional handloom, particularly their integration with modern global value chains.

The speaker further highlighted the importance of localised banking and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in strengthening rural financial systems and promoting financial inclusion. He encouraged students and research scholars to undertake empirical field-based studies to better understand the relationship between financial inclusion, rural development and economic growth.

The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which research scholars and students engaged with the speaker on various aspects of India’s developmental challenges. The discussion provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarification on contemporary economic issues and explore possible approaches towards inclusive and sustainable development.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Head, Department of Economics, Dr. Masroor Ahmad, who expressed gratitude to Prof. P. Arunachalam for sharing his valuable academic insights. He also thanked the University administration for its support in facilitating meaningful academic interactions.

The lecture concluded on a thought-provoking note, encouraging the academic community to contribute through research, innovation and informed economic discourse towards India’s evolving developmental journey. The programme thus provided students and scholars with valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges involved in shaping a Viksit Bharat.